F 22

Problems with the F22 keeps it grounded with much consternation. Was it carbon monoxide? However, the F22 arguably claims to be - and I agree - the most beautiful plane in the sky -- no more Darth Vader look. It may not be in combat yet, but it sure feels good to have it guarding Alaska -- no more intruders! The Alaska pilots who fly it, love it. I get a visceral feeling seeing it up close in the air or on the ground.

Alaska flying fatalities continue at record levels. I would blame the lack of instrument training of all Alaska pilots especially lodge pilots and part 135 operations. Fifteen minutes of IFR to or from a location when caught by weather was once encouraged and legal providing the pilot was IFR current. The PI no longer checks IFR currency and in fact the FAA discourages it in single engine planes.

Eliminating IFR in single engine operations, however, does not eliminate the instrument meteorological conditions frequently and  unavoidably encountered. How often have I heard on the common frequency from the lodge pilot, "It's down to the grass" when describing fog on the Peninsula. Fog is predictable but not it's sudden appearance or it's evolution into a solid cloud cover. The FAA would do well to insist on  IFR training for all Alaska pilots, and while we are at it, common availability or caching of fuel in remote locations.

Off the subject, I've got a job, well as of last spring and in Anchorage anyway. That's the good news; but a 220 mile commute, that's the bad news. Wish I still had 3654 Charlie. She would turn four hours into one. I'm now assisting in the Alaska WWAMI program of freshman medical education at UAA. I'll share more when I know more.