I don't think this has been posted on here before.

This is a real gem: A 4-part interview with Noel Wien from 1972 about the early days of Alaskan aviation.

Some great history here. Gravel bar landings in Hisso Standards, hilltop landings in Curtiss Jenny's, etc. I love how they would strap a spare prop to the fuselage in anticipation of hitting rocks. Definitely worth viewing.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Just read the book Arctic Bush Pilot by "Andy" Anderson, who flew for Wien 1947-67 and was almost a member of the Wien family. Great insight into the early days of bush flying in the most remote northern parts of Alaska. Not a particularly emotional or engaging writing style by the authors, but good real-world stories and it leaves you with a taste of how heroic and committed these people were. 50 to 70 below is friggin' cold!

Great find thank you

EZFlap wrote:Just read the book Arctic Bush Pilot by "Andy" Anderson, who flew for Wien 1947-67 and was almost a member of the Wien family. Great insight into the early days of bush flying in the most remote northern parts of Alaska. Not a particularly emotional or engaging writing style by the authors, but good real-world stories and it leaves you with a taste of how heroic and committed these people were. 50 to 70 below is friggin' cold!

Thanks! I'll have to check that book out. I'm currently reading "The Flying North" by Jean Clark Potter, which is really, really good. It was written back in the late 40's and contains well-researched histories of many of the pioneering Alaska pilots written in a page-turning style. Recommended! I'm not worthy of even bringing those guys coffee.

I found it on eBay for $6, but here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Flying-North-Jean-Clark-Potter/dp/089174018X