So I'm currently a pilot at Skydive Dubai, flying twotters and 208's. While my flying here isn't what some would consider backcountry, I do operate off of an astroturf strip every day as well as a short field that is also a pier (You have to see it to get it. See the link below.) I've been here a year and a half, and it's been a great experience with many unique challenges. I am leaving for the states next month though, and I am excited to cut my Alaska teeth. I all but have a job secured, and couldn't be more stoked. I am looking forward to quite a steep learning curve, and can't wait to meet new people that will help me to become a better, safer pilot. I grew up in aviation and skydiving, and I wouldn't trade the community of either for anything. So, here's to the future, learning, and fun. Thanks for the warm welcome to the group. If you have a minute check out my video on the link below. Please keep the link on this site for now. and don't spread it all over facebook etc. I edited it especially for you guys. Once I'm back in the states, I'll make the video public.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiSAtfsdsHk

Where in AK? Kodiak?

Do you know Mike Whittenburg by chance? I used to jump with him at Skydive Chicago. I know he and Julie went somewhere in that area.

I don't want to jinx it, but yes, I am being considered for a great opportunity in Kodiak. I'll hold off on details until things are more solid.

I know Mike and Jewls pretty well yeah. I see him about every day : ) I'll miss that big turd. I'll find you links for the videos of what him and his kids are up to. His kids are better tunnel shredders than the top 5% of flyers in the world....

I enjoyed your video because it played straight through on my cheap computer without stopping and starting slowly. Email me at [email protected] and I will send you my e-book, "Safe Maneuvering Flight Techniques." If you really loaded your big airplane up you might find the basic low ground effect takeoff useful. The techniques are mostly for small, low powered, aircraft.

Welcome, Great video!
Culture shock, here you come!!
I'm old and ???? What's a tunnel shredder??
AK is great, if you stay there 6 months and like it, ya probably be stuck there for the next 30 years!

Kodiak is a great place, with a very tight and welcoming pilot community. Tough weather at times, but great people to work with, and a nice little town as well. I spent 8 years there a century ago, and still have a lot of fond memories.

MTV

That's a pretty bad ass video! I also think that's a pretty cool runway you fly into and out of on both ends of your day!

Thanks guys! I'm originally from Northern Utah, and have been to Alaska a number of times. So hopefully it's not too much of a culture shock. Being HERE was culture shock. M6RV6, tunnel is what we call indoor skydiving, aka the windy tube. They've cropped up all over the world and have advanced the level of "body flight" beyond anything anybody's ever seen. Pretty radical.....and expensive!

Pretty cool video! I've flown over that palm tree a few times in a 130. I don't remember that runway being there though. It must have been built in the last couple years.

Enjoyed your video. I see a lot of familiar landmarks as I fly cargo 747's in the area. Good luck on your next adventure, sounds like something I'd like to do if I wasn't so old. Hanging up my commercial helmet and goggles in february, after that it's cubs and champs for me.

I'm so glad for this website and people like you that post really interesting and different flying experiences. Thanks!!!!

Weird. Why did they astroturf the home runway?

Nice video.

Great video!

What camera and setting did you use for the clipped shots?

Best of luck in your next challenge in AK.

UngaWunga wrote:Weird. Why did they astroturf the home runway?

Nice video.

It is quite difficult to grow, water, and maintain grass in this part of the world. Also, they fly RC aircraft as well as ultralights off of this field,and I think astroturf makes an easier, more consistent surface. That, and money is not really an issue lol.

MAU MAU wrote:Great video!

What camera and setting did you use for the clipped shots?

Best of luck in your next challenge in AK.

I used a gopro 2 with the dive case which reduces the fisheye qualities of the normal gopro case. It was on the highest quality setting and the original video is way more spectacular. Youtube made me lower the quality in order to make the video a small enough file size.

That looks like some fun flying. Great job on the video too! What was the temp? Thanks for sharing and have fun in Alaska.

Erick

Kodiakmack wrote:

UngaWunga wrote:Weird. Why did they astroturf the home runway?

Nice video.

It is quite difficult to grow, water, and maintain grass in this part of the world. Also, they fly RC aircraft as well as ultralights off of this field,and I think astroturf makes an easier, more consistent surface. That, and money is not really an issue lol.

I understand the water issue, but why not just pour concrete or pave. Odd, not that it matters. Cool place.

In regards to the astro turf. It could be something as simple as a prince liking the way it looks. I know the culture there, money is no object for some.