|
|
"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
|
The Last Frontier of Flying
|
|---|
| Parent(s) |
Container
|
| Contributor | ArmyDem |
| Last Edited | ArmyDem Apr 15, 2008 08:47am |
| Logged |
0
|
| Category | News |
| Media | Newspaper - New York Times |
| News Date | Tuesday, April 15, 2008 02:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | By WELD ROYAL
Published: April 15, 2008
A few gravel streets wind through Kake, a Southeast Alaska coastal village of 536 people, and connect to miles of logging roads. Twice a week, marine ferries provide service to other rural communities, but the only fast way in or out of Kake is by small plane. The same is true for most Alaska communities.
The state covers 656,425 square miles, but has only about 14,368 miles of road. As every real estate appraiser, oil company executive, itinerant minister and F.B.I. agent who flies on business to remote parts of the state knows, that leaves one option: bush pilots.
Think New York City taxi driver crossed with Charles Lindbergh. Bush pilots have a financial incentive to deliver passengers quickly in most weather conditions while dodging obstacles on the way.
That mix can make small plane travel hazardous, as National Transportation Safety Board aircraft data show. Fast- changing storm systems, rugged terrain, errant wildlife, rudimentary landing areas and inexperienced pilots all contribute to dangerous conditions.
From Jan. 1 to April 1, the N.T.S.B. investigated 11 accidents that resulted in 7 deaths. In preliminary reports, the N.T.S.B. staff cited an array of reasons for the accidents, including an open baggage door, loss of engine power, bad weather and malfunctioning plane skis. |
| Share |
|
|
2¢
|
|
| Article | Read Full Article |
|
| Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
|
