Alaska Float Training

[PapaZulu]

Words can't describe how much fun I had last week getting my float plane rating in Alaska. George Mandes (and others on the list) recommended Don Lee of Alaska Floats and Skis in Talkeetna. Don and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and experienced and made the whole trip a pure joy.

Also, the lodge on premises was immaculately clean and modern (even for Alaskan standards - no slight here, just some perspective). After a day of flying, all the pilots and guests would share some time around the fire pit near the boat dock telling tall tales and sharing our flying experiences.

The lakes around Talkeetna are simply stunning. What beautiful country.

I highly recommend Don and his school. It's a first class operation and you WILL have a good time.

Frank

 

[Eric Yould]

Frank

Glad your float training went well -- and you got to experience the eclectic community of Talkeetna. Did you happen to take one of the "air taxis" up to the Mountain? Landing on Ruth Glacier and flight seeing the Mountain can be a life memorable event.

 

[PapaZulu]

Alaskan Float Training

Eric:
I took the K2 Aviation glacier tour during my first visit to Alaska. We toured McKinley and landed on Ruth Glacier. It was an amazing experience at the time. The pilot let me sit in the right seat of the Beaver.

In addition to the float training this last trip, I spent about four hours learning mountain flying techniques in the McKinley range and also landing on several mountain strips and sandbars around Talkeetna. It was an invaluable experience and I am now a MUCH safer pilot because of it.

I do hope other Husky drivers get to experience Alaska in their own planes or by other means. It is truly amazing country.

Frank

 

[Eric Yould]

Frank

You have truly experienced some of Alaska's finest. It always makes us happy when someone such as yourself gets off the beaten path and enjoys the backcountry -- especially in a taildragger. And its hard to beat K2.

 

[Earl P]

It is awesome up there, I would like to go up and do some ski training sometime.

 

[Ak Kurt]

Earl,

Call Mike L. and go up this winter, he is always flying out to his cabin in the winter. Go up in the summer time too. You will have a great time!

Kurt

It is awesome up there, I would like to go up and do some ski training sometime.