Resources

Learning never stops.  Keep your aeronautical knowledge and skillsets refreshed and updated.  An online "go-to" for all experience levels.

The Federal Aviation Administration "WeatherCams" system now cover an extensive array of key sites across Alaska, Canada, and The Lower-48.  These views often provide valuable supplemental information to aid in planning, including clear day visual references and METARs.  That's just for starters.  See Layers Menu (left), Tutorials Tab (top), and bottom row of tabs when clicking (opening up) each airport facility to get an idea of what's available on this wonderful website.

Garmin inReach is an excellent satellite messenging and tracking system that's been around and still remains relevant.  Go with the full size satellite communicator (as consensus seems to be it functions better than the mini version) and the expedition subscription for unlimited messenging and greater flight path data recording.  You'll be assigned a phone number associated with your plan, which will be used by the system to communicate to the cell phone's of others.  Your contacts will simply see it as another cell phone number contacting them.  Interfacing with your cell phone and the satellite communicator is as easy as texting; through the Earthmate app.  Set your online MapShare to be as private and limited, or as public and revealing, as you like (within setting limitations).

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Clients will receive my inReach number and MapShare page.  You will know where your airplane is at all times (ferry) or contacts of your choosing will know where you are at all times; with connectivity (expedition and instruction).

In this video provided by YouTube channel Pilot Debrief, we learn details of a tragic accident that claimed the lives of 4 generations in one family.  "Don't do anything Dumb, Dangerous, or Different" or it may become Deadly is a summary mantra used.  It's important to learn from the mistakes of others and have humility in our decision making.

I saw it in the theater as a boy.  It filled me with a sense of wonder then, to which I still aspire.  There's the possibility of going off into the wilderness alone to be tested and come out the other side anew.  Robustly portrayed themes of introspection and The Northland including bush flying, native and local rural cultures, self-sufficient adventure, and a clash of worlds.

Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve has first come, first serve public use cabins in paradise.  These are almost exclusively (and rarely) accessed by airplane.​​​

I had a shiny new looking red & white PA-18 with the distinctive 180hp Cub Crafters engine conversion just like Shaun's.  We were of similar age and both breaking into the Alaska bush flying scene in full force.  I don't know how I stumbled upon his website back then.  Maybe it was through the new social media forums (like supercub.org), but I was enjoying his beautiful photographs and adventures.  Then Shaun met his tragic end due to a low level stall/spin.

In Alaska we call this the "moose stall".  It's when the pilot kicks the tail (into a skid) when slowly circling something they're trying to get a look at below.​  We're not going to do that.  This is a specific training element of the off field course.  It's also an example of why Survival Flying (see below) came to be:  To meet the need to provide teachable bush flying techniques and philosophies in the transition of FAA certificated pilots in becoming competent bush pilots.

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Enjoy his work.  May it inspire and provide food for dreaming.

"Bush Flying Tales & Techniques as Flown and Taught in Alaska", by the late C. Jay Baldwin.  I had the honor and privilege of knowing Jay as a mentor and friend.  His insights and instruction formed the basis for my bush flying philosophies.  Strongly recommended study prerequisite for off field training and practice.

An adventure documentary that surely influenced me as a young man living in the same community as its producer.  Appreciation to the YouTube channel owner for uploading this now forgotten and otherwise unavailable gem.  Take a flight back in time.

Covers available on IMDb.  Quoted from back cover:

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"This is My Alaska is the sportsman's dream, action that doesn't stop and unequaled scenery.  Every minute is filled with a refreshing combination of human interest and action that adds to its true-to-life appeal.  Photographed around the time of statehood, you will fly up into the Brooks Range about 200 miles above the arctic circle to hunt sheep, caribou, moose, and the ferocious Alaskan Grizzly bear.  Winter action includes Eskimo life on the arctic coast, dog sled races, hunting killer wolves and giant polar bear.  Beautiful Prince William Sound is the setting for hunting the Rocky Mountain goat.  Unspoiled fishing during territorial days for salmon, giant trout, and arctic grayling is almost unbelievable by today's standards.  Your host is Leroy "Buster" Shebal who has lived in Alaska since 1948 and spent 35 years flying and guiding hunters and fisherman into remote areas of Alaska.

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Running Time Two Hours

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Released By Arctic Adventures...North Pole, Alaska..."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection DTOPS (Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System).  Airplane owners are required to purchase an annual decal for international border crossings into the United States.  Ferry clients please complete application/payment online and forward confirmation email, which will be used to satisfy U.S. Customs.  Note that physical decal itself (which will come to you by mail) is not required to clear U.S. Customs.

Windy provides access to global weather models through intuitively displayed animations for selected times and altitudes.  Wind patterns and intensities, cloud bases, precipitation, and much more.  A fun and efficient planning tool for both local forecasts and "the big picture".