Ep 6. Greenhorn Ben

In Flying Wild Alaska season 1 episode 6, titled "Greenhorn Ben," viewers follow the experiences of lead mechanic Ben in Unalakleet. Ben is a newcomer to the Alaskan wilderness and is still getting accustomed to the lifestyle there. His mentor Erik serves as both a friend and supervisor but is also testing Ben's abilities as a bush pilot.

The episode begins with Ben having trouble with his Cessna 207 aircraft, which is one of the busiest aircraft in the fleet. Erik feels that Ben needs to gain more experience flying in the rugged Alaskan terrain before he really becomes his own pilot. Therefore, he assigns Ben to be a co-pilot with pilot Yute who is flying a de Haviland Beaver plane to nearby communities. Although Ben is still learning, he is excited to start flying and is eager to gain experience.

Throughout the episode, we see Ben and Yute making deliveries to various communities. They run into some unexpected situations along the way, such as having to make an emergency landing in a remote area because of engine trouble. This gives Ben the chance to demonstrate his mechanical skills in a real-life situation. He successfully repairs the engine and they make it back to base safely.

In another scene, Ben's piloting skills are put to the test when he flies solo while transporting cargo to a remote campsite. Although he has some trouble taking off, he eventually gets the hang of it and successfully delivers the package. The experience helps boost his confidence as a pilot, and he feels more comfortable flying in the Alaskan wilderness.

As the episode progresses, we also see the everyday life of the people living in Unalakleet. One family, in particular, is facing some challenges. A local fisherman named Alex was recently diagnosed with cancer and his family is struggling to keep up with their fishing business while he receives treatment. Faced with mounting bills and a lack of fishing opportunities, the family turns to Era Alaska for help. Ben plays a crucial role in aiding the family by finding a buyer for their fish. Although they don't make as much money as they normally would, the family is grateful for the help and it's a heartwarming moment that shows the sense of community in Unalakleet.

Towards the end of the episode, Ben's hard work pays off and he receives his official pilot's license. Erik and the rest of the team are proud of his progress, and Ben himself is excited about the possibilities of what he can do now that he's a licensed pilot. He's come a long way since the beginning of the season and feels more like a part of the community than ever before.

Overall, "Greenhorn Ben" is an exciting and inspiring episode that shows the challenges and rewards of living and working in the Alaskan wilderness. Viewers get a sense of what it takes to become a skilled bush pilot and how important it is to have a supportive community. With plenty of action, heartwarming moments, and real-life drama, this episode is sure to leave fans wanting more.