Alaska musings and wanderings

[Troy Hamon]

Feel free to chime in here with anything...sometimes the flight environment in Alaska seems pretty different from what people usually experience in other areas. Some of the beaches we land on are terrible. But some are really pretty good. And some are both, depending where you land. The beach at Aniakchak Bay is one that is difficult to operate on for most of its length. But at both ends of the bay, we have workable surface. On the north end, it is constrained by terrain and makes an interesting landing approach. On the south end it is relatively open and as long as the tide is out and you stay within the last half mile of beach it looks like the following photo.

 

[MountainDude]

Troy, it would be great if you could post regular photo updates. Thank you.

 

[Troy Hamon]

I don't always do a good job of remembering to grab a photo when I fly. Sometimes I don't have opportunity. But I will post photos here and there when I have a chance to take a moment and do so. And anybody else that has some Alaska images from their wanderings should do the same.

 

[midlifeflyer]

This was a couple of years ago. Not the prettiest day but awesome scenery.

 

[Troy Hamon]

Almost forgot to take a photo. This is not the plane I flew, it is the plane I flew parts out to. Primer line broke and the pilot landed here to investigate the fuel smell. Turned out the primer feed right where it comes out of the gascolator was leaking...not good. They had a nice place to wait while the folks at work lined up the field repair plan and people.

 

[Bigdoggh]

Sorry I missed you out there Troy. I had two amazing flights. I get it...

 

[Troy Hamon]

Been a quiet fall on the Alaska flying front for me. I did my recurrent Emergency Maneuver Training, from the instructor position this time, and attended our DOI National Pilot Ground School. Result of those trips was all the flying that happened since October at work was done by the other pilot. My days in the office have been focused on the science side of my job.

Now basketball season has started and I am coaching the local high school team. Days are short, winter is long, but we are making ice here today. I am dreaming of going out to explore some lakes...like this...

 

[Viper139]

I miss flying in Alaska

 

[Troy Hamon]

Airplane had a few small things that needed looked at, which led to other things, which all happened slowly.

Because in addition to working, I was coaching basketball, which I love doing.

Then we got COVID lockdowns, which both helped and hindered progress.

Anyway, had a few flights for work here and there, but been pretty slow overall in the flight department...

Until Saturday. Got our girl together and in the air. Took my son out for a good shakedown cruise since he has also not flown. Felt great.

 

[Raconteur]

I am planning to take a commercial flight to Alaska and rent a car for a couple weeks of touring. When we get to Talkeetna, I would like to hire a plane and pilot for a flight over Denali. What are the chances I'll get some stick time?

 

[Troy Hamon]

Ordinarily I would say very low. All the companies running aerial tours out of Talkeetna are 135 operators. But this year they might be using the small airplane without other passengers to document such an event in a manner that could get them in trouble. Or you might find an instuctor at a flight school with an open schedule. Don Lee has a school there that teaches tailwheel and float flying. Alaska Floats and Skis.

 

[SkyDog58]

I agree with Troy. If you want to get stick time, get a CFI and rent a plane. A 135 operator or Part 91 Air Tour operator will likely not let you fly. And if you plan to record it for posterity, they'd be a fool to let you fly.

 

[Raconteur]

Thanks for the advice. I don't take many pictures and certainly not of myself. I just remember where I've been and if I want to go back I will.

Never go back to relive a memory, only to make new ones. You'll never be disappointed.

 

[BananAppeal]

Airplane had a few small things that needed looked at, which led to other things, which all happened slowly.

Because in addition to working, I was coaching basketball, which I love doing.

Then we got COVID lockdowns, which both helped and hindered progress.

Anyway, had a few flights for work here and there, but been pretty slow overall in the flight department...

Until Saturday. Got our girl together and in the air. Took my son out for a good shakedown cruise since he has also not flown. Felt great.

Hi, Troy. Tell Cedric hi for Art and me. Nice photo of the two of you -- but who took it?

 

[Troy Hamon]

Hi, Troy. Tell Cedric hi for Art and me. Nice photo of the two of you -- but who took it?

I did...I'm tricky...

Ha, actually just used my phone in my right hand for a selfie.

 

[Troy Hamon]

And, most importantly, hello to you and to Art. Hope you are doing great!

 

[Troy Hamon]

Less flying this summer due to the disease management restrictions on everything. However, we are getting some things done. A few pictures.

 

[Palmpilot]

Envy!!!

 

[BCampbell]

Nice pics, I liked the meese on the beach. Good looking DH at the wharf.

 

[Troy Hamon]

Those are the first intertidal moose I recall seeing.