Climbing out of Elk City, I set a course for Helena. There were several mountain ranges to cross leaving Idaho, but the winds were light and the air was clear. I had much more confidence in selecting a route through the valleys and following the highways into Montana. It seems like a step back, with two or three GPS in the aircraft, to be planning a cross-country flight following the highway, but it really is the safer way to traverse the mountains and foothills.
En-route Helena - that is 1U1 Moose Creek below my wing
Simulated Engine Failure - Where Will You Land?
Helena was a curious place. It has regional airline service, huge runways and a tower, but I was there for 90 minutes and did not see a soul. The FBO “Mustang Mickeys” is an institution amongst pilots who pass through. A local dentist owns and operates this FBO, but everything is based on the honour system.
Helena - Mustang Mickey's
The fuel is self serve, and you cannot miss the pump – there is a P51 Mustang providing top-cover! There is a kitchenette and bunk facilities inside the FBO, a stocked refrigerator, and one or two cars with keys sitting outside.
Fuel Pumps - Helena
There was no-one around, but as long as pilots respect the owner and follow the few simple rules posted in the kitchen, everything runs smoothly. The fuel was cheap, too!
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