Ep 5. Tundra Taxis

In the fifth episode of Flying Wild Alaska's first season, titled "Tundra Taxis," viewers are taken on a thrilling ride across the remote Alaskan wilderness. The episode follows various pilots and their planes as they brave extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain, and even wildlife to transport people and supplies to some of the most isolated parts of the state.

One of the main stories featured in this episode centers around the Tweto family and their airline, Era Alaska. As the only airline based in the town of Unalakleet, the Twetos and their pilots are responsible for providing essential air service to dozens of smaller villages and settlements throughout the region. With no roads connecting these remote communities to the outside world, air travel is the only way for people to access goods and services like medical care, groceries, and even fuel for heating their homes.

As the episode begins, viewers see the Tweto family preparing for a busy day of flights. The weather is already looking ominous, with heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast for the area. Despite the conditions, the pilots are determined to get their passengers to their destinations safely and on time.

One of the first flights we see is piloted by Ariel Tweto, daughter of Era Alaska founder Jim Tweto. Ariel is tasked with flying a group of hunters to a remote cabin in the middle of the wilderness. The cabin is situated on a frozen lake, and the hunters are hoping to bag some caribou to supplement their winter food supply. The flight is not without its challenges, as Ariel has to navigate through a blizzard and deal with a faulty GPS system. Nevertheless, she manages to land the plane safely and the hunters head off on their expedition.

Next up is pilot John Ponts, who is flying a load of groceries and other supplies to the village of St. Michael. This flight is particularly tricky because the runway in St. Michael is made of ice, which can be extremely slippery and treacherous. To make matters worse, a herd of musk oxen has wandered onto the runway, forcing John to circle above the village while authorities try to shoo the animals away. Eventually, the coast is clear and John is able to land his plane safely, much to the relief of the villagers waiting for their supplies.

Later in the episode, another Era Alaska pilot named Doug Doherty is tasked with flying a group of researchers to a remote research station in the Brooks Range. The station is located on a narrow ridge in the mountains, and the only way to get there is by landing on a makeshift runway carved out of the snow. Doug has to make several passes over the landing strip to make sure it's clear of any obstacles, and then comes in for a very bumpy landing. Once again, the pilots of Era Alaska prove their skill and resourcefulness as they transport their passengers through some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.

"Tundra Taxis" also features some other notable characters, such as pilot Shawn Johnson who flies a group of fishermen to a lake in search of trout, and pilot Eric Sieh who delivers a load of fuel to a village desperately in need of heating oil. Whether they're flying hunters, researchers, fishermen, or everyday Alaskans, these pilots are the lifeline for people living in some of the most remote and inhospitable parts of the state.

Overall, "Tundra Taxis" is a gripping and exhilarating episode that showcases the incredible bravery and skill of Alaska's bush pilots. Whether you're a fan of aviation, adventure, or simply appreciate people who do some of the world's toughest jobs, this episode is sure to leave you in awe.