11 Mar Keeping it Wild
The idea of wilderness could never be described by any symbol, any line or label placed on a map. It is the home of the untamed, the unruly, and the vast unknown. It is the place we’re told is too far, too dangerous, or too...
General Interest
29 Dec Botany for Bush Pilots
My first landing on a rocky hummock field caused severe jackhammering of the landing gear – more than I expected. It was a relief not to find any damage, but I was still concerned about taking off. Sometimes that can be more worrisome than the...
31 Oct Wheel Landings on Glaciers
The north country is home to thousands of glaciers and icefields that provide airplane access to some of the wildest places on earth. These landscapes are dominated by rugged terrain where ice may offer the only landing option. While glacier ops typically involve ski landings,...
11 Feb Airstrip Evaluation
I was eager to explore new places after installing a brand new set of 31” Bushwheels. My first off-airport destination was an alpine 4100' high alpine hilltop located in the Talkeetna Mountains. After a few passes and go-arounds, I landed. It was just me and...
30 Dec Welcome to Tundra Pilot
There has always been a close connection between airplanes and wilderness in Alaska since the first bold pilots ventured north not knowing what lay ahead. Even today, airplanes are vital for bush access, yet the majority of landable features and airstrips are not widely known....