For those whose flying experience is thus far limited to large jetliners carrying several hundred people, there's something special about climbing aboard aircraft carrying as few as four passengers to see Mt. McKinley, Prince William Sound, icefields, glaciers, fjords and wildlife on and off shore. Pilots with extensive experience in the tour area often double as tour guides, pointing out areas of environmental and historic significance. Going anywhere in Alaska by small aircraft, on business or for pleasure, offers a great view of the Great Land. The opportunities are boundless, but remember that all flight plans are subject to weather conditions suitable for flying. Alaska pilots are particularly sensitive to the need to avoid troublesome weather, from wind storms to whiteout.
Some companies offer trip alternatives, such as river running, in the event of bad weather.
Flightseeing is easily combined with trips to remote fishing lodges or backpacking departure points in wilderness parks. Popular flightseeing tours include Mt. McKinley, with breathtaking flights around the highest mountain in North America. One firm offers tours in nostalgic DC-3s, complete with 1940s beverage service, vintage magazines and big band music. Others, knowing the patterns of sea and land mammal populations, specialize in wildlife tours, a bonus for avid photographers. With advanced planning, wilderness tours with experienced pilots can be booked just about anywhere in Alaska.