Into the Wind Videos
Aviation is our way of life. For nearly a century, flight has been essential to life in Ketchikan and still remains a vital part of life in Southeast Alaska.
Illustrated here, through photography and videos, are the stories and experiences of the dedicated people that keep planes running smoothly and the communities and industries that depend on them.
Flight time from other regions does not equate to understanding the unpredictable conditions of Southeast Alaska. Flying here requires quick thinking and a familiarity with the landscape.
Whether in the tight Tongass Narrows, over stretches of sea, navigating between towering walls of granite, or landing on a mountain lake, this is a complex environment in which to fly. Knowing when not to fly is just as important as knowing how to fly, and good judgement goes a long way.
"Flying a floatplane is a different dimension; it helps to be a good boater."
- Timber Pesterfield,
Pilot, Carlin Air
Video inventory:
Alaska Floatplane Flying, 2004Film by Peachey Productions, Inc.
(00:00-06:52)
Carlin Air Pilot Timber Pesterfield Flies Over Unuk River, 2019
Film by Ryan McHale
(06:53-07:12)
Floatplane Taking Off at Carroll Inlet From Fishing Boat, 2019
Film by Hayley Chambers
(07:13-08:00)
Floatplane Taking Off From Lake
Film by Nolan Meyer
(08:01-09:04)
Flight to Terrace, British Columbia, 1969
(09:05-10:29)
Each day, a team of personnel play a vital role behind every flight. Hours of work rolled into experience and skill, to ensure the safety and comfort of each flight. They are an integral part of aviation, an unseen seat in the cockpit, and the unsung heroes of the sky.
"Mechanics are supposed to be invisible...If we are successful, nobody knows we exist."
- Bart Meyer,
Mechanic, TEMSCO Helicopters
Video inventory:
Alaska Floatplane Flying, 2004Film by Peachey Productions, Inc.
(00:00-12:41)
Water Rudder During Take Off from Unuk River, 2019
Film by Ryan McHale
(12:42-13:17)
Water Rudder During Landing on Tongass Narrows, 2019
Film by Ryan McHale
(13:18-13:29)
Carlin Air Pilot Timber Pesterfield Docks a Floatplane, 2019
Film by Ryan McHale
(13:30-13:57)
Taquan Air Pilot Chuck Perkins Loads Fish Boxes on Floatplane, 2018
Film by Chuck Perkins
(13:58-14:26)
Helicopter Delivers Floatplane
Film by Nolan Meyer
(14:27-15:05)
Taquan Air Pilot Chuck Perkins Delivers Christmas Packages, 2017
Film by Chuck Perkins
(15:06-15:29)
TEMSCO Helicopter Moving Camp
Film by Miller / Jackson Family
(15:30-15:52)
"Our community relies on aviation and the future of it."
- Ryan McCue,
Alaska Seaplane Tours
Whether it was bringing a logger to a float camp, a traveling nurse visiting her patients, or providing a charter to a family headed to a cabin, aviation has been a way of life in Ketchikan for nearly a century.
Over the years, aviation has been challenged to adapt to serve residents and visitors. Regardless of the changes that our community faces, there will always be the need to transport essential supplies, provide access for recreation, and support industries in their daily work. The many people involved in the aviation industry will continue to meet that demand.
Video inventory:
Grumman Goose at Billy Goat Creek Camp, 1971Film by Mike Suiter
(00:00-00:40)
Piano Delivery to Pennock Island, 1971
Film by Mike Suiter
(00:41-02:42)
Summer - Totem Bight - Ellis Air
Film by Larry Parsons
(02:43-03:28)
Simpson Air Excursions
Film by Miller / Jackson Family
(03:29-4:52)
Featured here are some of the local aviation pioneers, floatplane operations, families, and well known characters within Ketchikan's aviation history. These photos and stories help us better record and share the experiences and individuals that make the aviation community in Ketchikan unique.
Do you have a photo, video, or story to share? Please contact Exhibits Curator, Ryan McHale at
ryanm@ktn-ak.us