VFR to Russia (In Memory of Bob Axsom)

[dave4754]

The adventurist in us all Vlad!

Enjoy your trip and know that half the RV community probably wishes we were your copilot.

Dave
p.s. Villeneuve AB is a nice stop on way back. No food just gas

[Lycosaurus]

Vlad,

You could make a mint selling access to chapters of your life. Can't wait for next installments of your trip photos.

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by Lemmingman

Vlad, when you get a chance, can you explain the tie in with Bob?

I have a deep respect for Bob Axsom. I couldn't say it better then Paul Dye...

The next time you turn on your GPS and see a terrain map....or look at your Synthetic Vision on your fancy EFIS....I want you to think of Bob Axsom. Bob was an important engineer at JPL when they built a radar system called SRTM (Space Radar Topography Mapper). We flew that monster payload on STS-99 and mapped (topographically) all the dirt on the planet between 60 degrees North and 60 degrees south. That data set will serve as the basis for ALL topographic mapping for the next 100 years.

Bob was instrumental to making that work. A racer? Yup - he did that too - but I will be forever grateful for what he did before he retired.

Bob already knows the way to Heaven - he helped map it.

Bob made a trip to Russia I never forget his story about care and hospitality. I thought if I ever make it to Russia with my homebuilt it will be in Bob's honor. Dedicated to a man of focus, knowledge and discipline.




... I was looking for a place to land. You can hold it only for so long at some age. Several airstrips marked with a cross on Canadian charts were not useable. I kept searching.








Elevation got higher and I had to crank the heater up. It was in low 40ies.





Here we go. Unmarked, uncharted, desolate. My kind of airstrip. Summit near Mt. Klappan.





Bears already marked the sign.





A pitstop, a quick shot I was here and out. Atlin Lake is my next and final stop for today. Greg Arehart's retreat.





Impressive scenery on the way. Who the heck blew out the top of the mountain in the middle of nowhere? Otryad of B52s couldn't do damage like this.





The closer to Greg's the more impressive geological formations. Professor definitely did his homework before choosing place for the dacha.

[Vlad]

I still had enough gas to loiter over Llewellyn Glacier.







Greg and Julia's cabin is just minutes from the glacier. The old drill goes like this I buzz the cabin Greg sees me, I acknowledge his hand signal and fly to the airport. He comes and picks me up...





Yes, comrade Professor, it's me again and now you are a part of all this vladventure.






I relayed him my crazy plan of flying VFR to Russia but he didn't look overly surprised. He just regretted he didn't have his RV9 here at Atlin. Otherwise I would get a real escort-and-recovery ship.

[jbDC9]

Originally Posted by ronschreck

I'll be living vicariously through you for a bit. I've always wanted to make a trip like this but life seems to always get in the way.

Exactly... heck, my idea of a grand adventure is to fly my -8 from Texas to the Pacific Northwest, but it seems that life will just never let that happen. Ah well, at least Vlad shares his adventures with us!

[Chkaharyer99]

Vlad,

More please. Thank you.

[Bruce]

Vlad
You are the man

Flew races with Bob.
Glad he is still with us, everyday with what he did.
Will remember him for a while.


When are you headed to Oshkosh???

Might have to buy you ANOTHER cold beer.

You are killing us with your travel pleasures.

Liked the BEAR pics.
The 4 engine ones.
Can talk about it later.


Press on and enjoy the travels.

Boomer

[Vlad]

Greg Arehart is a fuel pump key keeper. He always fuels me on credit. I rare carry large sum of Canadian dollars but Greg believes the blank check I am leaving won't bounce. Thanks Greg.





Taking off Atlin CYSQ to Tok PFTO. Some customs coordination required if you are low on gas. I planned to clear at Fairbanks, Alaska.





The weather was good for about an hour





then not so for 20 minutes




then good again. A TFR was still in place advising of firefighting activity but the fire was already suppressed couple days ago. Passed Northway. Couple travelers I know arranged US Customs to clear here but the office is not flexible and couldn't respond on short notice. Fairbanks CBP could and I am heading there.








Stop at Tok took 15 minutes. Topped off and rolling again.








After Alaska pipeline suspension bridge it's a short hop to Fairbanks. TRSA controllers could pick you anywhere and route straight to the numbers doesn't matter you have transponder and weather or not. Alaska is a different flying world.





Customs officers were quick and friendly. Asked where I go and were honestly surprised. I told them I'll return in 5-6 days on the way back if Nome couldn't accommodate.

[Captain_John]

Russki,

I am looking forward to hearing the details this weekend!

Nice job! You are a true aviator!

See you soon, buddy!

We have a mission to perform!

CJ

[Sibirsky]

Vlad , I wish I didn't miss this trip , I had everything for it , even the Russian Visa , but life decided otherwise !
Cant wait for the whole story , I will be on premises tomorrow if you decide to Fly ...