STOL & Off-Airport Ops

Master energy management. Land shorter. Explore further.

Precision is Safety

Backcountry flying isn't about taking risks; it's about managing them. Our STOL training focuses on Angle of Attack (AoA) awareness, stabilized approaches, and the precise energy management required to operate safely out of short, unimproved strips.

Choose Your Mission

Most of our clients fit into one of these categories. We have a specialized curriculum for each.

BushCat landing

01. The BushCat

Included in Tailwheel Package

Learn the basics of STOL in a rugged, modern trainer. We integrate short-field and soft-field technique directly into your Tailwheel endorsement or as a separate hourly training.

Tailwheel Training
COMING SOON
Zenith in high angle of attack flight

02. The Zenith

⚠ LODA Restricted

Train in the "Lazer Chicken." Learn to utilize the slats, flaperons, and high-drag characteristics of the CH750. LODA restricted to only Zenith owners and builders.

Zenith Training
Private aircraft at sunset

03. Your Aircraft

Custom Instruction

Learn what your plane can really do. We'll help you define your personal minimums and explore the performance envelope of your own machine.

Owner Aircraft Training

The Texas STOL Reality

"Can I just land anywhere?" In Alaska? Maybe. In Texas? No.

Texas is 95% private land. Landing on a rancher's field without permission isn't just rude; it's trespassing. Our training focuses on:

  • ✓ Legal Access:
  • How to find private strips and get permission.
  • ✓ Surface Evaluation:
  • How to judge a field from 500ft before you commit.
  • ✓ The "Go-Around" Mindset:
  • Making the decision to abort early and often.
  • ✓ Mental Preparation:
  • Overcoming the anxiety of a short strip.
Flying over Texas terrain

Common Questions

Can I land on riverbeds in Texas?

Yes, but it is complex. Per Texas Parks and Wildlife Code § 90.0035 (passed in 2021), operating an aircraft in a " protected freshwater area" (navigable riverbed) is legal, provided you do not harm wildlife or vegetation.

The Catch (The Gradient Boundary): The "riverbed" only extends to the "gradient boundary." If you step one foot onto the private land of the riverbank (which is often unmarked), you are committing Criminal Trespass.

Can I land on a public road?

It depends on the road. Under Texas Transportation Code § 24.021, landing on a public highway or street is generally a Class C misdemeanor.

The Exceptions:
  • Emergencies: Allowed if necessary to prevent injury to a person or property.
  • County Ordinances: Under Section 24.022, a County Commissioners Court can specifically authorize aircraft operations on designated county roads (not State Highways/FM Roads). Always check local ordinances first.

Can I land on the beach?

Generally, No. Most Texas beaches are legally defined as "public roads" under the Texas Transportation Code for traffic regulation. Therefore, the prohibition in Section 24.021 applies: no taking off or landing unless it is an emergency.

Can I land on the grass next to a paved runway?

Only with explicit permission. While the FAA does not ban off-pavement landings, the Airport Sponsor (city/county) sets the rules. Landing in a non-movement area without approval can violate local regulations and lead to liability for damage.

The Reality: Contact the airport manager for permission. They likely will allow it if the airport can safely support it.

Does insurance cover off-airport landings?

It depends on your policy. Many standard policies explicitly exclude "off-airport operations" or landings on "non-charted" runways.

The Reality: You must read your policy's "Definitions" section. Some insurers offer specific "Off-Airport" endorsements for qualified pilots. We help our students understand how to talk to underwriters and what training (like our course) might help you get approved.

Do I need 29" bush tires to land off-airport?

No, but they help. Big tires provide prop clearance and shock absorption, but they don't replace technique. A pilot with bad energy management will bounce or break a gear leg regardless of tire size.

We teach you how to land soft and light on standard tires first. Once you master that, big tires just expand your margin of safety.

How do I know if a spot is safe to land?

You never just "guess." Our training drills the High/Low/Inspect pass method. You will learn to fly multiple passes at different altitudes to check for wind, slope, obstacles, and surface condition (gopher holes, logs, wet spots) before you ever commit to touching down.

What are the real risks of off-airport flying?

You are your own rescue squad. Off-airport flying means leaving the safety net of FBOs and mechanics. If you break it, you own it.

You must be prepared for the specific realities of backcountry operations:
  • Field Repair: You might have to change a tire or fix a prop strike in the mud, miles from the nearest road.
  • Extraction: If the airplane isn't flyable and you can't fix it on site, the only way out is often a helicopter lift. That bill starts at $10,000 and goes up fast.
  • Isolation: If weather moves in or you get stuck, you could be trapped without rescue for days. Self-reliance isn't a buzzword; it is a survival requirement.