Alaska's Bush Planes


Book Description

The passion for flight has seized Alaska flyers—and those who yearn to fly to the Last Frontier—since 1913, when the first biplane arrived in crates via steamship and paddle-wheeler. In the decades to follow, Alaska’s skies buzzed with aircraft—some brand-new, others patched together, and still others lovingly restored to their original beauty. Alaska’s Bush Planes offers a brief history of flight in Alaska, then transports the reader on a visual journey with favorite aircraft, some of which have served for decades. It’s a perfect book for the pilot—or the pilot wannabe—who dreams of flying in the Northland.




Alaska's Bush Pilots


Book Description

A thrilling ride alongside the daredevil aviators who first braved the unknown of Alaska's wilderness. Bush pilots are known as rough, tough, resourceful people who fly their aircraft into tight spots in the worst of weather. Alaska's bush pilots are all of that and more. Acting as pioneers in a land with 43,000 miles of coastline and North America's largest mountains, Alaska's bush pilots were and are visionaries of a lifestyle of freedom. Flying came late to Alaska but caught on quickly. The first flight was made over a three-day exhibition at Fairbanks, July 3-5, 1913. James Martin first flew that aircraft, owned by him and his wife, Lilly, and investors Arthur Williams and R.S. McDonald. Ever since, Alaskan bush pilots have found that they were calculators of their own fate, flying in fragile aircraft over vast stretches of tundra or through towering mountain passes. This book examines the pioneer aviators and the aircraft types such as the Stearman, Stinson, and Lockheed, many of which were tested and crashed in the far north regions of Alaska.




Moon Alaska


Book Description

Moon Travel Guides: Make Your Escape! Remote, wild, and all-around otherworldly, Alaska promises unforgettable adventure. Discover the heart of "The Last Frontier" with Moon Alaska. What you'll find in Moon Alaska: Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, whether you have a week to hit the top sights or a month to explore the whole state Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a full-color foldout map Curated advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, road-trippers, wildlife enthusiasts, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Embark on a guided active glacier hike, explore ice caves, or take an intrepid "flightseeing" tour to secluded glacier landings in Denali National Park. Experience the thrill of spotting wild bears, moose, or even walrus, or catch a glimpse of sea otters and humpback whales on a boat tour of the spectacular Kenai Fjords. Hike through lush wilderness or along pristine beaches, kayak on tranquil sounds or secluded lakes, or camp under the crystal-clear stars. Learn about Alaska's native cultures and quirky small towns, savor a freshly-caught seafood dinner, and discover the best spots to witness the enchanting northern lights Honest advice from Anchorage local and outdoor aficionado Lisa Maloney on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from campsites and hostels to B&Bs and resort fishing lodges How to get there and get around by plane, train, ferry, cruise ship, or guided tour Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the culture, weather, wildlife, local laws, history, and health and safety With Moon Alaska's local insight, myriad activities, and expert advice, you can plan your trip your way. Full list of coverage: Juneau and Southeast Alaska, Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska, Denali, Fairbanks, and the Interior, Kodiak and Southwest Alaska, the Arctic Can't get enough of Alaska? Try Moon Anchorage, Denali & the Kenai Peninsula. Headed to Canada? Try Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip or Moon Banff National Park.




Arctic Bush Pilot


Book Description

Backed by Wien Airlines, former Navy combat pilot "Andy" Anderson pioneered post-World War II bush service to Alaska's vast Koyokuk River region serving miners, Natives, sportsmen, geologists, adventurers, and assorted bush rats. He flew mining equipment, gold, live wolves and sled dogs, you name it -- anything needed for life in the bush. He sweated out dozens of dangerous medical-emergency flights, "always at night and in terrible storms." Illustrated with 50 historical photos and co-authored by one of Alaska's most popular writers, ARCTIC BUSH PILOT is an exciting and sometimes nostalgic account of a pioneer pilot and his special place in Alaska aviation history.




Cowboys of the Sky


Book Description

For more than 80 years, bush pilots have carried supplies, delivered mail, and transported emergency personnel over Alaska's rugged terrain. They've flown with felons handcuffed to the seat, with corpses strapped to the wing, and with drugged polar bears sleeping in the cargo compartment. Ever since aviation came to Alaska planes have been far more important than cars or truck to the residents of the far-flung bush communities. In Cowboys of the Sky: The Story of Alaska's Bush Pilots, humorist and historian Steven C. Levi takes you on a wild ride through the heyday of aviation in Alaska, from the golden years, before federal regulations curbed the more dangerous and outlandish flying practices, all the way to the present. Through photographs and anecdotes, you'll meet brave and colorful pilots, the true cowboys of the sky who carved the face of America's Last Frontier.




Nine Lives of an Alaska Bush Pilot


Book Description

Drawn to Alaska in 1938, Ken Eichner became one of Alaska's best-known rescue pilots, famous for taking a helicopter wherever it needed to go to save lives-often at the risk of his own.




Alaska and the Airplane


Book Description

This publication celebrates the 100th anniversary of Alaskan aviation that is unique both in the world of geography and flying, illustrating the changes flying brought to life on the ground in the course of history.




The Last Bush Pilots


Book Description

TOP 100 FINALIST-AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL AWARDS!"You won't want to put down THE LAST BUSH PILOTS while the midnight sun still shines."-Airways MagazineKINDLE EDITION: http://goo.gl/fRv9t--------"MAYDAY, MADAY! I'M GOING DOWN, I'M GOING D-"So begins the literary thrill ride that is "The Last Bush Pilots."Author, airline Captain and popular blogger Eric Auxier brings his former bush flying to life in his second novel, "The Last Bush Pilots."Two young pilots, Daniel "DC" Alva and Allen David Foley, take on the world's most dangerous flying: the Alaska bush. But Mother Nature-and a sexy Native Alaskan-stand in their way.Southeast Alaska Seaplanes, Juneau. Retired airline Captain Dusty Tucker pilots a renegade band of flying misfits. Meet legendary bush pilot Jake "Crash" Whitakker, equally adept at landing planes and ladies-and "crashin' 'em" as well; prankster pilot Ralph Olaphsen, who once set an extinct volcano ablaze on April Fool's Day; and no-nonsense Check Airman Holly Innes, trying to cut a respectable niche in the notoriously macho bush pilot world-while escaping a dangerous past.Amid Alaska's volatile skies, DC and Allen face escalating challenges in and out of the cockpit. As the two "cheechackos," or greenhorns, learn the ropes, they are also roped into Crash and Ralph's hare-brained scheme, "Operation Dirty Harry." Under the suspicious nose of Draconian FAA Inspector Frederick Bruner, the pilots hatch a plot to hijack and rescue a planeload of orphaned bear cubs. Moreover, mischievous Tlingit Indian Tonya Hunter, as wild and unpredictable as the land in which she lives, plays the two lovestruck cheechackos against each other.But the true villain of the story is Mother Nature herself. Alaska's notoriously fickle weather and rugged terrain take on a life of its own. Can the two cheechackos survive Her relentless onslaught and launch their fledgeling airline careers? "Eric Auxier is the next Tom Clancy of Aviation." -Tawni Waters, Author, "Beauty of the Broken," "Siren Song," Grand Prize Recipient - "Best Travel Writers of 2010.""With over 12,000 hours of Alaskan bush flying, reading 'The Last Bush Pilots' was like looking in a mirror. Nice work, Eric." -CloudDancer, Author, "CloudDancer's Alaskan Chronicles" "Eric paints a picture of flying with words that are every bit as beautiful and moving as anything ever drawn or photographed. " -Aviationguy.com"I flew through The Last Bush Pilots in one sitting, keeping my seatbelt securely fastened. A fast-paced tale, thoroughly enjoyed."-John Wegg, Editor Airways Magazine Visit www.lastbushpilots.com to view the 30-second trailer!




Flying on Instinct


Book Description

They were nicknamed Snow Eagle, Flying Knight, Bush Angel, Punch, Doc and Wop. They worked in open cockpits and flew through cold, snow and fog without the benefit of radios, maps or weather reports. They flew over the Barrens, frozen lakes, boreal forests and mountain ranges by dead reckoning and line of sight. They landed on makeshift runways, glaciers, muskeg, tundra and glassy lakes. Comrades of the wilderness, they were Canada's early bush pilots. L.D. Cross brings us the incredible stories of the brave and enterprising pilots who rolled back the boundaries of western and northern Canada, delivering mail, medicine, miners and all the supplies needed by frontier settlements. Flying such planes as Curtiss, Bellanca, de Havilland, Fairchild, Junkers, Norseman, Stinson and Vickers, they were the off-roaders of aviation, venturing where no others dared to go. Climb into the cockpit with these pioneering pilots for an exciting trip into Canadian aviation history.




Noel Merrill Wien


Book Description

Born into a family of aviators, Merrill Wien was destined to become a pilot. His father, Noel Wien, was one of the first pilots to fly in Alaska and his life was full of firsts, including making the first round-trip flight between Asia and North America in 1929. His mother played a big role in the founding and development of Wien Alaska Airlines, the second-oldest scheduled airline in the United States and territories. One of the most versatile and experienced pilots of his time, Merrill has flown just about every aircraft imaginable from DC-3s to Lockheed 1011s to historic military planes like the cargo C-46 and B-29 bomber to the Hiller UH-12E chopper. Although fundamentally modest by nature, family and friends encouraged Merrill to share his remarkable stories given his accomplishments and experiences with so many famous people and events. His tone is engagingly informal as he recounts crossing paths with such luminaries as Joe Crosson, Howard Hughes, Lowell Thomas Sr. and Lowell Thomas Jr., Sam White, Don Sheldon, Brad Washburn, Wally Schirra, and Bill Anders. He re-creates for readers his firsthand experiences flying top-secret missions for the Air Force, viewing the devastation of the Good Friday Earthquake in Anchorage, and the challenges of starting his own helicopter company, to name just a few. His fascinating narrative is complemented by photographs from his personal archives.