Alaskan Ferry Flight Photographs

 

 

         
9 April 2012: Boeing maintenance personnel load some cargo aboard the Chinook helicopters in preparation for the ferry flight to Alaska.

             9 April 2012: Boeing maintenance personnel load some cargo aboard the Chinook helicopters in preparation for the ferry flight to Alaska. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
9 April 2012: Each aircraft was fitted with an Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS II) tank manufactured by Robertson Aviation. This provided an additional 5,000 pounds of fuel (11,300 total or about 4.8 hours of flight time) for each leg of the trip.

             9 April 2012: Each aircraft was fitted with an Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS II) tank manufactured by Robertson Aviation. This provided an additional 5,000 pounds of fuel (11,300 total or about 4.8 hours of flight time) for each leg of the trip. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
10 April 2012: First light strikes the Chinook helicopter fleet on Hunter Army Airfield as the ferry flight crews prepare the aircraft for departure.

             10 April 2012: First light strikes the Chinook helicopter fleet on Hunter Army Airfield as the ferry flight crews prepare the aircraft for departure. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
10 April 2012: Sortie 1, with only three aircraft, head northwest over Statesboro, Georgia, on the first leg of the trip. Chalk 2 broke and was left behind at Hunter.

             10 April 2012: Sortie 1, with only three aircraft, head northwest over Statesboro, Georgia, on the first leg of the trip. Chalk 2 broke and was left behind at Hunter. Photographed from 08-08771, leadship aircraft 08-08764 is on the left accompanied by aircraft 10-08083. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
10 April 2012: Chalk 2 (10-08082) catches up with the rest of the flight at Fort Campbell, Kentucky when they stop for fuel.

             10 April 2012: Chalk 2 (10-08082) catches up with the rest of the flight at Fort Campbell, Kentucky when they stop for fuel. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
10 April 2012: After refueling at Fort Campbell (KHOP), Kentucky, LTC Brad Killen and Flight Engineer Rob Simpson have a conversation behind 08-08764.

             10 April 2012: After refueling at Fort Campbell (KHOP), Kentucky, LTC Brad Killen and Flight Engineer Rob Simpson have a conversation behind 08-08764. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
10 April 2012: Sortie 1 aircraft depart Runway 36 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, enroute to Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS), Missouri.

             10 April 2012: Sortie 1 aircraft depart Runway 36 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, enroute to Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS), Missouri. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
10 April 2012: Airframes 10-08083 and 08-08764 of Sortie 1 arrive at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Missouri, for fuel and an overnight stop.

             10 April 2012: Airframes 10-08083 and 08-08764 of Sortie 1 arrive at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Missouri, for fuel and an overnight stop. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
10 April 2012: Another nice photograph of two of Sortie 1's aircraft at Spirit of St. Louis Airport showing 08-08764 and 10-08083. Tim McCall is on top of 764 conducting the preflight for the next day's flight.

             10 April 2012: Another nice photograph of two of Sortie 1's aircraft at Spirit of St. Louis Airport showing 08-08764 and 10-08083. Tim McCall is on top of 764 conducting the preflight for the next day's flight. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: Aircrews and Boeing maintenance personnel arrive at sunrise at Spirit of St. Louis Airport for an early morning departure.

             11 April 2012: Aircrews and Boeing maintenance personnel arrive at sunrise at Spirit of St. Louis Airport for an early morning departure. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: Boeing maintenance personnel jumped at the chance to help prep the aircraft for flight and to put them bed every day. Their efforts were greatly appreciated by the flight crews and made life much easier for all involved.

             11 April 2012: Boeing maintenance personnel jumped at the chance to help prep the aircraft for flight and to put them bed every day. Their efforts were greatly appreciated by the flight crews and made life much easier for all involved. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: Sortie 1 departs Spirit of St. Louis Airport enroute to Sioux City (KSUX), Iowa. Weather was clear and the temperature was comfortable.

             11 April 2012: Sortie 1 departs Spirit of St. Louis Airport enroute to Sioux City (KSUX), Iowa. Weather was clear and the temperature was comfortable. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: As Sortie 1 proceeded north of KSUS enroute to KSUX, the terrain below became flat. The seemed to go on forever and got more flat the further the flight progressed.

             11 April 2012: As Sortie 1 proceeded north of KSUS enroute to KSUX, the terrain below became flat. The seemed to go on forever and got more flat the further the flight progressed. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: Sortie 1 stopped at Sioux City, Iowa, for fuel and food. LTC Killen walks past Chinook helicopter 10-08083 as the aircraft receives approximately 10,000 pounds (1,500 gallons) of fuel.

             11 April 2012: Sortie 1 stopped at Sioux City, Iowa, for fuel and food. LTC Killen walks past Chinook helicopter 10-08083 as the aircraft receives approximately 10,000 pounds (1,500 gallons) of fuel. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: Some of the Sortie 1 aircrews partake of the pizza delivered from Godfather's Pizza while at Sioux City, Iowa. Left to right around the table: CW4 Barcoe, Ken Scull, LTC Killen, Jason Jennings, Tom Miskoweic, Bobby Rhue, Tim McCall, CW4 Bruce Linton.

             11 April 2012: Some of the Sortie 1 aircrews partake of the pizza delivered from Godfather's Pizza while at Sioux City, Iowa. Left to right around the table: CW4 Barcoe, Ken Scull, LTC Killen, Jason Jennings (see 84-24174), Tom Miskowiec, Bobby Rhue, Tim McCall, CW4 Bruce Linton. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: The aircraft of Sortie 1 depart KSUX enroute to Rapid City (KRAP), South Dakota.

             11 April 2012: The aircraft of Sortie 1 depart KSUX enroute to Rapid City (KRAP), South Dakota. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: As the flight approached South Dakota, some rolling hills were encountered rather than the flat, featureless terrain, found west of KSUX. The Desert Suede paint scheme of the F models seemed to fit in OK in this environment.

             11 April 2012: As the flight approached South Dakota, some rolling hills were encountered rather than the flat, featureless terrain, found west of KSUX. The Desert Suede paint scheme of the F models seemed to fit in OK in this environment. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: On the way to KRAP, the flight flew past the Badlands of South Dakota. This impressive landscape proved difficult to capture in the midday light in this photograph. It is a must see for anyone interested in one of the most beautiful areas in the US. See it in early morning right after sunrise or late afternoon before sunset for the most spectacular display.

             11 April 2012: On the way to KRAP, the flight flew past the Badlands of South Dakota. This impressive landscape proved difficult to capture in the midday light in this photograph. It is a must see for anyone interested in one of the most beautiful areas in the US. See it in early morning right after sunrise or late afternoon before sunset for the most spectacular display. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: Another aerial view of the Badlands. While not in the National Park area itself, it is still impressive to see.

             11 April 2012: Another aerial view of the Badlands. While not in the National Park area itself, it is still impressive to see. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
11 April 2012: The Sortie 1 flight arrived at Rapid City Airport, South Dakota, in good order. It was parked on the Army National Guard ramp. During shutdown, aircraft 10-08083 experienced Ramp issues. The chain connecting the the ramp tongue broke and the flight crew couldn't get the ramp to come down. After shutdown, Boeing maintenance personnel quickly repaired the chain and once again - All is Well.

             11 April 2012: The Sortie 1 flight arrived at Rapid City Airport, South Dakota, in good order. It was parked on the Army National Guard ramp. During shutdown, aircraft 10-08083 experienced Ramp issues. The chain connecting the the ramp tongue broke and the flight crew couldn't get the ramp to come down. After shutdown, Boeing maintenance personnel quickly repaired the chain and once again - All is Well. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
12 April 2012: Sortie 1 departs Rapid City, South Dakota in the early morning.

             12 April 2012: Sortie 1 departs Rapid City, South Dakota in the early morning. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
12 April 2012: Along the way, Sortie 1 passed north of Devils Tower, Montana.

             12 April 2012: Along the way, Sortie 1 passed north of Devils Tower, Montana. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image. Fortunately, Sortie 2 (a day behind us) had a professional photographer on board and was able to capture both Mt. Rushmore and Devils Tower in their awesome splendor.

 

 

         
12 April 2012: As the flight progressed westwards we passed over some more of the most flat and featureless terrain in the US. The area below us in Montana was dotted with numerous oil wells. Looks pretty lonely from up here.

             12 April 2012: As the flight progressed westwards we passed over some more of the most flat and featureless terrain in the US. The area below us in Montana was dotted with numerous oil wells. It looked pretty lonely from 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL). Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
12 April 2012: The flight crossed over the Powder River in south eastern Montana just north of the Wyoming state line. In the distance, the Big Horn Mountains are just coming into view.

             12 April 2012: The flight crossed over the Powder River in south eastern Montana just north of the Wyoming state line (45° N 106° W). In the distance, the Big Horn Mountains are just coming into view. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
12 April 2012: On Sortie 1's way to Billings, Montana, for refuel, it passed over Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Shot through the right chin bubble window of 08-08771, this was the only photograph the flight captured.

             12 April 2012: On Sortie 1's way to Billings, Montana, for refuel, it passed over Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Shot through the right chin bubble window of 08-08771, this was the only photograph the flight captured. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
12 April 2012: Nearing Billings, Montana, Sortie 1 found the lowered ceilings and rain showers we weren't looking for. Just beyond the next ridge is the city and airport.

             12 April 2012: Nearing Billings, Montana, Sortie 1 found the lowered ceilings and rain showers we weren't looking for. Just beyond the next ridge is the city and airport. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
12 April 2012: Once the aircraft had the audacity to break (the Engine Control Unit on the Number One Engine failed), the other three aircraft sped off to Helena, Montana, leaving 771's crew all alone in the cold rain of Billings awaiting parts.

             12 April 2012: Once the aircraft had the audacity to break (the Engine Control Unit on the Number One Engine failed), the other three aircraft sped off to Helena, Montana, leaving 771's crew all alone in the cold rain of Billings awaiting parts. It was almost like having the rest of the day off. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
14 April 2012: The crew of 771 spent the night of 12 April awaiting parts. In the early afternoon of the 13th, the crew of 774 brought the requisite item and another arrived via FEDEX from Hunter AAF (now we had two ECUs). We installed the ECU and promptly headed to Helena. With our arrival, Helena's Army National Guard ramp contained eight CH-47F Chinook helicopters. We spent the following day (Saturday) conducting multiple test flights in an attempt to get the various ECUs to pass the required checks.

             14 April 2012: The crew of 771 spent the night of 12 April awaiting parts. In the early afternoon of the 13th, the crew of 774 brought the requisite item and another arrived via FEDEX from Hunter AAF (now we had two ECUs). We installed the ECU and promptly headed to Helena. With our arrival, Helena's Army National Guard ramp contained eight CH-47F Chinook helicopters. We spent the following day (Saturday) conducting multiple test flights in an attempt to get the various ECUs to pass the required checks. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
15 April 2012: Today was a Snow Day for the folks at Helena, Montana. It was a good thing we stayed on the ground. When the local pilots tell you to go to the hotel, ya just go...

             15 April 2012: Today was a dark and stormy Snow Day for the folks at Helena, Montana. It was a good thing we stayed on the ground. When the local pilots tell you to go to the hotel, ya just go... Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image. Note: We had no deice capability.

 

 

         
16 April 2012: This skies before sunrise today were bright and promising. Aircrews prepared the aircraft in short order for an 8 AM takeoff.

             16 April 2012: This skies before sunrise today were bright and promising. Aircrews prepared the aircraft in short order for an 8 AM takeoff. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
16 April 2012: Pilots discuss the weather situation prior to the flight into Canada in the Operations section of the Army National Guard's facility at Helena. Colonel Bob Marion, H47 Program Manager (on the right in the background) joined the ferry flight team in Helena as copilot on 773 bumping CW3 Ken Hoover.

             16 April 2012: Pilots discuss the weather situation prior to the flight into Canada in the Operations section of the Army National Guard's facility at Helena. Colonel Bob Marion, H47 Program Manager (on the right in the background) joined the ferry flight team in Helena as copilot on 773 bumping CW3 Ken Hoover. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
16 April 2012: Pilots discuss the weather situation prior to the flight into Canada in the Operations section of the Army National Guard's facility at Helena.

             16 April 2012: Pilots discuss the weather situation prior to the flight into Canada in the Operations section of the Army National Guard's facility at Helena. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
16 April 2012: Pilots discuss the weather situation prior to the flight into Canada in the Operations section of the Army National Guard's facility at Helena.

             16 April 2012: Pilots discuss the weather situation prior to the flight into Canada in the Operations section of the Army National Guard's facility at Helena. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
16 April 2012: The Sleeping Man formation north of Helena seen from the air upon departure and enroute to Edmonton, Canada. Local pilots will tell you, if you can't see the top of his chest then do not attempt to proceed north out of Helena.

             16 April 2012: The Sleeping Man formation north of Helena seen from the air upon departure and enroute to Edmonton, Canada. Local pilots will tell you, if you can't see the top of his chest then do not attempt to proceed north out of Helena. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
16 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes the Sleeping Man formation enroute to Edmonton, Canada.

             16 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes the Sleeping Man formation enroute to Edmonton, Canada. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
16 April 2012: Sortie 1 in the vicinity of Cut Bank, Montana. The ground below was frozen while the lakes were beginning to thaw. Outside the Sensed Air Temperature (SAT) reported by CAAS was minus 2 degrees Celsius.

             16 April 2012: Sortie 1 in the vicinity of Cut Bank, Montana. The ground below was frozen while the lakes were beginning to thaw. Outside the Sensed Air Temperature (SAT) reported by CAAS was minus 2 degrees Celsius. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
16 April 2012: Having just crossed the border into Canada, the view from Sortie 1 revealed the Northern Rocky Mountains about 30 miles to the west of the route.

             16 April 2012: Having just crossed the border into Canada, the view from Sortie 1 revealed the Northern Rocky Mountains about 30 miles to the west of the route. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: Having arrived the previous day, Sortie 1 prepares to depart Edmonton City Center Airport.

             17 April 2012: Having arrived the previous day, Sortie 1 prepares to depart Edmonton City Center Airport. Forward right is 764, left is 082 and 083 is on the right. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: The weather on the route west from Edmonton was a bit nasty with low ceilings and poor visibility. However, Sortie 1 and flight made it through the area right at minimums.

             17 April 2012: The weather on the route west from Edmonton was a bit nasty with low ceilings and poor visibility. However, Sortie 1 and flight made it through the area right at minimums. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: The skies clear up beautifully about 100 miles west of Edmonton revealing the wide open and frozen Canadian landscape.

             17 April 2012: The skies clear up beautifully about 100 miles west of Edmonton revealing the wide open and frozen Canadian landscape. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: Sortie 1 flies along Highway 43 in the vicinity of Whitecourt.

             17 April 2012: Sortie 1 flies along Highway 43 in the vicinity of Whitecourt. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: Sortie 1 crosses the Peace River just east of Fort St. John and the route would somewhat parallel the Alaska Canada Hiway (ALCAN). The ALCAN begins at Dawson Creek, British Columbia and ends at Delta Junction, Alaska. From this point onward, the flight would remain close to the ALCAN in case the need arose to land for any reason.

             17 April 2012: Sortie 1 crosses the Peace River just east of Fort St. John and the route would somewhat parallel the Alaska Canada Hiway (ALCAN). The ALCAN begins at Dawson Creek, British Columbia and ends at Delta Junction, Alaska. From this point onward, the flight would remain close to the ALCAN in case the need arose to land for any reason. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: The view from showing the northern Rocky Mountains. In this photograph a peak resembling the Matterhorn appears.

             17 April 2012: The view from showing the northern Rocky Mountains. In this photograph a peak resembling the Matterhorn appears. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: Sortie 1 continues north westward along the ALCAN.

             17 April 2012: Sortie 1 continues north westward along the ALCAN. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: Sortie 1 continues north westward along the ALCAN with the the Northern Rockies in the background.

             17 April 2012: Sortie 1 continues north westward along the ALCAN with the the Northern Rockies in the background. Lead aircraft 764 is on the right followed by 082 then 083. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: Sortie 1 approaches Fort Nelson, Yukon Territory, for fuel and an remain overnight (RON) stop.

             17 April 2012: With the ALCAN beneath us, Sortie 1 approaches Fort Nelson, Yukon Territory, for fuel and an remain overnight (RON) stop. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
17 April 2012: Sortie 1 on the ramp at Fort Nelson, Yukon Territory.

             17 April 2012: Sortie 1 on the ramp at Fort Nelson, Yukon Territory. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1, Chalks One and Two, fly over Fort Nelson after departing the airport enroute to Ladd Field.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1, Chalks One and Two, fly over Fort Nelson after departing the airport enroute to Ladd Field. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: In the distance are the snow covered mountains and the pass that Sortie 1 must traverse on the way to Alaska. The flight was cruising at 6,500 MSL and 120 knots. The higher we went, our airspeed was lowered so as not to exceed Velocity - Never Exceed (VNE) and to keep the rotor system vibrations to a minimum.

             18 April 2012: In the distance are the snow covered mountains and the pass that Sortie 1 must traverse on the way to Alaska. The flight was cruising at 6,500 MSL and 120 knots. The higher we went, our airspeed was lowered so as not to exceed Velocity - Never Exceed (VNE) and to keep the rotor system vibrations to a minimum. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Another satisfying view of the mountains and the pass the Flight proceeds through the pass on the way to destination. Just prior to this point, the Flight had completed a 90 degree right turn and the Rockies on on our left. We would fly north for awhile and continue along the ALCAN.

             18 April 2012: Another satisfying view of the mountains and the pass the Flight proceeds through the pass on the way to destination. Just prior to this point, the Flight had completed a 90 degree right turn and the Rockies on on our left. We would fly north for awhile and continue along the ALCAN. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: As Sortie 1 progressed towards destination flying northwest into the northern Rocky Mountains, the terrain became quite rugged. The flight stayed ever close to the ALCAN. Temperatures hovered around minus 4 degrees Celsius at 6,500 feet mean sea level (MSL).

             18 April 2012: As Sortie 1 progressed towards destination flying northwest into the northern Rocky Mountains, the terrain became quite rugged. The flight stayed ever close to the ALCAN. Temperatures hovered around minus 4 degrees Celsius at 6,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: The tilting of the rock strata in the Rocky Mountains is readily apparent in this photograph of Sortie 1, Chalks Two and Three. The ridgeline below 764 (right) is tilted up and to the right at about 35 degrees. Geologic (plate tectonics) and weathering forces shaped this area over millions of years giving it breath taking beauty.

             18 April 2012: The tilting of the rock strata in the Rocky Mountains is readily apparent in this photograph of Sortie 1, Chalks Two and Three. The ridgeline below 764 (right) is tilted up and to the right at about 35 degrees. Geologic (plate tectonics) and weathering forces shaped this area over millions of years giving it breath taking beauty. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes over Muncho Lake. Midway up the lake on the right is the freshly plowed runway. The mountains to the right of the lake is part of the Sentinel Range, which is in the most northern part of the Rockiy Mountains. The tallest peak close the lake tops out at 7,898 feet. In another 25 nautical miles the flight would turn more westward and leave the Rocky Mountains behind.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes over Muncho Lake. Midway up the lake on the right is the freshly plowed runway. The mountains to the right of the lake is part of the Sentinel Range, which is in the most northern part of the Rocky Mountains. The tallest peak close the lake tops out at 7,898 feet. In another 25 nautical miles the flight would turn more westward and leave the Rocky Mountains behind. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: On the route to Alaska, Sortie 1 passed by a few snow showers.

             18 April 2012: On the route to Alaska, Sortie 1 passed by a few snow showers. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: The route from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, was by far the most scenic. Every twist and turn along that portion of the ALCAN produced stunning views of snow covered mountain peaks.

             18 April 2012: The route from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, was by far the most scenic. Every twist and turn along that portion of the ALCAN produced stunning views of snow covered mountain peaks. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Aerial view of the scenic route along the ALCAN to Whitehorse.

             18 April 2012: Aerial view of the scenic route along the ALCAN to Whitehorse. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Another aerial view of the scenic route along the ALCAN to Whitehorse.

             18 April 2012: Another aerial view of the scenic route along the ALCAN to Whitehorse. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes over Hazel Ridge (vicinity N 60° 1' W 131° 52'). Motley Lake is visible under Chalk Two. In the distance is Teslin Lake. To the left of Lead on the horizon is Dawson Peaks, topping out at 6,443 feet.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes over Hazel Ridge (vicinity N 60° 1' W 131° 52"). Motley Lake is visible under Chalk Two. In the distance is Teslin Lake. To the left of Lead on the horizon is Dawson Peaks, topping out at 6,443 feet. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes over Teslin Lake (vicinity N 60° 10' W 132° 45').

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes over Teslin Lake (vicinity N 60° 10' W 132° 45'). Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 approaches Marsh Lake (vicinity N 60° 23' W 133° 55').

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 approaches Marsh Lake (vicinity N 60° 23' W 133° 55'). The tall peak on the horizon left of center is Mt Lansdowne (5,810'). Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 enters the downwind in the traffic pattern at Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 enters the downwind in the traffic pattern at Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 aircraft receive fuel and the crews suck down a quick lunch at Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 aircraft receive fuel and the crews suck down a quick lunch at Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: While the Sortie 1 aircraft receive fuel the Whitehorse Airport Fire Department personnel come out to pay a visit to the new Chinook helicopters.

             18 April 2012: While the Sortie 1 aircraft receive fuel the Whitehorse Airport Fire Department personnel come out to pay a visit to the new Chinook helicopters. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 departs Whitehorse and heads up the ALCAN for the last leg on the route to Ladd Field. This would turn out to be a 3.6 hour leg. In the area shown in the photograph, the flight spotted its first group of moose in a snow covered field. It appeared as if a mother moose was tending to two offspring.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 departs Whitehorse and heads up the ALCAN for the last leg on the route to Ladd Field. This would turn out to be a 3.6 hour leg. In the area shown in the photograph, the flight spotted its first group of moose in a snow covered field (the white spot to the lower left of Chalk Three). It appeared as if a mother moose was tending to two offspring. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes over Kluane Lake (vicinity N 61° 2' W 138° 20'). The tall peak at 12 o'clock has no name and tops out at 7,811 feet. The ALCAN swings around the south side of the lake and continues on the far side (west side of the lake) from where the flight is presently. Huge cracks can be seen in the ice covering the lake as large chunks begin to break up and slide up and over adjacent layers.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes over Kluane Lake (vicinity N 61° 2' W 138° 20'). The tall peak at 12 o'clock has no name and tops out at 7,811 feet. The ALCAN swings around the south side of the lake and continues on the far side (west side of the lake) from where the flight is presently. Huge cracks can be seen in the ice covering the lake as large chunks begin to break up and slide up and over adjacent layers. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 returns to US airspace by crossing the Alaska-Canada border along the ALCAN.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 returns to US airspace having just crossed the Alaska-Canada border along the ALCAN. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes by North Pole, Alaska.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 passes by North Pole, Alaska. The town proper is center left in the photograph and the refinery is center right. The Tanana River is completing break-up where the ice becomes flowing water once again. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 enters the traffic pattern on base at Ladd Field, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 enters the traffic pattern on Base for Runway 25 at Ladd Field, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 on Final at Ladd Field, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 on Final for Runway 25 at Ladd Field, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

         
18 April 2012: Sortie 1 is put to bed, bags unloaded and aircrews head to dinner and their apartments after a 7.0 flight hour day that required 13 daylight hours to complete.

             18 April 2012: Sortie 1 is put to bed, bags unloaded and aircrews head to dinner and their apartments after a 7.0 flight hour day that required 13 daylight hours to complete. The new F models are sandwhiched in between older D models that will stand guard until the aircraft quailification training is complete and the Sugar Bears are stood up. Unfortunately, for the ferry flight aircrews - this mission is over. In the photograph Boeing maintenance personnel who were on the ferry flight carry the aircraft logbooks to their new office for closeout. Click-N-Go Here to view a larger image.

 

 

          Related Information

 

          Alaska Delivery

          Hawaii Delivery

          7th Unit Equipped Fielding Ceremony

          F Model Tail Numbers

          F Model in Production

 

 

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