Ketchikan Alaska Bush Pilots

[Mike Griffin]

Whether you are a pilot or just like to fly or like beauftiful scenery, you will love this video.  A tribute to the Alaskan Bush Pilot


http://vimeopro.com/ebenandelle/the-ketchikan-story-project/video/79908357

[Steve Helmick]

Very cool! If you ever get to Ketchikan, be sure to go to the "Tongass Trading Company" store...a real "General Store". The scenery is spectacular, and the 156" average annual rainfall (a full 100" more than Seattle) is amazing. When I was there, it rained (I swear!) from the middle of July until Labor Day, all day, every day. A nice place to visit...I'd suggest middle of June to July 4th. Take plenty of dinero, because everything is spendy.  Steve

[Mike Griffin]

Steve I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB from 1970-72.  While I was there we took a trip and flew into a lake to do some fishing with a bush pilot.  That was the most exhilirating and scarey experience I have ever had all in one flight.  Would love to do it again before I leave the planet.

Mike

[Steve Helmick]

My wife's college roomie's hubby went to AK on a company 'reward' fishing trip, and didn't make it back. Enough folks to need two bush planes of some sort. They were flying along together, heading back to civilization,  when one went into a cloud and disappeared. I haven't had the courage to ask the details, how many people died, what kind of airplane, and never will. But it is something to keep in mind...chit happens, and all pilots are not brilliant. Look for a fairly old pilot, with years of AK flying in his logbook.

When I was in Ketchikan, I always wanted to catch a Beaver flight to Klawock, but was almost always working.   8am to usually midnight or 2am...or even later. Whenever the fish were all canned and the aftermath cleaned up.   That's working in Alaska...work your butt off as the weather and seasons permit. Then, when the season is over, fly off to Hawaii (and Australia in my case) for some R&R.  Steve

[Doug Burright]

My Sister lives there, with her husband. It's an island. You have to take a boat from the BIG airport to Ketchikan. I visited her (them) twice, and it is REALLY nice! I had never seen a cruise ship before: they dock for tourists. Difficult to get model fuel there, though.

I could go on and on... but it is SO nice! I'm born and raised in Kansas, so it doesn't take much to amaze me.

[john e. holliday]

Thanks for the video.  Those pioneers had to have guts to go to Alaska, especially the bush pilots.

[Duke.Johnson]

Cool video, thanks for posting it.  Good history lesson on Alaska Air.  I've been up there a few times and always fly into Ketchikan, then hop on a Beaver or Otter to the island.  I can usually get the front seat and listen to music with the pilot. It great fun, and beautiful.  Brings back some great memories.

[Mike Griffin]

You're welcome Duke.  I know it has nothing to do with toy airplanes but I thought it was relevant to all of us who love aviation...and its history

Mike

[Duke.Johnson]

Well, I love history and toy airplanes.

[mike londke]

Very cool Mike. I was lucky enough to Spend 6 days in Sitka back in 89' while serving in the Navy. Great people and some of the prettiest country I have ever seen. Thanks for posting that.