MISSOULA—The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) Aeronautics Division’s 37th annual Pilot Search Clinic was held on Saturday and Sunday, Sep. 12th-13th. The clinic was based out of the airports located at St. Ignatius, Superior, Hamilton, Stevensville, Rock Creek, and Seeley Lake; and covered the mountainous terrain surrounding Missoula.

The clinic required pilots to fly their small aircraft lower than would normally be seen, which can raise both curiosity and concern from those on the ground. At this time, MDT would like to advise local business owners, hikers and travelers not to be alarmed by the presence of low flying aircraft over the surrounding mountainous terrain. The purpose of this clinic is to educate and familiarize pilots with air search methods over mountainous terrain.

“We [pilots] often create a great deal of curiosity among the public when they see a number of low-flying aircraft in the local vicinity,” said MDT’s Aeronautics Safety and Education Bureau Chief, Harold Dramstad. “The flying portion of the clinic instructs pilots on air search techniques in mountainous terrain. It’s crucial to maintaining a quick, safe and effective response in the event a search is needed.”