Ok I have the itch to fire up the 185 and fly at least some of the Iditarod this spring.
I have never done this before. I am hoping there are some folks here who have and know the ins and outs.
The ceremonial start is in Anchorage on March 7th.
The real start is on March 8th in Willow.

Does anyone know or have a collection of gps coordinates for the checkpoints?

Where are the best places to stop along the way and at how many days into the race?

I am guessing there will be all kinds of "Air Tourists" flying the route as well as the Iditarod Air force.

Do u have skis ?

DonC wrote:Do u have skis ?

I have Fixed wheel penetration. LW3600 Airglas

SA Maule wrote:Now look what you have done!! Another thing I have to put on my bucket list

I look at the "Bucket List" as a living thing!
Always growing and changing.

Skis are great, but depending on what you want to see and where you want to land, they are not a necessity. Most of the checkpoints are in native villages that have adequate, cleared runways during the winter and with some checking are w/in a short walk from the checkpoint. Air traffic is not too bad at most checkpoints, but the main hubs like Mcgrath, Galina, Unalakleet, Nome are very busy and parking can be tough at the airfield. Willow has a nice airstrip and easy walking to the start, given the road traffic, it's the best bet for that part of the race. After Willow through Rohn, Skis will be necessary because I don't believe the runways associated with the checkpoints are maintained. After that, if it is a checkpoint associated with an active native village, the runways are cleared.

I lived in Unalakleet for 4 years and White Mountain for 5, just moved from there to S. Utah in October. I have been to all the Northern checkpoints from Ruby West during the winter. Haven't been on the Southern route, which is what i believe they run on odd years if i remember correctly. Been to McGrath many times, they finally have a card reader at the N ramp fuel pump, this last Sept 100 LL was over 9.50, Galina was worse and i haven't been there anytime in the last few years when i didn't get charged a 100.00 call out fee. Some stops like Unalakleet have more reasonable prices (7.80), but only take cash or checks. Everything in the villages is VERY expensive, most stores/fuel take plastic, but its a good idea to have plenty of cash if you are from "outside".

Just a caution on Rohn, i have landed there in Summer and because its at the intersection of 3 valleys, it can be pretty squirrely even on calm days.

I'm sure i'm biased but Wt mountain is the best stop on the trail. Since its the last mandatory 8 hour stop, you know exactly when a musher will leave so you can plan on going down to the checkpoint an hour or so before their checkout time and talk with them, they are usually pretty strung out at that point in the race, but the end is in site and mostly they are willing to visit. Had some pretty good visits with Lance Mackey, Jeff King, Ken Anderson and several others over the years.

If you have more questions PM me and i will give you my phone #.

Chris

Give me a call when the race gets a little closer. I have a house in Takonta, a place you will most defiantly want to stop and spend some time during the race.
Greg
9078879944

There will be lots of parties on the Susitna the day of the official start, just find a group of planes and stop in. Then move up to the Finger Lake checkpoint. It's also called Winter Lake, and there is a lodge there that will have quite a few like minded people. Get as much local knowledge as possible if you are stopping at un maintained strips along the trail, some of them have been the site more than their fair share of bent planes flown by veteran Iditarod pilots.

I am sick of wannabes asking stupid questions. This forum is for real pilots. Go back to your video game dreaming tango fox.

Headoutdaplane wrote:I am sick of wannabes asking stupid questions. This forum is for real pilots. Go back to your video game dreaming tango fox.

Ha Ha ! you are killin me!

I was going to invite you but not now!!!!!!!!!!!!

I take it back.....can I come along now? We can fly low and leave a trail of dog treats that lead to Homer.

All great advice! I have never flown it above the range but lots of times below and i try to avoid it now. It is super fun but last two times i was out i got ramp checked by an FAA guy on a snowmachine at one of those river party spots south of Skwentna. Not a problem just make sure you have all your paperwork in order and a pocket full of smart A comments. Also watch out for no radio and too much radio planes going every witch way all altitudes.

roamak- Do you ever fly on AAT? We fly there quite often.

I have flown AAT, but most times I fly myself. AAT is a god send to TCT thats for sure, along with McGrath and Nikolai. Those new Caravans are NICE!! You work for them?

roamak- Yup the DM here. Other mechanic here paul just bought the little J3 that had been on the ramp in Nikolai forever. Stop in the shop next time your around.

roamak wrote:Give me a call when the race gets a little closer. I have a house in Takonta, a place you will most defiantly want to stop and spend some time during the race.
Greg
9078879944

Will do!
Lots of places I need to go.

I'm interested in this as well. If I can get a little time off, I might try to visit a checkpoint north of the range. Thanks for the heads up on the ramp checks. Heard the same thing somewhere else.