Ep 9. Breakup

In Flying Wild Alaska season 2 episode 9, titled "Breakup," the harsh Alaskan winter is coming to an end, which means the annual spring breakup is about to commence. The breakup is a period when the winter ice and snow melt, causing rivers and lakes to swell, making travel by plane and boat much more dangerous. In this episode, viewers witness how Alaskan pilots navigate through this treacherous season.

Ariel Tweto is still working for her family's airline, Era Alaska, and is tasked with delivering freight to remote villages before they are cut off during the breakup. She is accompanied by her friend and copilot, Ferno Tweto, who is also the station manager for Unalakleet. The two of them load up their Cessna Caravan with supplies, and Ariel sets off on her journey. Along the way, she experiences difficult weather conditions, which require her to rely on her pilot skills and the skills of her copilot to ensure she reaches her destination safely. Despite the challenges, Ariel remains determined to get the job done.

Meanwhile, in Era Alaska's headquarters, Jim Tweto, Ariel's father, and the president of the company, is working to keep the business going during the breakup season. He's dealing with a backlog of cargo due to poor weather conditions, and he must find a way to get the freight delivered before the planes are grounded due to the breakup. Jim is not alone in his efforts, as his team of pilots including Doug and John, work hard to keep up with the demand. They face an array of obstacles including fog, low clouds, and windy conditions, making it difficult to fly in and out of small, remote Alaskan villages.

Another part of this episode follows Ben and Heather, who are also pilots, as they fly to remote locations to check on their fishing camps. The couple has built and maintained several fishing camps throughout the years, and they're eager to make sure everything is in order before the fishing season starts. The pilot duo faces several challenges along the way, including a frozen lake, which makes it impossible to reach one of their camps. Despite this setback, Ben and Heather remain enthusiastic and determined to check on all of their camps before heading back home.

In addition to the ongoing challenges presented by the breakup, this episode also offers a unique look into the lives of Alaskans who call the remote wilderness home. Viewers get a glimpse of how they live and work in this part of the world, and the importance of aviation as a necessity for survival.

Overall, Flying Wild Alaska season 2 episode 9, titled "Breakup," offers a captivating look into the challenges faced by pilots during this seasonal transition period. Despite the obstacles, the pilots featured in this episode remain determined to keep the skies open, and the people of Alaska connected.