Adam White, Alaska Airmen’s Association Government Affairs We continue to work with Federal, State, and local officials on behalf of our members, ensuring Alaska Aviation remains accessible and a viable means of transportation and recreation. The following issues are just a few examples of how we work towards those goals. Anchorage Class C Redesign The FAA hosted two virtual public meetings to discuss the Anchorage Class C revisions on September 23rd and 24th. The deadline for public comment is October 24th.
By Bernie Willis A highly experienced, respected and accomplished European aviator said to me, “Rules are for fools, but a guide for wise men.” Contemplating his statement my mind bounced like a ball in a hand ball court. Try following these thoughts! Now, rules are for our safety. When followed we stay within safe guidelines. But have you ever flown overweight? Was the examiner for your private check ride small enough to not exceed the gross weight of your C-150? Did you actually weigh that moose quarter squeezed behind the seat in your Super Cub last Fall. Did I drive 65 mph or less to Anchorage last week? Just heard of a driver in Switzerland who was caught driving 48 in a 27 MPH or KMH zone. He was fined 100,000.00 Euro’s based upon, not the extent of the violation, but upon a portion of his net worth. So far these are rules based upon man’s judgement. Some rules are based upon physics.
By Jim Gibertoni by Joan Skilbred On October 16, 1972, a Pan Alaska Airways, Ltd. flight from Anchorage to Juneau, Alaska failed to make its destination and was never seen or heard from again. The plane N1812H, a twin-engine Cessna 310C, was owned by Pan Alaska Airways LLC. The pilot was Don Jonz from Fairbanks, and his passengers were United Congressman and House of Representatives Majority Leader Thomas Hale Boggs of Louisiana, United States Congressman Nick Begich, and his administrative assistant Russel L. Brown both of Anchorage. I have been a Search and Rescue (SAR) Pilot flying with the Civil Air Patrol here in Fairbanks, Alaska for almost a quarter of a century, logging more than 250 SAR missions to date. What I am about to share is a robust educated guess, based on the facts, and my extensive experience in search and rescue. It is important to note here that Don Jonz submitted an article he wrote to Flying Magazine a few weeks prior to the fateful flight that was called “Ice Without Fear.”
By Regan Tunstall & Wella Marie Are you interested in learning more about the Alaska warbirds? The Commemorative Air Force Alaska Wing, founded by World War 2 Veteran Colonel Howard “Mike” Hunt, strives to uphold their mission of restoring and preserving combat aircraft in the US. Col. Hunt started the Alaska chapter in the late 1990s with a large donation of a yellow Harvard MK IV, and later donated two more warbirds to the wing. He was actively involved by recruiting passionate members and sharing his love for these birds until his passing in 2019. You can learn more about Col. Hunts story and the history of the CAF Alaska Wing here: https://www.cafalaska.org/our-story Last Thursday, the CAF hosted a fundraising event led by Mikayla Taylor, called ‘puzzles for props’. We successfully raised $460 by having a timed puzzle competition open to the public where participants were able to take home their puzzle. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event! We hope to continue sharing Col. Hunts passion and knowledge for these birds for years to come.