The backcountry of Idaho is well known for recreational bush flying. This is a great place to learn or hone the new skills needed for mountain flying, STOL and low and slow navigation and off-field landings.

Ben Mattocks is an aviator, adventurer and Anthropologist; not necessarily in that order. On 24th July he took off in his Piper Cub on a brief tour of some of the many bush strips of the Idaho back-country in search of the original settlements of 'The Lost Band' of the Shoshone people that split off and later became the Comanche tribe. Unfortunately, despite an organised and posted route plan he has not reported back.

You have been asked to join other volunteer bush flyers to fly the route and search for any sign of him. He may well have landed off field. You could also take pictures of sites likely to have been suitable for early settlement, as this may well be where he ended up.

Any time in August. You will be based at McCall airport (KMYL). Which may be your main source of fuel.

Here is Ben's planned flight route. Land at at least 6 airstrips. Direct course to each is not really the best option. Go for the scenic low and slow. Explore each area for sign of Ben or his aircraft. Explore other airstrips. If you are feeling confident, try an off-field land on say a sandbar or mountain top. Remember fuel management, which may require flying to a suitable source mid-tour.

You may use any aircraft (including helicopters) classified as GA (within the EASA "light" category), see club rules for details. However, the main consideration here would be STOL capability and is an excellent opportunity to learn the skills involved.

Before starting, check the weather. In accordance with VATSIM rules the wind direction should be the same as real-world. This event is strictly VFR, so all other aspects of the weather should be adjusted to avoid the disappointment of being rained or fogged in.

This event should be fun for all, both pilots and controllers. If your enjoyment is impaired by "un-sportsmanlike" ATC, let someone know so senior club members can pass on your concerns.

If you get something wrong, such as entering controlled airspace without authority, learn from the experience and follow instructions - even if requested to 'disconnect'.
Don't forget it is better to ask a club member or ATC when unsure rather than flying on causing confusion and mayhem!

Some areas may have ATC; however, Remember to use the local CTAF (mainly 122.9 in this area)

Take care not to let our TeamSpeak Chat cut across ATC. Stop any conversation immediately the R/T comes alive, and then continue if "he wasn't talking to us". This is difficult because when talking on TeamSpeak you cannot hear the R/T. So be aware that ATC might be trying to contact a member. If anyone hears R/T which appears to be ignored and it is a club member being called, on TS, say "ATC is calling XXXX/one of us". Then everyone stop talking until ATC calls again and makes contact. Remember that if ATC tells you "standby" It means "Wait, don't call me, I will come back to you as soon as I can." - Busy with a more urgent problem. LISTEN out for non-club traffic.

Half a star for departing McCall Muni (KMYL) and half a star for landing at Lower Loon Creek.

Briefing Notes

Event Idea: David Tearle
Event planning: David Tearle
Briefing: David Tearle / Colin Parker