Some of you may be familiar with Blue Ice Aviation in Alaska - Miss D. links to them from her blog. The owner, Matt Keller, is an Alaskan bush pilot, flying year-round into the interior to take in and pick up parties of hunters, hikers, climbers, etc., and carrying supplies to those who live far from Alaska's few roads.
Yesterday he put up a post that epitomizes the job of a bush pilot during an Alaskan winter. I quote:
For anybody who might mistake my life as an endless flight of perfect weather and beautiful scenery, remember that every coin has two sides ... This evening I found myself stuffed in the tail cone of my "parts only" 185 fuselage at -15 degrees with my fingers froze to my wrenches, and my lips froze to the aft bulkhead while removing a cable and pulley. If you would like to know what this is like, cram yourself into an 18" aluminum tube, at -15, and try to milk a hamster. It'll give you a snap-shot of the other side of my coin. I still think it's a great job.
I have to admit, I spluttered into my coffee at the mental picture of milking a hamster!
He's also put up an article containing photographic highlights of 2011. Here's a small selection to whet your appetite. (Go to his article and click on the pictures to see them in larger sizes.)
Matt's daughter Ali in the cockpit of his Super Cub
Flying through the mountains of the Alaska Range
Beachcombing on the Nushagak Peninsula
Why bush pilots need skis on their aircraft during an Alaskan winter!
There are many more photographs at the link. Lovely pictures, interesting viewing - generally a must-see for bush aviation enthusiasts.
Peter
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