Yakima to Valdez 2015 - Trip Report
Randy couldn't take the CubCrafters factory R&D amphibious Carbon Cub to Florida for Sun-n-Fun due to a issue with the constant speed prop we were testing, so after our shop quickly bolted back on the fixed pitch prop, I took it to Alaska instead. Goal was the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, then followed by an appearance at Valdez for the STOL fly-in competition.
I'll be flying N56XC, the yellow and silver Carbon Cub on the right, which is a 0-370 equipped EAB Carbon Cub EX with a custom Catto 84" prop, a Dynon Skyview touch panel EFIS with autopilot, extended baggage, and extended fuel. 120 MPH cruise on amphibs, 700 miles range (with reserve), and almost 700 lbs of useful load. It's an airplane that really highlights what can be possible with a CubCrafters kit built aircraft.
Ready to depart Yakima, doesn't that look like a hanger full of fun!
Stopping somewhere in central BC for some lunch. Starting to see a little snow.
Northern BC, mountains are starting to show a bit more snow.
More snow and most of the water is still frozen north of Ft Nelson BC, but some of the water is starting to open up. This was near Burwash Landing, YT. Fresh snow on the rocks was from the day before when I was weathered-in in Whitehorse, YT.
East side of the Alaska Range about 2 hours out from Anchorage. Still full-on winter up in the higher terrain.
At Lake Hood at our Authorized Service Center (Alaska Aircraft Sales) for an oil change.
2015 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, a great year for the show and the best crowd in recent years.
Just outside Denali National Park on a demo flight from Talketna.
A better view of Denali and the Ruth Glacier.
Rough weather getting to Valdez for the STOL competition, but made it in and got set up for the show. Had a great time, flew a few demo flights for the crowd, and it was a great competition after the weather cleared a bit and more folks could get in. New records were set this year. Bobby Breeden's 44' combined takeoff and landing score was the best of the day: http://www.valdezflyin.com/wp-conten...esults2015.pdf
Got up early and flew around the Valdez area a bit this morning. These are from Shoup bay and Shoup Glacier, just a few miles west of town. Headed over to Paul Claus's place in the morning and then will start heading home to Yakima tomorrow down the coastal route.
A great trip so far and still more yet to come.
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Originally Posted by kathydavis
