What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

Kenai, Alaska to Yakutat, Alaska

mbauer

Well Known Member
2019 Vacation

Took off from Kenai (PAEN) while a TFR was in effect for Anchorage. Worked most of the day and manager let me leave early at 2pm. Climbed out to 13,500 on my way to Yakutat (PAYA). Cloud cover over the Kenai Mountains as I traveled East towards Prince William Sound [PWS].
Dscn2555.jpg


Dscn2559.jpg



The clouds began to disappear as I got closer to the Sound. Just as I cleared the clouds, on the radio (monitoring 121.5) heard an order for the plane taking off from Goose Bay to land immediately due to the TRF. There was no response from the aircraft.

Beautiful sunny weather over PWS allowed easy viewing of the surrounding mountains and ships/boats traveling the Sound.
Dscn2566.jpg


Dscn2568.jpg


Cordova (PACV) was in the clear. Took a few photos of the Mudhole Smith Airfield.
Dscn2575.jpg


Dscn2582.jpg


Called Anchorage radio and gave a pilot report/position report. Weather was so good failed to ask for an update for Yakutat weather. Sure wished I had done that!

In the distance could see a cloud layer that was below my flight level. Before my takeoff from Kenai, talking with Kenai FSS on telephone they gave a Yakutat report of 3500 scattered with 6500 BKN, and OVC at 9,000.
Dscn2586.jpg


Dscn2588.jpg


Dscn2593.jpg


Dscn2595.jpg


Best regards
Mike Bauer
 
Cont

As I got closer to the cloud layer began my descent to get under the clouds. Did this because of Yakutat reporting a ceiling well below my 13,500 cruising altitude. At 5500MSL well below the base of clouds I continued my flight. Flew into some rain soon after.
Dscn2607.jpg


Dscn2608.jpg


As I crossed over Cape Yakataga visibility reduced as the rain was really intense. VFR minimum of 1000ft /3-miles was met. Noticed that the rain ended just off shore and the clouds were much higher. Deviated from my path to get out of the rain. Was able to climb back up to 3500 MSL.

Took some photos of the cloud layers along this route, showing the clouds and the mountains peeking through the different layers as I traveled along. Getting near ICY BAY the clouds began to thin. Decided to climb up to 7500 MSL to fly over Icy Bay into Yakutat. [I like altitude when crossing water in Alaska]. Yakutat was Clear! If I had asked for a weather update, could have stayed up top and would not have been in the rain!

Dscn2611.jpg


Dscn2612.jpg


PAEN to PAYA 425.7 SM in 3.0 hours.

Next PAYA to PAPG

Mike
 
Waiting for you Mike. I hope weather will cooperate and you get to our woods. An escort over NYC and a royal treatment after that is guaranteed. Please keep us updated on your trip progress.
 
Mike,

I like the sneak peek of the new design on the wing!

Looking forward to seeing the entire plane (and you) soon!

Russki, don't just escort him up the Hudson. Keep it going and chauffeur him here!

Enjoy the trip!

:) CJ
 
Vlad---let me know when you guys get close to New England---I want to join you---lunch at 7B3 (Hampton Airfield)---RV-8 Sky Goddess and John Fleurent
 
PAYA to PAPG

Quick refuel at Yakutat; 21.2 gal.

For this flight I made a aluminum aux tank that sits in the passenger seat. The tank fits between the angle aluminum that supports the cushions. By tilting the seat back as far as possible it creates an angle that the outflow line now is at the lowest point. In other words the angle creates a "sump" like area. From testing I know that the tank will feed 20.5 gallons of the 23.58 gallon capacity. Strategically placed aluminum pipe cut in half allows a smooth surface to use the seat belt and shoulder harness to secure the tank in place.

The aux tank has an outlet valve that is left in the OPEN position, relying on Van's three-way fuel valve selector to feed fuel directly into the fuel system. It gravity feeds fine, allowing the electric pump to be turned off.

Topped off both main tanks and the aux fuel tank before leaving for Ketchikan (PAKT).

Once in the air called Sitka radio for updated for Ketchikan and Petersburg (PAPG). Weather was clear in both locations. As I neared Mt Fairweather and Mt Crillion began to realize it was showing signs of getting dark earlier than it does in Kenai. Called FSS radio again and asked for Civil Twilight time for both locations.

Leaving Yakutat:
PAPG1.jpg


PAPG2.jpg


Mt Fairweather at 12'oclock:
PAPG3.jpg


PAPG4.jpg


Side view of mountains leading to Mt Fairweather:
PAPG5.jpg


Mt Fairweather and Mt Crillion closer views:
PAPG6.jpg


PAPG7.jpg


PAPG8.jpg


PAPG9.jpg


PAPG10.jpg


Next: more photos to show Alaska Panhandle Islands of the South East.

Mike
 
Kenai to Yakutat

Thx for photos, as my cousin is the Principal in Yakutak. Copies of trip @ this time will be sent to him. :)
 
PAYA to PAPG Cont.

Mt Fairweather and Mt Crillion and the horizon are amazing to see first hand, was not able to take just one photo. In other words, here are a few more of them from different angles:
PAPG11.jpg


PAPG12.jpg


PAPG13.jpg


PAPG14.jpg


PAPG16.jpg


PAPG17.jpg


PAPG18.jpg


PAPG19.jpg


PAPG20.jpg


Ok, enough of the mountains; next post will show the islands of Sotheast Alaska pan handle.

Mike
 
PAYA to PAPG cont.

Leaving the mountains behind, Cape Spencer position report and PIREP to Juneau radio. Over water again. Lots of islands to see now:

Papg21.jpg


Papg22.jpg


Papg23.jpg


Papg24.jpg


Papg25.jpg


Papg26.jpg


Part of the "Inside Passage" in the distance.
Papg27.jpg


Sun at lower angle, notice faded look of wing:
Papg28.jpg


Notice the passenger that is riding along on this flight?
Papg29.jpg


12'oclock Mitkof Island where Petersburg is located:
Papg30.jpg


My RV does not have landing/taxi lights and is a VFR only bird.

It would be dark by the time I could make Ketchikan, so decided on Petersburg for my next stop and overnight stay. The sun was almost down when I landed. Using the last of May 24th's sunlight I tied the RV to the ground.

A short .9 of a mile walk had me downtown Petersburg looking for a hotel. After talking with a young lady that was running her dog on the pathway, found out I was near both of Petersburg's hotels.

Following her directions: a right turn where the path T'd into a right and left choice, the Scandia hotel was the first I reached, using my home business license for reference soon had me with a room paying a corporate discount rate of $110 total for a night stay.

Story continues with photos of Petersburg, AK next.

Mike
 
Last edited:
PAPG Petersburg, Alaska

Petersburg is a very quiet fishing community! Bed was comfortable and room was nice with a third story view of downtown and the docks. Set alarm for 0430 planning to leave after breakfast.

After showering the sleep away, immediately cranked up laptop and began looking at weather. Petersburg was clear, however winds were not looking good for a tailwind along my intended path to Bonners Ferry, Idaho (65S) Boundary County. Bonners Ferry was reporting bare VFR minimums with rain. Ok, time to look at alternate KGNG (Gooding, Idaho). Both have cheaper fuel than most places. Weather in Gooding looked better, so that became primary target.

Thinking I was making a quick call to FSS to file a domestic flight plan and get a good weather briefing, changed my plans for the day.

Juneau FSS, Justin who had talked with me the night before on my route from PAYA to PAPG, advised not to fly my route due to icing conditions over British Columbia, Canada.

To verify what he was seeing, he gave me the telephone number for the Kamloops, BC FSS. Called the number and found out that the inland portion of my flight had moderate icing starting at 5500 ft through 23,000 MSL in clouds with rain and mountain obscuration, moderate turbulence as well. Asked for the coastal weather and it was pretty much the same.

The outlook for the next day was clear skies along the coast but the inland portion near the border was forecasting lots of clouds and convection activity.

Decided to stay another night in Petersburg.

Took a short nap until 8am, got up, went for a breakfast sandwich at a local eatery. Afterwards went to my room, grabbed my camera for a walking tour of Petersburg docks. Met and talked with many friendly locals. Saturday the 25th was a pleasant time spent exploring a beautiful sunny day! Around 5pm bought a beer in a local bar called the Harbor Bar (yep fisherman style dive bar) meeting more locals and having a great time talking fishing or lack of; no fish being caught.

On the way back to my room, decided to stop in for a bite to eat at the Mexican food trailer near the hotel.

One of the best bean /cheese burrito I've ever had!

Around 8pm decided to look at the next day's weather before lights out, due to an early 4am wakeup. No, surprises here: still looking like tomorrow would be a great day for flying!

P1.jpg


P2.jpg


P3.jpg


P4.jpg


P5.jpg


P6.jpg


First thing after waking up was to call Kamloops FSS for the weather along my route to Bonners Ferry. Not good: inland lots of convection near the border with Washington and Idaho. The coast report was clear the whole way to Seattle.

Having flown the reverse route back in 2017, decided to fly it again going South this time. Planned to stop at Arlington (KAWO) for fuel. Once knowing the route, called Juneau FSS and asked for Alaska weather along the route, came back CAVU. Filed a domestic flight plan from PAPG to KAWO. Canada airspace is controlled above 13,500 MSL, so planned on 11,500 MSL for southern journey.

After showering, headed back to small restaurant for breakfast of biscuits and gravy, drank some coffee and headed towards the local hardware store that would open at 7am/ but actually opened at 8am due to Memorial Weekend hour change. Bought some better tiedown rope (blue steel) and a couple of stainless steel bowls.

Checked out of the hotel at 0815, received a ride from the hotel's airport shuttle van, back to the RV. A thorough pre-flight found it ready to go.

The afternoon before, topped off the main tanks at Temsco Helicopter FBO/Charter operations. Aux tank was still full from my Yakutat fuel visit.

Takeoff was at 0906. Flew over the bay taking a few photos of Petersburg as I turned to the South East for my heading to Comox, BC.

P7.jpg


P8.jpg


P9.jpg


P10.jpg


Ok, in the air again and heading down South.

Continues with photos and story traversing the British Columbia Coastal Mountains next.

Mike
 
Last edited:
PAPG to KHRI

This is the long leg that the aux fuel tank was made for. Photos taken at 11,500 as the Rv went from Petersburg to Hermiston, OR. 1009.2 s-miles in 7.0 hours. Aux tank supplied fuel for 3 hours and 15-minutes before all 21.5 gallons was consumed.

Did not start taking photos until in Canadian Airspace, due to trouble with radio reception from Anchorage Center. Asked for and received flight following for this portion of the route. An Alaskan Airline pilot helped relay info back and forth during the really bad reception TX/RX from Petersburg to near Ketchikan.

Pg-khri1.jpg


Pg-khri2.jpg


Pg-khri3.jpg


Pg-khri4.jpg


Getting close to Victoria Island and COMOX, BC these rivers looked like they have some tidal activity.
Pg-khri5.jpg


Pg-khri6.jpg


Pg-khri9.jpg


Pg-khri10.jpg


There was quite abit of haze as you can see in the above photos. Fires in Alberta probably had something to do with it.

More photos of the BC Coastal mountains to follow.

Mike
 
Last edited:
More Photos PAPG to KHRI

Been away from the internet the last few days.

Waiting here at KORS for better weather to fly back to Alaska.

More photos of the trip South.

More photos of the BC Coastal mountains:
Pg-khri11.jpg


Pg-khri12.jpg


Yes, they look endless but eventually they end where civilization is once again reached.

Pg-khri13.jpg


Pg-khri14.jpg


Pg-khri15.jpg


Pg-khri16.jpg


Pg-khri17.jpg


Pg-khri18.jpg


Pg-khri19.jpg


Pg-khri20.jpg


Getting closer to the USA, more photos on the way to KHRI (Hermiston, OR).

Mike
 
PAPG to KHRI More Photos:

A few more photos of the 702 miles of BC Coast that I flew.

Pg-khri21.jpg


Pg-khri22.jpg


Pg-khri23.jpg


Pg-khri24.jpg


Pg-khri25.jpg


Finally found a flat spot, although, probably not a good place to land without skis:
Pg-khri26.jpg


Pg-khri27.jpg


Pg-khri29.jpg


Vancouver Island in the far distance, water shown is called Strait of Georgia:
Pg-khri30.jpg


More photos to follow.

Mike
 
PAPG to KHRI Cont.

Here is one last photo showing the mountains to the north of the Strait of Georgia:
Pg-khri31.jpg


At this time began to receive vectors from the Victoria TERSA. Decided it best to follow instructions and not take anymore photos.

The next photos were taken while flying the highway from Seattle towards the east.
Pg-khri32.jpg


One of the things that happened during this phase of the trip; very rough running engine, was climbing back to higher altitude when around 8500 MSL engine began to run really, really bad. Thought it might be carb ice, so pulled the carb heat. Engine continued to run rough until I reduced power below 2400 RPM. Flew along at that power setting for 20-minutes, then tried more throttle, engine ran fine.

Flying along using the I Follow Road method:
Pg-khri33.jpg


Ski area east of Seattle area:
Pg-khri34.jpg


Pg-khri35.jpg


A huge convection thingy near Yakima (actually was flying between them, another one to the right side as well) Convection cell topped out well above my altitude as you can see the top most clouds is the cell I'm talking about, the photo does not show it very well. Been a very long time since I've flown convections:
Pg-khri36.jpg


Yes, this stage was very bumpy, lots of photos taken, some were blurry, made it past Yakima home run stretch to Hermiston at this time.
Pg-khri37.jpg


Pg-khri38.jpg


On the ground at Hermiston, OR. Sky was dark to the west and east. I planned to go further east, but after talking with FSS weather decided to stay the night at Hermiston.
Pg-khri39.jpg


Major thunder/lightening at this time, followed by severe cloud burst. Hermiston airport manager welcomed me. Said to park the RV in an empty T-Hanger (free) provided a courtesy car and mentioned that a local motel had special rates for pilots. All in all a great place to hide from the wet black sky!
Pg-khri40.jpg


Total flight was 1009 statute miles flown in exactly 7.0 hours; had 12 gallons of fuel remaining. Aux tank was empty (18.4 gal useable)

Next phase will be from KHRI to KBYI.

Mike
 
Last edited:
Back
Top