What makes a bush plane?

A bush plane is one that is flown into remote locations, or ‘the bush’. Often, bush airplanes come with equipment that includes skis, tundra tires, and floats. They were originally designed to get into areas such as the Canadian north and Alaska.

Why is it called a bush plane?

Etymology. This term bush has been used since the 19th century to describe remote wilderness area beyond clearings and settlements hence bush flying denotes flight operations carried out in such remote regions.

What kind of plane is a bush plane?

Bush airplanes are the SUVs of general aviation—small, piston-engined aircraft designed or adapted to carry a passenger or two, or to ferry light cargo in and out of remote areas with crude or non-existent runways. They’re in use everywhere from the Alaskan Tundra to the Australian Outback to the African bush.

Are bush planes safe?

Security—There is no standard “TSA” operation aboard Alaskan bush flights. Hop on the plane, fly. Are these small planes safe? The risk of flying in small planes in Alaska is inherently greater than it is in the lower-48 due to fickle weather, unreliable weather reports, and rugged terrain and landing locations.

How expensive is a bush plane?

Single-Engine Planes: These planes, which hold two or more people and are more economical to operate and maintain than multi-engine planes, typically cost between $15,000 and $100,000. Multi-engine Planes: If you consider a plane like this, it will cost you between $75,000 and $300,000.

What kind of fuel do bush planes use?

jet fuel
Piston engines are preferred over turboprops, as they are cheaper to build and maintain and easier to start without the aid of ground facilities. In extremely remote areas where avgas can be difficult to acquire, some bush pilots prefer turboprop engines that can burn kerosene-derived jet fuel.

Where is it legal to land a bush plane?

In general, you can land on any public land that is not a place someone else would be (like a road). If you land on a road without good reason, it could be construed as reckless. In remote areas like Alaska landing off field is routine and occurs as a matter of course.

How much do bush pilots make a year?

The average Bush Pilot in the US makes $84,788. The average bonus for a Bush Pilot is $2,277 which represents 3\% of their salary, with 100\% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year. Bush Pilots make the most in San Francisco, CA at $101,376, averaging total compensation 20\% greater than the US average.

How fast do bush planes fly?

It is a single-engined, high-wing, propeller-driven, STOL aircraft developed by De Havilland Canada. It is capable of traveling at 105 MPH while burning 25 gallons of AV gas per hour. It is primarily known as a bush plane and is used for cargo and passenger hauling, as well as aerial applications such as crop dusting.

What is the most affordable bush plane?

The Most Affordable Single-Engine Planes – Our Top 9 Picks

• Less than $20k. Cessna 150. Ercoupe. Luscombe Silvaire.
• Lower $20,000s. Aeronca Champ. Beechcraft Skipper.
• Upper $20,000s. Cessna 172. Stinson 108.
• $40,000+ Pre-201 Mooney M20.

Can you land a plane in your backyard?

Yes. As long as you own (or legally control) the property and there are no local laws preventing it, you can land a plane in your backyard.

Do you need a license to fly a bush plane?

If as a bush pilot, you plan on ferrying passengers, an ATPL (air traffic pilot’s license) is required and this can take up to five years if it is taken on a part-time basis. Have at least a PPL or higher pilot’s license certificate from the FAA. Have a minimum of 250 hours of flying experience.