In August, the Black Hills come alive as motorcyclists from all over the world come to a small South Dakota town for music, food, and scenic travel opportunities. The area has become famous for this annual biker rally, now in its 82nd year. It is so much fun, in fact, that the Bush League Backcountry Hooligans are planning an aerial version of this event as their upcoming fly-in. In keeping with the spirit of sharing adventures with your friends, the Virtual USA Flying Club has been invited to fly along.
Bush League Basics:
- Everyone is welcomed! Whether you’re an expert or beginner with flight simulators, radio communications, or navigation, etc., you’re invited! We’re a friendly bunch and enjoy learning from each other.
- Tonight’s event is all about enjoying the ride. High wings and helicopters are the preferred mode of transportation around these parts. The slower, the better.
- We will use 122.8 to announce positions. Note: Rapid City Regional and Ellsworth AFB are controlled airspaces and will require proper communication with ATC if coverage is provided.
- The event briefing will take place in the Virtual USA Flying Club’s “Event” channel. The “Fingers” channel will then be available to use during the flight for non-ATC related chit-chat.
- The main goal of these flights is to have fun and practice good airmanship. The event is intended to be VFR, so you are free to configure your weather and time of day as you see fit.
Special Airspace Reminders:
- Devil’s Tower – Pilots must not fly within 3 miles of the monument.
- Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse – Helicopters must fly at least 2000ft above the monuments, up to 7500ft. Fixed wing aircraft must fly no lower than 7700ft, due to heli traffic. All traffic must fly at least 2500ft away (laterally) from the monuments.
- Rapid City Regional & Ellsworth AFB – As mentioned above, these are class Delta air spaces.
Route Information:
Pilots can choose between four planned routes, or simply tour the area on their own.
Here are “the Rides”. All departures originate at Sturgis (49B). Click each to view the route in Skyvector.
Devil’s Tower
Your journey out of Sturgis takes you past Belle Fourche Reservoir and across the northern hills into Wyoming. The route allows you an exceptional look at Devil’s Tower (note the flight restrictions) and Keyhole Reservoir before turning back to Sturgis.
Airports to consider enroute: Belle Fourche Muni (KEFC), Hulette Muni (W43), Keyhole (01WY), Taylor Field (WY55), Spearfish/Clyde Ice (KSPF).
Badlands
The only Eastbound route out of Sturgis (49B) leads you through Rapid City to the town of Wall (and its world famous drug store). Nearby, you will find the Badlands Loop Scenic Route (Highway 240) and a unique encounter with a stunning landscape crafted from eons of erosion.
Airports to consider enroute: Ellsworth AFT (KRCA), Wall (6V4), Rapid City Regional (KRAP).
Canyon Run
The myriad of Black Hills canyons are waiting to be discovered. You will lose count as you travel a grand loop through Spearfish, Newcastle, and Hot Spring. Some of the areas highest peaks stand guard, like sentinels ensuring a safe passage through misty mountains.
Airports to consider enroute: Spearfish/Clyde Ice (KSPF), Mondell Field (KECS), Edgemont Muni (6V0), Hot Springs Muni (KHSR), Rapid City Regional (KRAP).
Monuments
Highway 14 leads you West out of Sturgies (49B) to the historic town of Deadwood. Turn left onto Highway 385 to visit Pactola Reservoir and Sheridan Lake. Just a few miles South, lies Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse National Monuments (note the area flight requirements). Highway 16 guides you through Custer State Park. Another left turn at Hermosa will bring you back through Rapid City to 49B.
Airports to consider enroute: Paradise Valley (49B), Keystone Helipad (SD18), Custer County (KCUT), Custer State Park (3V0), Rapid City Regional (KRAP)
X-Plane Scenery Installation:
Airstrip Pack for this event: Bush League Backcountry Fly-in #34
There are install directions located within the Airstrip Pack
In addition to the above, you may consider the following freeware addons:
Rapid City Regional (KRAP)
Mount Rushmore
MSFS Scenery Installation:
MSFS users will find the area very well rendered with no modifications necessary. There are a couple of freeware airports pilots can access.
Rapid City Regional (KRAP)
Hot Springs Muni (KHSR)
Follow the published scenery installation process to add these to your fussy world.
**The Event Briefing will take place in the Virtual USA Flying Club’s Event’s voice channel at 0000z.**