Ep 1. Arctic Winds

Flying Wild Alaska is a reality television series that premiered in 2011 on Discovery Channel. The show is centered around the Tweto family and their airline business, Era Alaska. The show highlights the challenges of operating a small airline service in the remote regions of Alaska, where weather is unpredictable and the terrain is treacherous. Season 2, which premiered on October 2011, starts off with a thrilling episode named, Arctic Winds.

In this episode, viewers get to see the Tweto family and their pilots battle the harsh Alaskan winter, dealing with extreme cold, snowstorms, and dangerous ice landings. The show takes place in the small town of Unalakleet, where Era Alaska's main operations are based.

Jim Tweto, the owner of the airline, is faced with the daunting task of keeping his airline afloat during the slow season, while also trying to expand his business. With competition from other airlines like Redington Air and Hageland Aviation, Jim must come up with innovative ways to attract customers to his airline.

Meanwhile, his daughter Ayla Tweto, who is a pilot for the family airline, is faced with her own set of challenges. She is tasked with flying to remote villages in sub-zero temperatures, delivering essential supplies and medicine to the locals who are cut off from the rest of the world. Ayla's flight includes a passenger who has a high fever and needs medical attention. This particular adventure is made even more exciting with the unexpected arrival of a snowstorm that adds even more danger to the already challenging flight.

In addition to Ayla's challenging flight, John Ponts, another pilot for Era Alaska, is met with his own set of challenges. John is tasked with flying to the remote village of St. Michael, located right on the edge of the Bering Sea, to pick up crucial supplies, including batteries for a radiation detector. With bad weather in the area and the clock ticking, John must make the trip in challenging conditions, risking his life and the lives of his crew.

As the episode progresses, viewers are exposed to the dangers of flying in Alaska during the winter season. Pilots must navigate through unpredictable weather, icy runways, and strong winds. The show highlights the expertise and bravery required of pilots who operate in the remote regions of Alaska, where landing just a few feet off-course could have catastrophic consequences.

Towards the end of the show, viewers get a glimpse of a more relaxed side of the Tweto family. They throw a party at their hangar to celebrate the arrival of a new plane. The party includes traditional Alaskan games, such as turkey bowling, where the Tweto family and their pilots showcase their fun-loving side.

Overall, Flying Wild Alaska season 2 episode 1, 'Arctic Winds', is an exciting and action-packed episode that showcases the challenges of operating a small airline business in remote regions of Alaska. The show highlights the bravery and expertise required of pilots who fly in unpredictable weather conditions, making the episode an entertaining and insightful watch for aviation and reality TV fans alike.