There are more than 200 certified charter/air taxi operators and countless private pilots in Alaska and literally thousands of landing areas for amphibious aircraft. The Alaskan Bush Pilots are an integral part of the Alaskan landscape, bringing supplies, mail and passengers to some of the most remote regions of Alaska.
We had some thrilling and exciting experiences with small aircraft in the Alaska wilderness. The first was the flight in Skagway to the tip of Glazier Point and the beginning our Wilderness Safari. I found it very interesting how these pilots handled not only their aircraft, but also the weather, mountains and unique landing facilities. We left Skagway airport, with two other planes, each carrying four to five passengers. The planes flew in somewhat of a loose formation, always in site of each other. We flew over the water and between beautiful mountains and before long we spotted what they called a "beach landing strip". The entire flight was exciting but never frightening. These pilots do not have radar and fly by the "seat of their pants". As we saw for ourselves, the Bush Pilot is a unique and dedicated breed.
The second flight was out of Juneau over the Juneau Icefield by seaplane. This one-hour tour was bold and incredible. Taking off on the water, flying just below a low deck of dark clouds and over the mountaintops, turning and twisting, swooping down into the valleys to give us great views and spectacular photo opportunities.