Bush flying typically involves flying into very remote regions and is undoubtedly a great way to
explore the rugged environments. There are nearly 10,000 unpaved landing strips in the United
States – each inviting you and your bush plane to drop in for a visit!
If you are considering getting into with bush flying, it helps to do some research to determine the
nature of the flying and which aircraft is best for your mission. It’s a good idea to talk to other
pilots who are familiar with the region and learn from their experience.
Choosing the best bush plane
Once you have a clear idea of the flying you will be doing, you will ultimately need to choose
the best bush plane for your needs. Visit the dealers and – if possible – the factories of your top
choices. Make time to get behind the stick (or wheel) and appreciate the feel of each aircraft.
Meet the people who build the planes and reconfirm you want to do business with them.
The best bush planes are typically manufactured very close to where the planes are most
at-home. So it’s no surprise if your bush plane manufacturer is located near Grand Teton
National Park in Wyoming!
Get the right landing gear
One very important consideration is landing gear. You will need big bush wheels that are
designed for the rough surfaces of unpaved landing strips. Careful attention should also be
given to struts that designed for rugged environments. Shock dampened gear will ensure
smoother rollouts on landing and take off and will help your plane stay on the runway in strong
crosswinds.
Large storage capacity matters
It’s true: Size does matter when considering cargo space. When bush flying, you will most
likely want to bring a good amount of gear with you. This means your bush plane should offer a
good amount of storage and with easy access. Keep an eye on how the CG shifts with a fully
loaded plane and make sure your particular bush plane is safely within the CG envelope.
