Ep 3. Blow It Up

The show Flying Wild Alaska is a gripping documentary series that follows the lives of the Tweto family as they operate an airline in the remote Alaskan village of Unalakleet. In season 1, episode 3 titled "Blow It Up," viewers witness the everyday struggles of the Tweto family, as well as some of the obstacles their business goes through in a place as extreme as Alaska.

The episode begins with the seasoned pilot, Doug Doherty, and his co-pilot, John Rende, preparing for an explosives mission. They will be using dynamite to clear a pass on the way to Nome, Alaska, which has been blocked by a boulder for weeks. Doug and John are undoubtedly aware of the risks that come with handling explosives, especially in the middle of nowhere, but they know the pass needs to open for cargo to reach Nome, so they carry on with their mission.

Meanwhile, in Unalakleet, Jim Tweto, the founder of the airline, is struggling with how to handle a potentially dangerous situation. The aircraft they use for medical emergencies has gone missing in the mountains. The pilot of the plane was on a solo medical flight when he lost contact with Jim. The situation is dire because the pilot is a friend of the Tweto family and they haven't heard from him in several hours. Jim decides to launch a search and rescue mission for the missing aircraft and pilot.

Back in the air, John and Doug successfully complete their mission to clear the pass for cargo shipments. The remote locations and weather conditions make Doug's job all the more challenging, but his flight crew are experts at getting what needs to be done, done. Doug lands at an airstrip in Nome, where the town is bustling with activity. Nome's population of just over 3,000 swells in the summertime due to the influx of miners, construction crews, and tourists. Doug and John take the opportunity to check out the town and do some sightseeing.

Meanwhile, two of the company's new pilots, Ariel and Sarah, are taking on a delivery mission to the remote village of Wales. Ariel is a rookie pilot under Jim's mentorship, and Sarah is one of the first female pilots to fly for the Tweto family. Flying in Alaska is something new for Sarah, and Wales is not an easy airstrip to land. However, Ariel's experience comes in handy as he helps Sarah navigate through the turbulent crosswinds in Wales.

Back in Unalakleet, tensions are rising as the search and rescue mission for the missing aircraft continue. The search team, led by Jim, has to navigate through the difficult terrain and severe weather conditions. The power lines and rough terrain make it challenging to find a downed plane. The search and rescue mission take an emotional toll on Jim and his team, but they keep looking, hoping for the best.

The episode concludes with a surprising twist. The search team locates the missing aircraft, and the pilot is in critical condition. With limited communication means in the remote area of Unalakleet, Jim must resort to desperate measures to get the pilot help. The situation is grave, but Jim is ready to do whatever it takes to save his friend's life.

In summary, the third episode of Flying Wild Alaska's first season, "Blow It Up," is a thrilling and emotional episode that captures the daily challenges faced in the extreme conditions of Alaska. The episode showcases the skill and resilience of the Tweto family, their pilots, and the community they serve. The show is an excellent blend of aviation action, Alaska's stunning scenery, and heartwarming stories of people helping each other in the face of adversity.