Author Archives: admin

Wind, Rain and Clouds: Getting a Feel for Alaska Weather

I’ve got a long way to go before I can consider myself a seasoned Alaska pilot, but I can work towards that by challenging myself and flying in less than ideal meteorological conditions. I know that pushing my limits bit … Continue reading

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Grass runways instead of gravel in Alaska?

The University of Fairbanks is recommending that private airports in Alaska plant grass instead of spreading gravel for runways. The main reason is that pilots spend a great deal of money each year repairing gravel dings to their aircraft and … Continue reading

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Summery Flying, Part 2.

I haven’t been flying as much as I’d like this summer, partly due to the economy, but I’ve gotten up in the air a couple of times lately. Last week, I flew out to the edge of the Tordrillo Mountains, … Continue reading

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Summer Flying

After learning to fly in the wintertime, when everything was covered in white, it’s been a real treat to fly around Alaska in the summer. With help from the near 24-hour daylight, the landscape becomes incredibly lush. Flying over the … Continue reading

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Flying Over the Ruth Glacier

My dad had his first visit to Alaska last weekend, and since he’s a pilot too, I took him flying. Being from Ohio, he’s never seen mountains or glaciers like we have here, so it was pretty special to take … Continue reading

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Anchorage to Seward, past Exit Glacier

Flight time: 1.2 hours I had the opportunity to help shuttle one of the Civil Air Patrol C172’s from Anchorage to Seward yesterday evening. Being my first time flying in a CAP plane, I flew with Chet Harris as my … Continue reading

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First Time Mountain Flying

Flight time: .9 hrs Yesterday I took my first foray into the world mountain flying. Conditions were prefect for it, the skies above the Chugach were totally clear and completely calm, so I took the opportunity to start getting myself … Continue reading

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Tour Around Mt. Susitna

Flight time: 1.3 hrs For my first flight as a licensed private pilot, I decided to do a tour around Mt. Susitna, a 4,396′ mountain that lies just west of the Susitna River, about 35 miles northwest of Anchorage. Called … Continue reading

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Private Pilot License Issued!

Aircraft: C172 N52654 Flight Time: 1.7 hours Total Hours: 42.8 I passed my checkride and am now an officially licensed pilot! I felt confident and relaxed during the morning segment, and I took my time making up a cross country … Continue reading

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Final Checkride Prep

Aircraft: C172 N52654 Flight Time: 1.9 hours Total Hours: 41.1 I have now passed my required 40 hours and as I look forward to my checkride, I can’t help but look back at the experiences that have brought me to … Continue reading

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