Aircraft, and their licenses, come in all shapes and sizes – from small micro-lights and gliders, to Cessna 150’s, 172’s and 182’s, all the way to instrument licenses, commercial licences and airline transport qualifications that allow you to fly the biggest of jets.
But what if we ignore all this? What if we look at the sheer excitement and pleasure of flying – of being able to choose where you go, who you go with and how you arrive? This is in essence the pinnacle of what everyone who travels wants.
So here are ten exotic locations where the majority of pilots would dream of flying to test their skills in the most challenging and exciting conditions available.
Peru
As far as remote flying goes, South America is among the toughest places in the world to be a pilot.
Airlines and pilots have to be kings of improvisation – as this latest news of an emergency flight’s runway being lit by motorcycles proves.
Thousands of tourists take to the sky in light aircraft every year to see the spectacular ancient Nazca Lines from air – and many operators can be less than trustworthy when it comes to maintenance and safety.
As with everything when traveling, if you’re going to do this, go with a reputable company.
Alaska
As fans of Flying Wild Alaska will know, this area can be more than treacherous when it comes to light aircraft.
The runways and dirt strips here are often far too short for larger planes to go in and out of, so small Cessnas and Beechcraft are used – often battling extreme weather for the sake of what in many cases is the only link to the outside world.
Okavango Delta (Botswana)
This a popular spot for wealthy safari travelers who want to ‘escape’ to the bush in exclusive luxury safari resorts.
And what better way to arrive at your resort than by bush plane?
A number of companies in the area operate small Cessnas – but frequently battle with tropical storms, dust clouds, and extreme turbulence along the way.
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