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Airplanes In The Wild
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Приєднався 24 сер 2023
Bush Pilots and Big Game | Larry Rivers Flying and Hunting in Alaska
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 shares the incredible stories and lessons he's learned from decades of pushing the limits in one of the most challenging environments on earth. From his audacious start in guiding-when he became a hunting guide without ever having hunted before-to mastering the art of bush flying, Larry's experiences are a testament to skill, courage, and judgment.
In this episode, Larry takes us through the intricacies of bush flying, including how to develop the critical judgment needed to safely land in remote areas. He explains the importance of approach points, understanding escape routes, and how to safely land on challenging strips. Larry also shares thrilling tales of near-misses and the techniques that saved his life.
Whether you're an aspiring bush pilot, a seasoned flyer, or just someone interested in the wild stories of Alaska, this episode is packed with insights and adventures that you won't want to miss. Enjoy this deep dive into the life and mind of a true backcountry legend.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fascinating conversations on Coffee In A Hangar!
Larry shares the incredible stories and lessons he's learned from decades of pushing the limits in one of the most challenging environments on earth. From his audacious start in guiding-when he became a hunting guide without ever having hunted before-to mastering the art of bush flying, Larry's experiences are a testament to skill, courage, and judgment.
In this episode, Larry takes us through the intricacies of bush flying, including how to develop the critical judgment needed to safely land in remote areas. He explains the importance of approach points, understanding escape routes, and how to safely land on challenging strips. Larry also shares thrilling tales of near-misses and the techniques that saved his life.
Whether you're an aspiring bush pilot, a seasoned flyer, or just someone interested in the wild stories of Alaska, this episode is packed with insights and adventures that you won't want to miss. Enjoy this deep dive into the life and mind of a true backcountry legend.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fascinating conversations on Coffee In A Hangar!
Переглядів: 9 829
Відео
I Surprised My Employee By Flying Him To A Mountain | Coffee On A Mountain Ep 1
Переглядів 3,2 тис.21 день тому
What happens when you take someone out of their comfort zone, place them on a remote mountaintop, and fuel them with caffeine? Let’s find out! In this adventure, I surprise my hardworking video editor, Josh, with an epic backcountry flying trip into the mountains of Alaska. We take off in my trusty PA18 super cub and experience the thrill of STOL (short takeoff and landing) as we land our bush ...
Wisdom from 95-Year-Old Alaska Bush Pilot | Ron Hayes Interview
Переглядів 35 тис.Місяць тому
🛫 Support Our Channel : Visit [Sport Aircraft Seats](sportaircraftseats.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 pola...
Flying Over Gross: Why is it dangerous?
Переглядів 1,1 тис.2 місяці тому
In this episode of Coffee and a Hanger, we dive into the thrilling world of bush flying and the intricacies of aircraft weight and balance. Join us as our guest, Kirk Ellis, an experienced pilot, recounts a hair-raising tale of pushing a plane to its limits and the crucial lessons learned about gross weight and center of gravity (CG). Key Topics Covered: The importance of understanding gross we...
Interview: Alaska Bush Pilot Will Johnson
Переглядів 8 тис.2 місяці тому
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, le...
How Old Timer Bush Pilots built the First Strips!
Переглядів 2,9 тис.2 місяці тому
In this episode, we dive into the thrilling experiences of landing on steep hills and the process of establishing new airstrips. Our guest shares a captivating story of landing on the bottom side of a steep hill, managing to stop within 50 feet with little tires on a tiny spot. This is a must-watch for enthusiasts of aviation, bush flying, and STOL landing techniques. Highlights: Establishing N...
He’s lucky to be Alive - Mid Air Collision With Helicopter!!
Переглядів 8112 місяці тому
In this captivating episode, we dive into a heart-stopping midair collision story with our guest pilot. From narrowly avoiding disaster to dealing with emotional challenges, this episode takes you through the highs and lows of an unforgettable flying experience in the wilds of Alaska. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a bush pilot, or someone fascinated by real-life airplane crash videos, ...
Bush Flying Secrets From Kirk Ellis | Why It's Important To Know Your Area
Переглядів 1,6 тис.3 місяці тому
In this episode of the Coffee and a Hanger podcast, we dive deep into the world of bush flying! 🛩️ Our guest shares invaluable insights on navigating the unpredictable Alaskan weather, the art of landing on rugged airstrips, and the importance of knowing your aircraft and environment inside out. Whether you're interested in becoming a pilot or enhancing your skills in bush flying Alaska, this e...
From Plane Crashes To Bear Attacks - Rob Carleson's Story
Переглядів 20 тис.3 місяці тому
Join us for an extraordinary episode as we delve into the life of Rob Carlson, who at six years old, was dropped off in the remote Alaska Range foothills in 1956. Left under the care of his pioneering step-grandmother, Rob spent the next nine years learning the true meaning of hard work and survival in the Alaskan wilderness. Rob's upbringing unfolds with tales of bush planes, daring pilots, an...
Pattern Consistency - Is it actually needed Off-Airport?
Переглядів 1,2 тис.3 місяці тому
Join us for an in-depth discussion on mastering off-airport flying techniques and safety procedures for tricycle gear airplanes. In this episode of the Coffee and a Hangar podcast, we explore essential practices such as soft field takeoffs, flying square patterns, and executing precise landings. Discover why these foundational skills are crucial for ensuring safety and success, whether you're a...
Crashes & Close Calls: Tales from Kirk Ellis 40 plus years of bush flying
Переглядів 14 тис.4 місяці тому
Crashes & Close Calls: Tales from Kirk Ellis 40 plus years of bush flying
From combat to cockpit: Veteran builds the ultimate freedom machine.
Переглядів 11 тис.4 місяці тому
From combat to cockpit: Veteran builds the ultimate freedom machine.
Aviation Safety Myths: Bush Pilot Mindset with Matt Keller
Переглядів 18 тис.5 місяців тому
Aviation Safety Myths: Bush Pilot Mindset with Matt Keller
2024 Alaska Airman's Raffle Plane | Build Update!
Переглядів 10 тис.6 місяців тому
2024 Alaska Airman's Raffle Plane | Build Update!
Interview: Alaska Bush Pilot Steve Williams
Переглядів 29 тис.6 місяців тому
Interview: Alaska Bush Pilot Steve Williams
Cessna 180 Alaska Showcase | SUV Of The Sky
Переглядів 19 тис.7 місяців тому
Cessna 180 Alaska Showcase | SUV Of The Sky
Super Cub Walkaround | Flying In Alaska Backcountry With Acme Cub Training
Переглядів 25 тис.8 місяців тому
Super Cub Walkaround | Flying In Alaska Backcountry With Acme Cub Training
Stretched Pacer - The Original Four Place Cub?
Переглядів 29 тис.9 місяців тому
Stretched Pacer - The Original Four Place Cub?
What a fantastic bird, as much as I love classic all original Pacers, that's a beautifully done and functional build. The story of doing outreach hit home though. When I was stationed up there we lost far too many to self harm.
So much wisdom in this interview. I’ve listened to it 3 times and continue to learn. Thank you!
A great interview. I guided for Pinnell & Talifson years ago, Kodiak and Brooks Range. I had the pleasure of knowing Clark Engels and Warren Cots. Flying in terrible weather was normal for us. Those were the best times of my life. The years have flown by much too fast.
I just watched this for the 2nd time now and have to say how great these videos are, keep doing what you are doing! so much to learn from guys like Steve , Kirk Ellis , Matt Keller etc etc. just the carb heat example alone is worth passing on and its something I have no discussed with a few of my fellow Pilot friends and after they all agreed with Steve's opinion on the topic and said they will start doing what he teaches. If I had that discussion with one guy just a week earlier it would have prevented a close call he had with carb heat that was blocked and actually choked out the engine at anything above an idle, it got left on during a go around resulting in the engine quitting as soon as he pushed the throttle in . luckily they landed safely and all was well in the end, but if they did steves method it wouldn't have happened.
This is the most epic interview I have ever listened to! Ron keeps the laughter rolling, and just when you think you've regained yourself, he adds another layer and ya lose it again. What a life. I aspire to experience a tenth of what he's experienced. I'm not afraid to wreck my plane Ron!!
Great advice and insight for safer flying. Thanks, keep the videos coming. Guess I better order some good seat covers from you 😊
It’s almost like you’re obligated to 🙌😂
I could listen to him talk for hours
I agree. But your belly pod helps with speed also. Are you getting 90 with out the belly pod?
Thank you , another fantastic and very interesting interview, Cheers from Canada
Thanks for listening 😀
Nice. When are you going to publish your interview with Chris Palmer (aka "Angleofattack")?
Oh man....they should teach this still. This kind of knowledge dies with these pilots.
Great interview!!
Enjoyed every minute larry.
Thanks Todd. We miss seeing you folks.
This system was invented in the 30s.... It was used by the luftwaffe in reverse for aiming bombers at London
NELSON WALKER BOMER PILOT WAR WAR 2 HE WAS BUSH PILOT UP IN ALASKA AFTER THE WAR
Keep working the angle of interviewing these amazingly experienced folks!!! Super work. I think it will sell SC seats for you!
Larry is a legend out here! Great guy
Curious what Larry thinks about gust locks and what to do about aileron/rudder during those crazy winds
We have always carried gust locks when we leave for the bush. Origionally each of them were simply a couple of 3" diameter padded plywood disks connected togther with a short section of all-thread which we fit into the slots between control surfaces structure. They eveolved through the years as we attempted to cut weight and size while mainting function. At this point in my life it seems I have settled on the Atlee Dodge Piper Gust Locks p/n: AD18-GL . However, when headed out into the back lot where high winds are the norm (provided that I have adquate free baggage space) I usually stuff my spoiler wing covers into the back. They are too darned bulky but they do destroy lift and provide gust lock proection for ailerons and flaps in high winds. I believe Alaska Wing Covers carries them and probably others as well. - Larry Rivers
@@PATKcubdriverThis and good job on the interview Larry!!! It’s always cool hearing you talk about your experiences.
In a turn, within a canyon, you are unable to see a horizon because it is not there. Of course if you are inadvertently climbing, you will be losing airspeed and your altimeter will be increasing. I always referenced an electronic artificial horizon I installed as "insurance" to assure me I was actually descending. I always planned to unload the wings in the turn which means I planned to descend a little in the turn- this would decrease the tendency to stall. I also made sure I was coordinated in the turn. It is said if the wings aren't producing lift, they can't stall.... The cub can make a 180 degree turn with a very small radius if the wing loading, attitude, airspeed and bank angle are optimized. I practiced in a canyon that I knew I could turn around in-and one other thing- you have to always consider cross winds in a canyon. You don't want to turn downwind but rather into the wind- this decreases the ground track (radius). And of course in a strange canyon, you always want to fly down the canyon, not up, so you are not forced to make an emergency 180!
Tell us about your prop you are using
most amazing one yet. Life lessons right there!
I love your videos. It would be so cool to have video of these guys actually flying in and out of these strips that they are talking about. It's one thing to watch STOL competitions but watching these guys do their thing would be amazing (and far more applicable for those of us who want to fly the backcountry).
👊🏿❤👍🏿
Iam 82 and learned to fly the back country of Idaho . I love this . Please keep it up.
Back country flying in Idaho to here in Alaska, no comparison. Just saying.😉😳
Idaho flying is pretty legit. Especially back when he learned. No reason to discredit that
Thanks. We will keep it up.
I would say that @jerryogstad688 may be worth an episode.
Bethel resident here company I worked for at the time wired that hanger
One of the most enjoyable interviews that I have had the opportunity to listen to in a long time. Remarkable gentleman with the wisdom that can't be saved for others to follow. What a shame we have to learn from personal experience what this person has learned and accomplished during his wonderful lifetime of events.
Boy I wish I was flying with this guy when he was younger the experience this guy has is priceless😅
Loved this video! Can’t wait for more. Have to say though, if you’d been in a skywagon, you could’ve brought a generator and an espresso machine. But then, I can’t land there. You guys are great! Keep cranking it out!
I could have done that in my cub. The thought did cross my mind
HF in a Super Cub?!!? Wow. Oceanic jets use HF to communicate to land.
He has forgotten more than 95% of pilots today will Ever know.......
I flew Beavers for Ron Hayes at Alaska Rainbow Lodge from 2001 through 2018 when he sold the lodge. Continued on at the lodge another 5 years. Ron is the real deal. We are good friends to this day. I got the job by showing up and having a fly off between me and another pilot. Ron flew ith us both, then had me fly the other guy to King Salmon!
It scares me to think this type of knowledge will be lost one day.
Love the scenery. Love the coffee experience. Conversation was really awkward. I certainly hope that was sarcastic otherwise I feel kind of bad for the guest passenger.
It’s hard to understand how any of the dialogue made it into the edit.
He’s still sharp lol “ wait this was supposed to be about the airplane wreck…” “🤚🏻it’s comin.”
Haha yea
Sometimes the algorithm blesses me. I was ready to give up after coming across the lady who cleans historic grave stones with harsh chemical-laden pink foam while wearing her hair in annoying space buns I watch YT because I enjoy learning about people who are different than me. This is one of the most interesting videos I’ve come across on here
Awesome. Thanks for watching.
We went boating out into the Bering and went to the Diamedes islands, well we decided to go look at Big Diomede, the Russian one, and when we came around it there was a Russian Coast Guard ship. We were totally ignored.
The great bush pilot Ron Hayes Polar bear hunting guide
In 1970 I worked with the State of Alaska in geology and stayed with the Ellis' (along with a large crew). Bill Ellis (Kirk's father) got an emergency call requiring him to fire up the supercub. He knew I was watching him get ready to takeoff, so while walking to the parked cub he weaved and bobbed (like he was intoxicated)- he jumped in and did a perfect takeoff. Kirk flew my son and I into the mountains a couple of times for unguided sheep hunts. What a blast!
What a great time you must have had. I’ve enjoyed reading your comments on my interviews. You should call me sometime, I would love to talk to you. You can contact me on my website sportaircraftseats.com. I’m not going to post my number on here.
One thing not discussed-but has killed many high time cub pilots- are 360/720 LOW altitude turns eyeballing a moose/sheep/naked woman. Use discipline and use a figure of 8 pattern rather than low altitude 360 degree turns. That way your eyes and brain are focused on the turn/attitude/energy and your fly by will be stabilized with a margin of safety avoiding your wake turbulence and low airspeed Great discussion filled with logic.
Yes, that’s another thing we should discuss on a podcast. Next guest I have I will bring that up. I have talked with a few about it but those interviews haven’t been released yet.
@@AirplanesInTheWild I have a very wild, unbelievable story about a friend (who died in an aircraft accident) who "airdropped" 5 gal of gas to some stranded friends on the ground.....I'll write it up when you do the circling discussion. Incidentally I very much paid attention to the "ball", especially turning in a canyon without a horizon. It is very easy to be distracted, climbing, and skidding if your heart is in your throat during the turn! Also the person in the back seat of a cub can feel uncoordinated turns better than when sitting in the front seat (you are farther from the center of mass).
I've had a low opinion of Ron Hayes for 53 years; but of course I forgive him now. On Sept 9, 1971 I flew my Aeronca Champ w/ 85 hp continental down to the Gerstle River. I intended to go sheep hunting, solo. I wasn't very experienced and only 20 y.o. I saw sheep on the adjacent mountains, so I looked for a place to land. I saw a flat gravel bar and could see the vague outline of airplane tracks, so I lined up and attempted to land. I overshot the end of the gravel bar and ended up below the landing surface in small alders and big rocks and boulders. I luckily had landed upstream or otherwise I would have gone into the river! I wasn't sure what I was going to do because even with full power the airplane wouldn't move an inch in the bigger boulders and rocks. Ron Hayes flew over me, turned and landed and he walked down to where I was standing by my plane. "What are you doing here?" I explained I was going sheep hunting but overshot the runway. He told me it was a private strip- but I told him I knew this was public land and not private (a gravel bar along the side of the Gerstle River). He said it was his strip and to not use it. Then he said if I leave the plane there, tied down, I might find sugar in my fuel tank. I told him I would shoot anybody who put sugar in my fuel. The last thing Ron said was "Tie your plane down real good because 70 mph winds come up during the night!". He turned and walked off, got in his plane and left me there stranded with my plane in the bushes below the strip. Ron's supercub had a green "greenhouse" over the cockpit and I was in awe of his plane. I managed to get my plane back up on the gravel bar by rolling rocks out of the way, cutting brush with a small saw, and using the power of the empennage as a long lever with lots of muscle. I gradually walked it up the slope back onto the gravel bar taking several hours. I rested a bit, and flew back home to Phillips Field in Fairbanks glad to be able to get out of there. But I always felt Ron Hayes should have helped me get out of my pickle but I did feel pretty proud that I figured it out myself. I no longer hold a grudge against Ron Hayes!
There are a lot of stories like this out there about many of the guides from Ron’s era. I know a lot of them were very kind and some were not. Forgiveness is a very powerful thing. I’m glad you have found it. I would love to talk to you, I appreciate the comments you have left on my interviews. You can contact me on my website sportaircraftseats.com. I’m not going to post my number on here.
Which Bern helmet is that?
Williwa. A local downslope wind best identified by a texture on the water known as “black water”, or by blowing snow. From Wikipedia: “In meteorology, a williwaw (archaic spelling williwau[1]) is a sudden blast of wind descending from a mountainous coast to the sea. The word is of unknown origin, but was earliest used by British seamen in the 19th century. The usage appears for winds found in the Strait of Magellan, the Aleutian Islands and the coastal fjords of the Alaskan Panhandle, where the terms outflow wind and squamish wind are also used for the same phenomenon. On Greenland the word piteraq is used.” “The williwaw results from the descent of cold, dense air from coastal mountains in high latitudes. Thus the williwaw is considered a type of katabatic wind.”
Good Lord these are so damn good!!
Yup, Mr. Affraid of heights <--- is back for another badass podcast!
Welcome back. We are happy to have you
Fukushima water is doing a number on Alaska it's horrible....
Good video, nothing like beautiful scenery and strong coffee...
sounds like paradise hard work but worth it!
Steve is great!! Always love flying with him, always learn something.
Great interview and content, i love to hunt and have been in Hunting in Alaska several times and when you can reach out to a Owner Guide Named Sam Fiejies Names Fejes Guide Services LTD from Cordova Alaska, he’s flown me into some interesting paces to hunt Moose and Mountain Goats, you would get a great interview with over 35 years of home as a guide outfitter flying his Super cubs and Beavers. We landed on a glacier with my wife and it was a Beautiful experience. Keep up the great content and mush success with your seat cove business. I have been a helicopter pilot for 24 years and got my fixed wing 4 years ago and decided to but a carbon Cub and love to fly it. Thanks Maurice Cayon
The career this dude had is the ultimate adventure... good uninterupted interview , thanks, plus he had to please high end clients...