My first Bush(ish) landing by myself

I had one of the best flights ever yesterday. I didn't even plan it. I went out to check on Miss T (our Taylorcraft), and decided that it was way to beautiful out not to fly. So I called home and left a message saying where I was going and for how long. I've made numerous landings on lakes with skis before, but none like this one so far. Towards the end of the flight I decided to head over to the Muklung and Iwithla area, about 10-15 minutes NE of Dillingham. As I got closer I had the urge to relieve myself. When I got there I started flying around the ridges. On one of the last shoulders I spotted a place that I thought might just be good enough to land, or at least drag my skis. So I made a pass, and then another one, and another. Getting a little bit more bold every time. I picked out a good touchdown point, and told myself "No pressure, if everything doesn't look good just go around. You don't NEED to land here." On my last final everything was stable, so I decided to commit. I held the yoke all the way back, and she plopped down an airplane length or less from my aim point. We slid to a stop, and I hopped out. Looking at Miss T was truly an amazing sight. I could see mountains and frozen rivers and blue bird skies everywhere I looked. Being out there all by myself with no one to give me lessons or advice was awesome. After producing a little yellow snow, I walked forward to determine how much real estate I had left. Clambering back into Miss T, I buckled up and firewalled the throttle. The mighty A-65 roared to life, and my 65 stallions charged forward towards the edge of the world. My tail was up in two seconds flat, and was at flying speed in no time. It was over way too fast, and entirely addicting. Slowly I turned towards home, and the fading sun. Savoring the moment all the way.

Nicely done, nicely written. Miss T. sure looks pretty on skis, doesn't she?

Great post!

Lou

Sweet!! Be careful it just keeps getting worse.... 8) 8) 8)

Nice writing style... book worthy!

Thanks you guys. She sure does look pretty! Its amazing what she will do. I had a little help with the creativity part. I know it gets worse, I want to go back for more

do it again and post a pic...hunted all over that country on sleds in april, and theres some awfull pretty places i'd love to stick a plane down on skis and write my name in the snow!!

powderburner said:

do it again and post a pic...hunted all over that country on sleds in april, and theres some awfull pretty places i'd love to stick a plane down on skis and write my name in the snow!!

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Wow, a great description---the essence of bush flying! Reminded me of my first time: small lake south of McKinley, return trip from FAI on skiis in my Citabria. Unforgetable!

Well done!

Thats awesome! I am at 20 hours in my training so far and I find myself daydreaming about flights like that every day. Between your stories and Henny's video I never have a lack of motivation to get out there and get to my license to learn point of this adventure!

That was great! Stressful day. I needed a mini trip like that....

I really don't think that the process or feelings change one bit from that landing, to one made years and thousands of spots later...!!

Is AlaskaDrifter male or female?

Good one Wag2+2, using the subtle method to locate women with planes.
Alaskadrifter, your ski landing post is very well written. I hope you've had many since then.
Dwayne

I am glad it worked out. I remember a T craft story (with pictures) a few years ago where the plane was left hanging over a cliff by one ski.