Alaskan Winds (Ops Center)
FBF001 - Executives - Part 1, 2, 3 - PANC-AK44-0AK6-PANC - Printable Version

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+---- Thread: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1, 2, 3 - PANC-AK44-0AK6-PANC (/showthread.php?tid=73)

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FBF001 - Executives - Part 1, 2, 3 - PANC-AK44-0AK6-PANC - JoaoPaz - 08-31-2025

So Frank Seigler had me departing PANC this morning for the first leg of this three-part mission - the positioning flight to pick up three execd at Talkeetna Village Strip.

As soon as I departed from Anchorage weather was cooperating nicely, good visibility heading north. The direct route took me right over some beautiful Alaskan terrain - always love this stretch, following the Susitna. Like hinting at the next Iditarod there it was, the Willow Lake as I was flying by Willow PAUO - from where many races take their official start. (...in few months!)

About halfway there I could see Talkeetna in the distance, that little strip nestled in the valley. Radio was quiet, no other traffic around, so I set up for a straight-in approach. 
Wind was right down the runway, couldn't have asked for better conditions.
Touched down smooth and spotted the three guys in suits right away! 

Frank's coordination was spot on, they were expecting me at exactly the right time.
Quick turnaround, got them loaded up with their bags. They seem like regulars on this route to Victory, very businesslike but friendly enough. One mentioned something about quarterly reviews - sounds riveting!  Big Grin

Ready for leg two - should be a quick hop over to Victory Strip!

(actually I took this flight twice as I forgot to bring my camera on the first one!  Big Grin )

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RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1 - PANC-AK44 - JoaoPaz - 08-31-2025

Visual report continued!


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RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1 - PANC-AK44 - Paul_Kane - 09-07-2025

Wonderful pirep and excellent pictures!!

Thanks for sharing  Heart

RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1 - PANC-AK44 - JoaoPaz - 09-07-2025

(09-07-2025, 02:16 AM)Paul_Kane Wrote: Wonderful pirep and excellent pictures!!

Thanks for sharing  Heart

Thank you, Paul!
This was my very 1st X-Plane (12) flight - so it's all stock so far, scenery and plane.

I can't wait to hop on the next leg - but this past week has been really busy (real life chores!)

RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1 and 2 - PANC-AK44-0AK6 - JoaoPaz - 09-08-2025

FBF001 - Executives - Part 2 - AK44 to 0AK6

So! I'm ready for some fun and am even gonna be paid by my buddy Execs!  Big Grin
Got them settled in, tied down the bags, and we were out of Talkeetna by 1800 local. 

The late-day sun was throwing that golden glow across the ridges - spectacular stuff!
Weather on this leg was a little more “Alaska” than before: scattered layers over the foothills and low clouds sneaking through the valleys. 
We climbed steadily and leveled off at 9,500 feet, right where I wanted us - high enough to clear the rough stuff comfortably!

About twenty minutes in, the Susitna Basin fell away behind us, giving way to rugged country - steep ridges, deep shadowed valleys, and endless folds of wilderness rolling out to the horizon. 
Couldn’t help but sneak a few glances and photos outside; this place never gets old  Heart  
The passengers, meanwhile, seemed less enchanted - ties loosened, hair a bit wild from earlier turbulence, talking in low tones about “Q3 projections” and “board expectations.” 
Life at 9,500 feet, corporate edition  Rolleyes

The approach into Victory was one for the books. As we dropped into the valley, the sun slipped lower spilling fire across the peaks and soon we had the strip in sight.
Smooth descending, lined the Maule up, and kissed the runway good night - soft enough that even the nervous exec in seat two gave me a nod.

Shutdown complete, paperwork tucked away, and before I knew it, they were off - phones already glued to their ears before boots hit the gravel. For me, though? Just another perfect reminder why I keep coming back to fly this country.

One more leg left on this assignment — and honestly, I’m hoping it will be as unforgettable as today! 

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RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1 - PANC-AK44 - JoaoPaz - 09-08-2025

(continued)


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RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1 - PANC-AK44 - Aharon Dayan - 09-09-2025

(09-07-2025, 12:38 PM)JoaoPaz Wrote: This was my very 1st X-Plane (12) flight - so it's all stock so far, scenery and plane.

And all the time I thought you were using new computer with new MS2020 or MS2024 for first time.

I am surprised to see how good XP-12 is!!

RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1, 2 - PANC-AK44-0AK6 - JoaoPaz - 09-09-2025

No, it's XP12 and I agree it looks super.
Scenery is all stock. The Cessna is default also and the Maule is payware.
Bought a download copy and that was really a nice deal.

RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1, 2 - PANC-AK44-0AK6 - JoaoPaz - 09-14-2025

AW001 M7 20250914 FBF001 050

With the execs squared away, it was time to wrap up the assignment — the return leg back to Anchorage. 
Off Victory by 1830 local: just me and the Maule.
Picked up the Susitna River and headed south; to my left, the Alaska Range in full glory! The peaks catching the last rays of sun... The light was pure magic!

At 7,500 feet, the ride was smooth, the horizon crisp. 
The cockpit — my true "office" - was filled with the steady hum of the engine. 
No chatter on the radio almost 'til the end, no passengers in the back, either!

Anchorage came up sooner than expected — a quick 0.8 hours in the logbook. 
Straightforward approach and assignment complete, thank you Frank!
Three legs, one long Alaskan evening, and plenty of memories etched into the log. This is why I'll always come to Alaska!

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RE: FBF001 - Executives - Part 1, 2 - PANC-AK44-0AK6 - JoaoPaz - 09-14-2025

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