You have been commissioned as a flying photographer by a tour guide journalist, who is drafting an article called "The Flying Wizards of Oz" for the magazine 'Backcountry Flyer'. This will be based in the Ozark Mountains, NW Arkansas, famous for its challenging backcountry airstrips.

Based out of Northwest Arkansas National Airport (KXNA), you need to take arial and ground photographs of 5 of the airstrips in the table below. The only stipulation of your contract is that you fly the journalist into two of them.

Information about the airfields can be found in the charts and notes section below.

Any time in April 2025.

You can complete this challenge using as many flights as you wish. Each flight must start and finish at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (KXNA). Plan each flight taking careful note of weight and balance, density altitude and so on. Planning assumptions:

• Airfields have no facilities of fuel.
• You have been loaned photographic equipment with a total weight of 21lbs.
• The journalist weighs 210lbs
• A packed lunch (1lb per lunch) will be provided.

Any single propeller GA aircraft capable of low and slow flight and short field take-off and landing. There are many suitable bush planes available, and this is an excellent opportunity to get to grips with taildragger aircraft.

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.

Backcountry flying (AKA bush flying) is a very challenging, yet exhilarating mode of aviation, and demands a great deal of respect for the risks involved. Pilots not familiar with short field take-off and landing or suitable aircraft such as (but not exclusively) taildraggers should find the time to follow some of the suggested videos and practice in calm level conditions first.

This event should be fun for all, both pilots and controllers. If your enjoyment is impaired by "unsportsmanlike" 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'.

If you are unsure about something or have a problem, you can ask a club member or ATC. Better to ask than fly on and cause confusion and mayhem!

Whilst the bush strips do not have air traffic control, you should be prepared to interact with Air Traffic Control at those airfields with notified air traffic services. Also, pay careful attention to the CTAF and regional Unicom frequency requirements of VAT USA ( https://forum.vatsim.net/t/ctaf-trial-starting-from-1st-march/4809).

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 "stand bye" It means "Wait, don't call me, I will come back to you as soon as I can." - Busy with a more urgent problem.

Star is earned for taking off and landing at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (KXNA).

FlyOz website | Setup Guide | Useful training videos

Event Idea: Dave Tearle
Event planning: Dave Tearle
Briefing: Dave Tearle, Colin Parker