Wisdom from 95-Year-Old Alaska Bush Pilot | Ron Hayes Interview
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
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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, Ron's tales are nothing short of legendary.
We dive deep into his early years of learning to bush fly in the rugged Alaskan terrain, mastering STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) techniques in Cessna and Super Cub planes. Ron recounts hair-raising experiences like landing on steep slopes, performing STOL takeoffs and landings in narrow canyons, wrecking super cubs and float planes, running out of fuel over the Bering Sea at night, and getting caught in bad weather.
Ron also talks about his mentor, Lee Holland, and the critical lessons he learned about mountain flying, slow flight, and off-airport operations. Hear about his harrowing encounters with the Russian military during the Cold War, his expertise in polar bear hunting, and how he navigated through low visibility conditions with early navigation technology.
If you're passionate about flying, bush planes, Alaska's rich history, or want to learn how to fly a plane and land in extreme places, this episode is for you. Join us as Ron Hayes shares his wisdom, captivating stories, and the realities of being an Alaska bush pilot.
🔑 *Keywords:* airplane, plane, Cessna, Super Cub, flying, STOL, STOL takeoff, STOL landings and takeoffs, bush plane, bush pilot, bush flying, pilot, how to fly a plane, Alaska, Alaska Bush Pilot, Alaska History, Cold War, hunting, polar bear hunting, slow flight, off-airport, airplane crash, flying IFR, Alaska.
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#BushFlying #AlaskaBushPilot #STOL #PolarBearHunting #ColdWar #SuperCub #Cessna #Aviation #Flying #PilotStories #AlaskaHistory
I start the video thinking I’ll watch half this evening and half tomorrow……. Before I know it video is at the end and wishing it was longer. Just awesome, thanks for putting these videos together and sharing them, I can’t get enough!
Thank you. Comments like this keep us going.
Same exact thing for me! Did some flying in Alaska and oh do I miss it- these were great stories. I felt like I was with you there, and could visualize all of it.
Same here!!!
Charging polar bears, Russian choppers, running out of gas, crash landings, your commercial pilot buddy breaking protocol to come spot you… this is all priceless. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for listening
Ron taught me how to fly a beaver in 2010 at Alaska Rainbow Lodge. This interview didn’t even scratch the surface of his wisdom and knowledge!
Ron is in fantastic shape for 95!!
That my friends is the definition of a LEGEND!
Casually "You're too afraid to wreck your airplane" 🤣🤣
I loved Ron saying, "I was never worried about wrecking my airplane, well I hated the financial part," LOL
"You're too afraid to wreck your airplane" This dude is the absolute shit.. Cannot get enough of these interviews.
My favorite moment in the interview hands down.
Could listen to him all day what a legend, can’t believe he is 95!
Wow. That was amazing. Well done. You let him talk and just asked some questions when you needed to. One of the best.
Thanks so much to both of you for taking the time to record this. It's a fascinating history.
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!
What a great video. In the early 70's I worked at Ray's Taxidermy, who had a top dollar guide clientele. I got to meet lots of them and some of the "Outlaws" that wanted to be Ron Hayes. Hankerd,Cusak,Stimaker,Holiday, Feges. I even met Pinell and Tolifson and Farmen. It was a great time to be an Alaskan, with the pipeline money and the state full of Texans wanting to shoot something, Thanks for bringing back the memories.
COOL, thanks for sharing
I've watched a whole lot of interviews on UA-cam but this was absolutely hands down the best I've ever seen. I am 43 years old currently in flight school I was initially concerned about the same thing as he mentioned about the plane just falling out of the sky for no reason and I also feel as though things come very hard for me however when it finally clicks I've got it with no problem afterwards. This interview was very inspiring and definitely helped my confidence. Thank you so much for this!
To live to 95 is something, to look that good and be that alert is incredible. Great guest.
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.
So glad I have been In Alaska past 43 years, and flown with some of the best bush pilots on earth! Real simple!😉👍
A lots of us. Flying cubs in Alaska Learned something from Ron
He’s so right about having a mentor
I’ve talked with him several times but this video was just awesome
I read some of the comment
No doubt he is a legend
Not knowing one time
I was looking at buying a PA 14
Looks at the book and sure enough Ron owned it way back
I called him and told him he started telling me stories after stories about that airplane
You’d listen to him without interrupting him
He’s remember everything
Amazing human being
Thanks for watching. Did you have any suggestions for other guests we should have on?
There will never be another Ron Hayes in this world. If his name doesn't mean anything to you then you aren't much of an Alaskan single engine pilot, big game hunter or adventurer. He looks and reflects like a man in his mid 70s.
He made a documentary movie in the 1960s I believe about a hunter stranded on the sea ice
Out of Kotzebue Alaska
That hunter was my father Arvid Bung Nelson
Name of documentary was North Country
He made several successful movies. That’s really cool that your father was in that
I worked for Ron in 1994 as my first job as an A&P. Quite an experience, and he helped secure a job after working for him. And what a character! He always had great stories could out work most at the lodge. Great to see he is still going strong.
“I never was afraid to wreck my plane” this guys a legend
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 interview. Priceless knowledge to be absorbed. Thanks for doing these long-form interviews and for just letting these guys talk. Great stuff.
Dad was way more 'straight laced' than any bush pilot. But he was a badass just the same. In the RCAF in the 50's and flew Chipmunks, Harvards and many others including a Lancaster! After the RCAF he flew air ambulance in the late 50s through the 70s and then onto Transport Canada and a bunch of other missions. He had just under 17000 hours.
This gentleman is so interesting and quite humble but has lived 4 lifetimes in my opinion. So with it and at that age he is my hero!!
Fantastic episode, love these oldtimer stories... the best!
Thanks for doing this interview Ron
Great Interview! This man is a full cup of wisdom and experience what an honor to listen too
What awesome stories that man has, I can't wait for part 2 and 3 and however many it takes. He should have a book written with some of his stories.
Really awesome interview, yeah wrecking planes never entered his mind it’s how you learnbush flying 😅
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.
Thank you I love these interviews they are so fascinating keep them coming!
We will!
I really enjoyed this video. Ron is a great storyteller, full of wisdom, and sharp as a tack. My father passed away a few months ago at the age of 80, and I miss his advice, wisdom, and stories. I really feel grateful listening to our elders. We can learn a lot from them.
Jimmy? This is exactly my thoughts and the real reason I’m doing this podcast. Thanks for the support. Cheers brother
Man it's so good to hear an old timer talk about my grandpa I've kinda only heard stories about him from my dad my grandpa is Nelson walker
Cool. I’m glad we could facilitate that for you
One of the first people in the world to get a license to fly. His skills and this video should be in historic archives.
Who?
I love this . this man is sharp. Iam 82 and flew the back country in Idaho. loved it.
As a longtime Alaskan who has flown around AK with great pilots over the years, this is freaking priceless interview!😉👍
Thanks Troy, great to hear from you
@@AirplanesInTheWild So great to hear an old Alaskan bush pilot! Priceless!😉👍
Ron was an artist with a PA-18, no doubt. The airplane was a tool to achieve an end, and Ron sure knew how to use it.
Wow! Absolutely could not stop watching. So much good stuff!
Congrats on a terrific interview and ,Ron,thanks for doing it.
Thanks
Daniel, you have had some great videos, but this one is the best by a good bit. I sat captivated the whole time. WOW!!! Jay T
Thanks Jay
Lake Beluga is in Homer! Don Fell is there too! Wonderful Man and great Alaskan Pilot. GREAT INTERVIEW! Keep them coming! 👍😁😂🤣
Thanks! Will do!
Ron Hayes That Name is special I remember my year of flying Bristol Bay 1990 to 2003 as a Beaver Pilot Guide A&P Flight instructor my best job was with Bill Simms 5 years working for Bill was Great.
“ive had 5 in a super cub before” I about died that’s amazing
Ron is a Legend !
More Ron please!! Fabulous interview with an amazing pilot
Another great episode. Listened to the whole thing today.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for the continued support man. When do you want to get together with us and get some filming done?
A total joy! Dan you need to bring Ron back for another one!
Hopefully will but got to get Larry Rivers on first.
@@AirplanesInTheWildLarry is a heck of a guy! I love talking to him. Looking forward to hearing the interview!
HF radio is quite interesting. I watch a UA-cam pilot 'Missionary Bush Pilot ' who also uses HF radio. I would imagine the newer HF radios dont have a wire that rolls out?
Length is critical.
The wavelength and wire length must have a specific ratio.
The US military uses these, as do ships and HAM operators. I've heard a Marine, Force Recon guy tell that one time he was tuned in, and heard a transmission from a ship in distress. He reported it, and found that it already sank before he enlisted. The radio transmission was trapped in the atmosphere for several years. Crazy stuff.
Love these stories ❤️ keep em coming 🎉
Thanks we will be
Thanks for the Adventure Ron !!!
This is the first video that I've seen from your channel.
Epic interview.
+1 subscriber for ya. Thank you!
Welcome aboard! Have have already posted several interviews with other Alaska pilots as well. Thanks for following along
Thanks Great Interview. Always great to learn from others who have such tremendous knowledge and experience!
True Legend! Long Live Ron! Most Respects
Just Love what you are doing with your pilot interviews, Great stories!!
Cheers from Canada
Glad you like them!
Exceptional episode, keep them coming.
Will do, thanks
Great stories. I worked with an old non-licensed bush pilot yrs ago.
Yea there were a lot of those.
What a cool interview with one hell-ava pilot. He is pretty humble for a guy who's seen and done what he has.. "Every generation can say they had it tough" lol
An old, bold pilot 😎 🎉
That’s hilarious and somewhat true. Bold but calculated
Yup, Mr. Affraid of heights
Welcome back. We are happy to have you
I worked for Ron back in the 80s and was lucky enough to fly with him almost every day. Wonderful pilot and story teller.
The low-frequency radio range, also known as the four-course radio range, was the main navigation system used by aircraft for instrument flying in the 1930s and 1940s. It was eventually replaced by the VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) in the late 1940s and was used for en route navigation, instrument approaches, and holds.
Excellent
I was at a bar in Talkeetna AK in Dec 1980 sitting next to a tipsy bush pilot who described polar bear hunting in Russia. He would declare May Day May Day and land and collect the bear. One time flying back just feet above the ocean, he was in a white out with the client in the back of the Super Cub with the head and skin. The client panicked and tried to climb in the front and grab control of the plane. The pilot had to fight him off. They ended up breaking a side window. The cold sub zero air froze the moisture on his eyes. The client calmed down and they stuffed a sleeping bag in the window and were able to continue back.
And just a few weeks ago I was camping at the Page Springs Rec Site near French Glen Oregon and met another bush pilot. He had flown in AK for 26 years and was now the campground host. He talked my ears off after he found out that I had owned a Cessna 120.
Amazing interview, please get Ron back on.
So cool💪💪
Nice interview! Lots of experience here. He’s right with this STOL competition. They should be loaded up.
This channel is going to end up making me buy a plane, I swear.
Let me know when you’re ready haha
This spring I was flying a wheel ski contract and a coworker and I bought some Pilot bread out of curiosity.
After choking our way through the first piece we swore we'd never touch the stuff again.
But, curiosity would bring us back and we'd choke down another.
By the end of the box, we were both quite enjoying it and would have a couple pieces each evening. Butter helped it, but wasn't required. Some sort of liquid was.
I suspect our enjoyment of the miserable stuff was actually some pilot phycology mashup of Sunk Cost Fallacy and Stockholm Syndrome.
The only time I’ve had it, it was all we had and I still hated it
Superb interview....more please....what a pilot!
He has more stories to tell! Interview him again!!!!
Totally
Fascinating!
Alaskan pride! Real simple!😉👍
Thanks for sharing!
He’s still sharp lol “ wait this was supposed to be about the airplane wreck…” “🤚🏻it’s comin.”
Haha yea
What a treasure!
You Got too have this Guy back on! Wow
Great interview
I could talk to this guy all day the slowest I ever got was 45 knots on a 172 XP with a Horton stall kit😅
The career this dude had is the ultimate adventure... good uninterupted interview , thanks, plus he had to please high end clients...
Lucky to fly with original owner of k2 Jim Okenak and Lowell Thomas Jr and many other great Alaskan bush pilots here in Alaska! Priceless!😉👍
Troy, thanks for watching. Any suggestions for other guests we should have on soon?
@@AirplanesInTheWild Bud Branham if he is still around! He and many other local pilots around lake Hood built that 1930’s something Stinson gull wi g still at the aviation museum! 1 watched them build it from ground up! Literally. This was mid 90’s!😉👍
Kitty Banner was actually the first owner of K2. Kitty and Kimble = K2
@@PATKcubdriver Yes, I was just saying Jim owned it for many years, was a great pilot plus him and his wife were such great people!😉👍
nice video THANKS
There was probably a lot of praying going on in some of these planes, great interview, I would like to hear his guiding of famous people,I've seen a pic of him with Steve McQueen..
Do more with him soon. Cover more topics!
Im afraid of wrecking my plane TOOOOO!!!!!!!! LOL
My favorite moment in the interview was when he said that. I thought wow you are looking into my soul.
Awesome
Great one… 💪
Trophy hunting churns my stomach.
Thanks
Super 1:47:51
Very educational!
Great & for any level experienced Pilot to lean from….btw, I think I missed your name…? (The Host ) Thank you!
Daniel Maccarone is the host.
@@AirplanesInTheWild thx
Gotta get to second interview
BETTER ... How could this possibly be better ? A campfire, a bottle of good Vodka, an Arturo Fuente Cigar, and not a yacky woman within 50 miles. I'd love to meet this guy and swap war stories.
Haha, funny
HF in a Super Cub?!!? Wow. Oceanic jets use HF to communicate to land.
Requesting your opinion Mr. Hayes: if a person obtained their CPL and float rating, do you think it is realistically possible to fly the bush as a commercial pilot at a more advanced age of 60-65 years old, and beyond?
(This, of course, being able to keeping their FAA medical valid).
I don’t think Ron reads these comments.
I'm trying to imagine a dogfight between an Aeronca champ and a Moonie mite...
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
Where is Constibutte, AK, I'm sure the spelling is incorrect. Was looking for the airport that was mentioned in this interview.
Kotzebue is the correct spelling
I wanna know how he kept wrecking his planes and then getting new ones...
Asking for a friend 😅
He was making a lot guiding so he had to have a plane in order to keep guiding.
He probably knew my great uncle his last name was Walker
He was a boomer pilot in would war 2