Matt and Becki Dillingham

MAF Standardization

What does 4 weeks of MAF flight training in Nampa, Idaho look like? The answer is this:

To start with, we spent a week in the classroom:

We covered aerodynamics of flight, which wasn't just restricted to aeroplanes, we also learnt how to fly a screwdriver! We also went on to learn how to safely load and tie down cargo into the aircraft and how to make an air drop so packages can be safely delivered without landing if needs be. Most excitingly we were taught how to safely fly through valleys and over mountain ridges in bad weather.
Week two and I got to go in the aircraft. This first week was spent putting in to practice everything we had learnt in the classroom without being sent anywhere too challenging. First a thorough pre-check of the aircraft (which Bethan came over to help with one day)

I spent a few days doing 'Airstrip Evaluations' which involves assessing a landing area from the air to determine if it is safe to land. First you fly over the area at 1000' and decide which direction the wind is from and look for any obstacles (such as trees/mountains/buildings).
Next you fly at 50' above the ground and calculate the length of the runway and the height of the ground above sea level (as well as checking for any obstacles)
Finally you fly 5' above the ground and check the condition of the landing surface and whether there is any slope.

Having established a length, altitude, wind direction, slope and if it is safe to land - you land! 

Safely on the ground at Duster East after my first Airstrip Evaluation

This airstrip definitely has an obstacle at one end! A mountain at the end of the runway means you can only land in one direction and take off in the opposite direction.

Week 3 and the airstrips got more challenging. Below is Johnstone, which has a curved runway. In the far left you can just see my aircraft parked in front of a hanger at the start of the runway!

I also got to practice flying the aircraft with various amounts of cargo to see how the weight affected the aeroplane's performance. To make sure it's safe to take off from a short airstrip you have to calculate the 'weight and balance' to make sure you can take off with the amount of cargo and fuel on board without running out of runway! 

Here I am calculating our weight and balance before departing from Owhyee Bend Airstrip which is 1200' long and surrounded by mountains.

The flight training ended with a cross country flight where I got to put all my newly learnt skills into practice, flying along narrow valleys into challenging airstrips. It was fun to put everything into practice. 

Above is Deadwood Airstrip, it is surrounded by trees, has an 8% slope and is only 20' wider than the aircraft's wingspan. To add to the challenges, the road to the lake crosses the top of the runway so you need to check for cars before going over to the parking area!