Misc Tips

  • As of the spring of 2020, you do have to have a current 3rd Class Medical.  Canada does not recognize Basic Med.  AOPA is working on this issue.
  • Research whether your AOE (airport of entry) charges a landing fee–many medium to larger Canadian airports charge landing fees.  Find one that doesn’t by checking in the CFS (Canadian Flight Supplement).
  • Very few, as in almost none, airports in Canada have courtesy cars.  Plan accordingly!  A taxi from Watson Lake, for instance, is $20+ due to the distance from airport to town.  Sometimes, if you’re courteous (and lucky!) you might be able to offer someone at the FBO gas money to borrow their car to get lunch or supplies.
  • Some sites, e.g. BackcountryPilot–BCP–(link) created a map/list of pilots along selected routes who welcome fellow pilots to stop in, perhaps even spend the night, share a hangar or wait out weather.  Here’s a map from BCP–you’ll need to join the site to be able to private-message these generous, fellow pilots.
  • You do not need 12 inch aircraft identification numbers/letters (U.S. to Canada/Alaska) as you are not crossing an ADIZ
  • Check with your credit card company to insure whatever card(s) you bring do not have international fees (e.g. Canada).
  • If possible, bring at least one VISA and one MASTERCARD–why?  Because I have seen the odd situation where a self-service fuel dispenser would only take one or the other type
  • I’ve never felt the need to convert U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars.  Credit cards work (almost) everywhere.  If you do need to use cash, Canadians are happy to take U.S. dollars–and I’ve always been able to give them the equivalent dollars at a recent exchange rate conversion.
  • While there are always places to plug something into when you land at an airport, I find it super handy to have a multi-USB port charger–one plug supplies many USB chargers, e.g. one like this
  • The other item I bring is a lightweight, 20,000 mAh, power bank like this
  • Though I’ve rarely had any problems (luck?) with annoying mosquitoes, when you do you will REALLY appreciate at least a mosquito head net (link)  Camp/hike somewhere with a good breeze (e.g. the coast) and you won’t need it.  But…
  • Of course, plenty of mosquito repellant & mosquito clothing (many vendors)…as a minimum mosquito hat
  • Good overall trip planning page by an Alaskan Outfitter link
  • Coordinate with your cell phone carrier–sign up for the optional Canadian voice/data service (typically only $5/month).
    • Also, if you’re going somewhere more remote, e.g. McCarthy, it pays to check ahead of time to verify you will have service.  No, it isn’t as simple as just “roaming.”  For instance, if you don’t have Verizon, you have ZERO cell service in/around McCarthy.

Tie-Downs

Bring your own tie-downs!  More and more airports are removing all ramp tie-downs.  Some horse-hockey about liability.  In the backcountry of course you need your own.  I use FlyTies (link).  This is yet another topic sure to engender endless debate amongst pilots!  Many other brands out there.

For instance, other brands: Stormforce (link), The “Claw” (link), etc.  Several articles on EAA (link).

General FAQs

When to Travel

People often inquire, “Which month has better weather?”  You can find many different historical climate sites telling you average rainfall/temps/etc for any given location.  But every year is totally unique.  For instance, August 2018 was in large part an extremely rainy month throughout SE Alaska; August 2019 was pretty much totally dry.

June & July are typically drier than August; June and July are peak mosquito season (though I’ve never had issues in any month per se).  Late August into early September 0ffers generally dry weather with gorgeous fall colors–yet the morning temps are trending downward to there even being snow (at least at higher elevations).  Into September it gets dark enough for a few hours that, of you’re lucky, you have a good chance of seeing Northern Lights (as I did in 2019).

Yes, weather does often dictate, or at least narrow down, your options.  Nonetheless, with schedule flexibility and patience, weather can (and often should) be “waited out.”

2022 Comments:  Late May and June set records for sunshine throughout the SE coast of Alaska.  August set records for the wettest month in this history of record keeping in the Anchorage (and SE Alaska) region.  Those records were set by the 20th of August!  The month wasn’t even over.  Yakutat had over 8″ of rain (Yikes!!!) in one Thursday evening to Saturday morning period!  I was in SE Alaska during mid August.  I spent quite a few days either sitting out the weather or flying in marginal conditions.  Yet, I still feel that the weather one experiences when one travels is, to a large degree, luck (or bad luck)…

2023 Comments: The previous year (of course 2022) May and June were mostly clear–beautiful weather.  Then later in 2022 July and August seemed to have endless rain.  This summer, 2023, it was exactly the opposite–rain May-June and great weather July into (at least) early August.  Go figure.

Two Key Questions To Ask Yourself

  1. What is your comfort level flying over remote terrain?  In other words, do you only want to fly over/near roads?
  2. Do you enjoy and are you willing to camp, or are you looking for a motel at every stop?

Even if you want to be over/near a road for the majority of your trip, there are still a few alternative options that open up very interesting scenery.  Willingness to camp does open up more options though!

Wheels vs Floats

Many people wonder which is best.  However, there is likely no “best” answer.  Both are optimal for this or that area.  Bill Rusk (links to his trips here) has flown in Alaska on both wheels and floats.  If you want to explore the many fresh water Forest Service cabins in/around SE Alaska floats are a must.  Similarly if one wants to explore in SW Alaska, there are many lakes and rivers where floats are also a must.

Wheels–bushwheels to be precise–are essential if you want to land on the innumerable gravel bars and backcountry strips within Wrangell St. Elias National Park.  Likewise, there are endless gravel bars all over Alaska–especially in mid to late summer.

Personally, I think there are slightly more options open for wheels.  But, having said that, the float aficionados will begin jumping up and down!  There is no right answer to this question.

Have both available, as Bill Rusk does, and one month visit places on wheels.  Then switch to floats and explore elsewhere.  Let us know of your experiences please!

Trip Length

Several factors influence how long of a trip you’ll want to plan for:

  • How fast your plane is–a 95 mph Super Cub takes a full day to travel what a 200+ mph RV can do in a few legs
  • Your bad weather tolerance.  With still healthy safety margins in mind, do your personal minimums allow you to prudently press on in light rain, or for the pleasure of long-distance views do you only want to fly in good to excellent weather?
  • Are you pressing on with the single-minded purpose of the final destination (e.g. Anchorage) or, do you want to take side trips and perhaps follow the variations proposed by local pilots you might have occasion to talk to?

As a minimum, with all the above taken into consideration, I think 3 to 5 weeks is a good starting point.  Other pilots agree re the min 3 week timeframe (see other pilot report links below).

Fuel Stops

This isn’t the lower-48.  There is often a LONG distance between fuel stops.  My personal rule is to always fill up, even if the next (planned) leg isn’t that long.  Weather changes fast in these mountainous and coastal areas.  You might have to turn back when you’re 1/2 or 2/3 of the way to your destination–plan on the safe side!

2022 seemed to be, well, perhaps unusual regarding fuel availability.  Watson Lake, for instance, was out for several days.  I had reports of other frequently visited locations out of fuel for day(s).  Based on 2022, suggest you check both NOTAMS (CFS too in Canada) as well as calling ahead to your preferred fuel stops to verify availability.

Emergency Equipment & Supplies

AOPA has an excellent document covering survival topics.  Information specific to Alaska is included.  For example, links within the document touch on Aviation survival skills, water purification, Alaska’s emergency equipment statute, post crash care and assembling a survival kit.

Alaska has a statute regarding minimum equipment.  Here is a link: Req’d gear  I was actually asked about these requirements by a Canadian Custom’s agent this summer–more out of curiosity on their part than checking to see what I had on-board.

There are a ton of websites, classes and books on backcountry emergency preparedness and supplies.  Read a few.  Assess what you believe is prudent and pack/plan accordingly.

Garmin inReach

As a minimum, a reliable emergency satellite GPS with two-way communication is a MUST.  I personally like the Garmin inReach Mini for several reasons:

  • The inReach uses the Iridium satellite network, which has better satellite access in the Northern latitudes (vs the Globalstar [SPOT] & Immarsat satellite networks).  You can Google coverage maps & user reviews.
  • The inReach allows me to send and receive text messages.  For example, if I need a new tailwheel spring, I can text someone.  Previously I would have had to press the SOS button when I don’t actually need a rescue.
  • I like the inReach’s various subscription plans, especially their “Freedom Suspend Plan” which allows me to pay month-by-month versus annual-only fees.

Other GPS Device Comments

  • Having used both a SPOT & inReach for several years each, I believe the user interface is slightly better with the inReach.  I also prefer their shared map features (where you’ve been) over that of SPOT
  • These devices allow you to have a number of pre-set messages.  I have the following presets, only requiring a minimum of button pushes: “Taking off [coordinates],” “Landed Ok [coordinates],”
  • I also have this custom text stored/associated with the SOS button on my device: This device is ONLY used for aviation. If SOS is rec’d please immed contact the NOAA rescue center @ 800-851-3051″
  • Another device, often used more by commercial operators, is the Spydertracks.  Link  I’ve used this as well.  More expensive.

Other Emergency Items

One item in my personal emergency kit is this super  lightweight water purifier (link).  MSR makes a whole line of proven-effective water purifiers.  Choose wisely!

FAA Alaska Enhanced Special Reporting Service (eSRS)

Enhanced search & rescue services are now available in Alaska.  AOPA, along with other groups, worked with the FAA in Alaska to develop this eSRS service.

Satellite assisted tracking service: Introduction (link).  Also, an FAQ introducing this service.  Finally, this is a PowerPoint style presentation, “Flight Service Station pilot briefing” (link here).

eSRS enhances search and rescue by linking your emergency GPS device to your current flight plan.

Alaskan Master Flight Plan Program

The master flight plan program was established for the owners/operators of aircraft in Alaska. A master flight plan is intended to record static information on an aircraft, not on a pilot. Only one master flight plan, therefore, will be accepted per aircraft from the owner/operator.  Here is an overview of the program from the FAA website (link here).  Here is page 1 and page 2 of the form.

One first registers their inReach, SPOT or Spidertracks (typically commercial operators have Spidertracks) with the Alaskan FAA office (see page 2 link above).  eSRS does not replace the standard flight plan.  After completing the applicable data fields in the form use an email button to send it to the appropriate Flight Service Station. It may also be sent via FAX, or mailed directly to the Flight Service Station. Forwarding information can be found on page 2 of the form.

Rental Car: Visiting Parks along your route

Question: “We plan to spend a few days visiting Banff and other parks in the area. Have you stayed in the Calgary area and have a recommended for an airport to park at? Springbank has landing fees, and a $40/night (CAD) tiedown fee. But rental cars on site and hotels nearby.”

Answer: Springbank is likely the best choice for you as you note above.  Depending on on tie-down cost/time/fuel, another option might be to clear customs in Springbank, rent a car at Springbank, then have your spouse/friend drive to a nearby small airport with low, or no, tie-down fee while you fly there.

Bear Encounters & Prevention Tips

I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind on this topic.  I am not “anti-gun.”  However, I will say that I’ve camped 99% of the time on many Alaskan trips–camped smart (food away from tent; no cooking by tent; etc) and I have never had a problem with bears.  I do carry bear spray; I’ve never carried a gun in bear country.  There is a lot of research on this topic, some of which I cite below:

Backpacker Magazine recently featured an article (link) about an experienced outdoor guide’s 1,000 mile (!!) solo trek thru Alaska’s Brooks Range.  Here’s an excerpt regarding bear safety:

  • “As far as bears go, my arsenal on this trip contained the usual—pepper spray and a whistle—along with one tool I’d never tried, a handheld marine signal guaranteed to burn sixty seconds at 15,000 candlepower to deter any bruins hanging around camp. I decided against a pistol, because they are heavy and cumbersome. Plus, a charging bear is no easy target, and as a visitor to their home, I feel it would be rude to shoot at the owner. As someone who’s hot-sauced a pesky grizzly at close range, I can testify to bear spray’s stopping power. The stretchy holster, strapped onto my pack’s hip belt, worked nicely; they call me “The Fastest Can in the North” for a reason.”

A very interesting article from a recent, 2022, grizzly encounter:  Two archery hunters out in Montana.  With both firearms and bear spray.  Article link here.

This Alaska native and frequent remote back-country traveller has an excellent website on many Alaska outdoor topics.  Here are his experienced comments on various bear deterrents (link here).

I found this article to be very insightful.  A key excerpt: “Of all persons carrying sprays, 98% were uninjured by bears in close-range encounters.” (link)

Bear Spray is legal to carry into Canada.  If you do elect to bring a gun, you will have declare so & pay a fee at the border.  Handguns are NOT permitted.  NO exceptions!  More info here (link).

Key point: Do –NOT– carry bear spray inside your aircraft cabin.  Should there be an inadvertent release–spray can gets punctured or the trigger is pulled accidently–it will be a serious emergency.  Instead, carry the bear spray on your wing strug or gear leg.  Here is a picture showing how we do it flying in Alaska.   There are a variety of commonly available straps used for this purpose (as seen in the photo).  Link to straps and a close-up picture.  Also, take note in the above strut picture–the loose end of the strap should point to the rear or be tightly secured.

National Park Service on “Bear Spray & Firearms” link

Very interesting and informative article on how best to optimally pack your bear proof food canister (link here).  The end of the article has a good summary of numerous vendors for bear canisters too.

Alaska Dept Of Fish & Game: Excellent summary page with multiple bear guideline references (link here)

Many good tips by Alaskan Outfitter (Coyote Air Service) re Bear Encounter Prevention link

Bear resistant food containers link and a container that I personally use (link here)

Interesting perspective: Six reasons to not hang a bear bag (link here)–not saying you shouldn’t hang your food up–just some thoughts to consider!

Electric Fences for Bear-Country Campers–good article here; Link to vendor(s) here

Bear Safety page by Gates of the Arctic Nat’l Park link

Outside Magazine article: link

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service study: “…since 1992, 50% of all people that attempt to protect themselves from grizzly bear attacks with a firearm were injured.  Those that used pepper spray ‘escaped injury most of the time.'” link

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has a page on firearms laws in Alaska that is helpful (link)

Backcountry Chronicles on “…Spray vs Gun” link

High Country News: “Bear Spray for Hunters–A Reality Check” link

Anchorage Daily News (covers both guns & spray well) link

Alaska Division of Parks & Rec: “Bears and You” link