So spent a lovely afternoon yesterday flying with Eric Berg in his 182. It's the perfect airplane for flying around these parts. Larry L said he really likes the King Katmai.........looks pimp, fast cruise, 31kt stall, can put a parachute in it, lands in the back country and you can take four adults........Charlotte may even be able to get her pilots license in it.

What else should I know or look at........I'm currently going Cessna

Always amazing to watch.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/AXrOppsrwbs[/youtube]

Funny, but I recently looked at that mod/model on the web. I need a mountain plane to go with the cabin at Cascade Lake I just bought.

We recently repaired a Kenai. It was the first time I'd even been close to one. Owner took me up first flight after repair. Awesome. Who needs a runway?

They're great STOL performers, but like any airplane, they have their limitations.

I've handled buckled firewall claims on the same KK twice, and fished another one out of a river when the pilot misjudged the length of a gravel bar. They're not helicopters.

Tracy, I just need an airplane to land by your spot without having to borrow the Green Machine

How is the airplane overall.....I'm not planning to be a bush pilot, just gonna pretend

I don't see the "Wren's Teeth" ( top of wings on this Wren), but it looks like a Wren 460.

Jeff

Edit: after google, it is related.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peterson_260SE

That itch is easy to scratch:

http://www.cubcrafters.com/inventory/N5072K

Helio Courier....

but really with the new XCub, seems like CC has a bunch of good late model cubs of various flavors.

RAS

Michael, Why would you not just get a helicopter? They are almost just as fast, land anywhere.

I agree. Hard to be an R44. Once you fly a helicopter you will throw stones at airplanes.

A great choice! Fantastic versatility.

Little Helicopters are cool but have altitude limits that get scary.

At altitude, you want one that burns stink fuel. With sudden changes of weather, you might need more instrument capability than is typical on light helo, as you have a reduced ability to run away. With mountain flying, staying extremely good on a rotary wing is going to be a pretty big commitment of time and cash. Increased time beating up the air in resort and wilderness environment yields noise and WA complaints. Then again, you know you're going to be seeing a ortho or neuro contractor for remodeling secondary to time spent around that canard. How about a 500F with really small letters. AIR, 10,000 hrs is a really bad time for Rs.


And, the stones you throw are often on the ramp. But, it's always nice to get friendly letters in the mail.

Then, good friends are going to want you to drop them off for a little skiing? Please,please, please, don't carry your skis over a shoulder. Oh yeah, have a really good battery before turning off on mountain top.

Well Sharpie, how'd I do?

I have been reading on this airplane and I like it. Huge safety factor. Land in the shopping mall parking lot in an emergency. Get a chute if going to fly at night or over low IMC. Also, it's the indestructible Cessna 182 airframe. There is literally nowhere in the country where you can't find a competent mechanic or part if needed. Dirt simple and fast enough if we are honest about what we really need.

You simply don't see Helos used up here recreationally. In fact, if you fly a helicopter in the salmon river wilderness, you'll be landing in the same places as the fixed wing aircraft.

"Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.

In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the Forest Service office or visit the websites listed for more specific information."


In order of the most commonly used aircraft in the Frank Church wilderness, I'd say:

Cessna 206/182
Cessna 180/185
SuperCub variants including scouts and huskies.
170/172
Maules
Experimentals and occasional twin otters or beavers

The katmai is a nice plane......great mods. Spendy though.

I like 182's, but they're not indestructible. They're susceptible to firewall damage with hard and/or flat landings.

I've never seen a firewall damaged on a taildragger. Plenty of ground loop damage though.

Whatever you get, it's all about flying them properly. I doubt that my friend Mike G. will ever wrinkle a firewall. (Hope I didn't jinx him.)