Fly-in to Fairbanks Alaska

Apparently it is FAR 45.29 as found on FAA.GOV

But apparently you can cross into Canada without crossing any ADIZ or DEWIZ, so no requirement for 12 inch numbers, and A/C built before '81 or over 30 years old only require 2 inch letters. I'm considering 2 inch letters now when I redo my exterior.
 
dystevens said:
Seriously thinking about joining you guys. I have always wanted to fly to Alaska. Spent a year at Shemya a couple of decades ago but you could hardly call that Alaska, it was more like Siberia. Do I have to have the 12" N numbers on the airplane if I go into Canada?
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Dave, we'd love to have you join us. Would be nicer for you if you had someone to share the experience (and the expenses). You could form up with us at Cut Bank if you are not going to BAC TAC. That would give you some time to get the Customs Decal, although apparently you will only need the receipt (conformation of the application).
 
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Fly-in to Fairbanks, Alaska

I had some information twisted up. Those that are thinking about joining us but the window isn't right, we will probably be in Fairbanks or other parts of Alaska past the 30th of June. We are on no schedule and probably will be heading back sometime the first week of July, or so. This will be VFR flying so, the weather may dictate our departure date. If the fishing is good enough, I may not come back until they stop biting. For those interested, Alaska has some reasonable non-resident fishing licensing requirements. You can purchase your license on-line too.

Nonresident 1 Day Sport Fishing License ...... $20.00
Nonresident 3 Day Sport Fishing License ...... $35.00
Nonresident 7 Day Sport Fishing License ...... $55.00
Nonresident 14 Day Sport Fishing License...... $80.00
Nonresident Annual Sport Fishing License .... $145.00

Nonresident 1 Day King Salmon Stamp .......... $10.00
Nonresident 3 Day King Salmon Stamp .......... $20.00
Nonresident 7 Day King Salmon Stamp .......... $30.00
Nonresident 14 Day King Salmon Stamp ......... $50.00
Nonresident Annual King Salmon Stamp ........ $100.00

I only have about 40 lbs of extra weight available. For the return trip. It would be nice if it was all frozen King Salmon steaks and trout filets.
 
While a resident, my limit was 85 salmon during the "run" up the Kenai River. These were the Reds that usually ran 8 to 10 pounds (small for Alaska). Typical King was about 40 to 50 lbs.

First fish I ever caught up there was a halibut, about a 25 pounder and they made me throw it back in! Dude! Ended up with a 87 lb halibut on that day. It's a different world, my friends.

Nelson
 
I have received my passport. So, the trip is now a definite a go. I have also upgraded some of my gear.

Alaska Trip Gear.jpg
 
I checked the extended forecast for Fairbanks. The low's in the mid 50s the highs in the upper 60s and low 70s past the 23rd of June. Of course, that deck will be reshuffled before we arrive, but with 20+ hours of sunlight, it won't be getting cold even if it rains. I've heard that the rain gods are nicer than the wind gods. So, it won't rain because will will be there camping ;) If you have the inklin' to join us, chime and and we will get you the trip details. This is gonna be a lot of fun!
 
OK, First day from BAC TAC to Fairbanks. 700 nm the first day and something over 8 hours enroute. Started well from Col. Jabara Field in Wichita with light winds turning favorable, then not so light or favorable. Bob Schmidt and Mark Weiss in Bob's Sundowner and me and Mark's flying buddy, John Prater in my Sierra.

John Prater & Marty Vanover.jpg

Packing the airplane for this trip was interesting.

N65128 packed for BAC-TAC and Alaska.jpg

The winds were fickle and we had both head and tail wind components. There actual flying was quite boring and we decided to try for some photo's enroute.

Enroute to Alaska 1.jpg Enroute to Alaska 2.jpg

Unfortunately, I left my camera in the duffel bag. So the only pix this day was courtesy of Mark. But we arrived safely at Billings, MT and are now settled in the hotel down the way a bit. We celebrated the successful completion of the first day with a dinner and a glass of cabernet. To bed early tonight and off to Canada in the morning where we will try to meet with John's ol' school mate near Calgary.
 
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Don't worry Smithy, Mark is mostly in good hands.... his own! We are making him do most of the flying. Learned of a new hazard in Mountain flying. You have to check your landing/roll out area carefully. Here is what greeted us at Bufallo, WY:

Alaska Trip 100.jpg

KBYG had a lighting strike that took out the self service fuel. Plenty of gas, but no way to access it. Too bad, it was $4.75/gal.

I am learning what it is like flying at Sundowner speeds. Bob's Sundowner is doing well. For most of the trip today we were at 6500 ft @ 19C with 30.06" baro indicating 100 kts. That works out to 113 KTAS. Of course, I was burning 6.1 gph and Bob wasn't.
 
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While I was busy at the computer, writing a story for AOPA pilot, I heard on Melbourne Centre that two jets inbound from Sydney had suffered lightning strikes. Yes the weather here at the minute is pretty crappy. I'm desperate to fly the Mouse in order to continue my desire to keep the oil hot at least every week in order to keep my engine happy. But 40 knots winds, icing down to 3,000 feet and low cloud predicted all week means that's going to be kinda hard. I hate winter!!!!!
The plug arrived..Fitted perfectly. Thanks so much.
 
well, you all don't be surprised if Marty defects the group. I have lost count of how many 'retired' individuals I've met up here that have decided to stay up here (upon visiting) and drive tour bus x, y, or z.

So while you are working to figure out how to get back to the lower 48 with all that luggage and 3 people, 1 plane, Marty might be giving tours by day and designing floats for his Sierra by night.

;)
 
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