October 2023: New KBED Location, Team Focus: Prassuna Budlong and Jeremy Prignano and Winter Pro Tip

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to fly “bush pilot style”; snaking around riverbeds, looking for moose? Or how to land on a glacier lake under the afternoon sun with majestic mountains towering all around you? This summer I made time to strike off a bucket list item that I’ve been meaning to do for years – get my seaplane rating. While Lake Winnipesaukee would surely be an option close to home, I decided I would take in all of the excitement seaplane flying has to offer in Alaska! I wanted to experience the awe-striking beauty of the wilderness and learn a completely different approach to flying that we’ve all heard about. While there were certainly parts of the Alaskan seaplane experience that I was prepared for, the trip was full of incredible experiences that I never could have prepared myself for.

After a long commercial flight to Anchorage, we drove two hours north to the small town of Talkeetna, the last town before hikers continue on their way to Mount Denali. Upon our arrival at the flight school lodge on Lake Christiansen, we were informed that there was “a bear in the area”. Clearly I was not in Kansas anymore! 

Training consisted of 3 full days of learning parts of a floatplane, regulations, and practicing takeoff and landing techniques on water – glassy, confined area, rough water etc…. all as advertised of course. What I quickly discovered was Alaska had much more to offer than just the advertised training outline. There is a sense of camaraderie within the pilots so strong that regardless of where you’re from, you will surely be invited to pizza night, cocktail hour and the occasional karaoke at the local brewpub.  When you get some time to take in the rest of the beauty of Alaska, you will enjoy sunsets by the lake, go kayaking or fishing in your free time, and if you get lucky, even see the northern lights while you enjoy a beverage of your choice (which I did, while indoors, hiding away from the bear). The school staff took their time and created a nice, toasty, bonfire so that we could all stay warm under the Alaskan stars. This isn’t your everyday flying experience!

While we did train diligently all around the small lakes in the area, we were able to carve out some extra flying and took a scenic flight to the highest mountain peak in North America, Mount Denali. The view of the mountain from 5,000 ft was impressive, and coupled with chasing the Susitna River and flying alongside bald eagles, it was the perfect Alaskan experience. Need I say more?
Learning how to fly a floatplane was more than just a feather in my cap, it was an experience that taught me new techniques and approaches that will benefit my students and myself as I continue my aviation journey. While it took many years for me to get up there, I hope that my next trip back comes soon and I can take in the area again