Episodes
In this episode of the Coffee and a Hangar Podcast, we're excited to welcome Adam Grenda, a seasoned pilot, big game hunter, and trapper hailing from King Salmon, Alaska. Adam dives deep into his unique journey of learning to fly in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, all under the mentorship of legendary bush pilot Ron Hayes. Adam reflects on the impact Ron had on his career, offering valuable lessons from the heart of Alaska. We explore everything from Adam’s terrifying near-crash incident...
Published 10/01/24
Published 10/01/24
Welcome to the Coffee In A Hangar Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Larry Rivers, a true legend in the world of bush flying and backcountry guiding. For over 40 years, Larry operated a successful guiding business in the rugged mountains of Alaska, where he flew his guides, clients, and gear to remote, unimproved landing strips. These strips were barely big enough to land on, and Larry flew at full gross weight, often in some of the worst weather conditions Alaska has to offer. Larry...
Published 08/30/24
🛫 **Support Our Channel**: Visit [Sport Aircraft Seats](https://www.sportcraftseats.com) for custom aircraft seat upholstery kits. Perfect for enhancing your flying experience! Today, we sit down with Ron Hayes, a 95-year-old Alaska bush pilot with nearly 70 years of flying experience. In this episode, Ron shares his incredible stories and invaluable knowledge about bush flying in Alaska. From guiding polar bear hunts in the Arctic to flying through dangerous conditions during the Cold War,...
Published 07/26/24
Welcome to the Coffee and a Hanger podcast! In this episode, we have the incredible Will Johnson, who left a stable engineering job at Westinghouse Corporation in the 1980s to become a bush pilot in Alaska. Will shares thrilling stories from his time flying over the vast Alaskan wilderness, including a daring rescue mission in the Bering Sea. Will talks about his early days as a green pilot, learning the ropes the hard way, and using his ingenuity to navigate challenging situations. One such...
Published 06/28/24
At the age of six years old Rob Carleson was dropped off at a remote cabin in the foothills of the Alaska Range with his step-grandmother. In this video, he recalls the incredible stories of survival, subsistence, and the unique state of off-airport aviation that persisted during his childhood.
Published 06/13/24
Kirk Ellis portrays growing up in the remote wilderness of Nabesna Alaska. He describes what challenges followed that lifestyle, and the benefits that bush aviation allowed his family. He recounts stories of recovering wrecked airplanes, and flying them to civilization. He describes the challenges of flying in the terrain he grew up in. He contrasts what past vs present off-airport aviation, hunting, and guiding looked like.
Published 06/13/24
In this video Matt Keller with Blue Ice Aviation provides valuable information for how to transition to Mountain flying. He provides unique scenarios, and lessons, which demonstrate how to adapt to the unexpected conditions that bush Alaska will throw your way. Matt also recounts memories of his past, such as flying with his father in law, legendary bush pilot Mike Meekin. Matt also unveils an exciting new project he's been developing, a Glacier hut getaway in the Chugach Mountains.
Published 06/13/24
In this video, Steve Williams with Acme Cub Training teaches the best practices to safely transition to off-airport flying. He delves into the dangers of going around, explains how to properly prepare for an engine failure, and what habits you should train to make your off-airport adventures safe. Steve also shares some incredible stories of his past. Such as herring spotting in remote bush Alaska, the dangerous trade of transporting hunters, and how he flew the longest distance ever in a...
Published 06/13/24