Plane & Pilot magazine is in the process of assembling a special edition spotlighting aviation adventures and operations in Alaska, the Last Frontier. The project gained momentum after a conversation at the recent Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Florida with John Herman, chief marketing officer for Victor Sierra Aviation. The suggestion to attend the Alaska Airmen's Association's Great Alaska Aviation Gathering and the Valdez STOL Competition in early May came with a tight two-week timeline, yet logistics aligned surprisingly well.
Arriving in the Matanuska Valley, the reporter set up base near Palmer, site of the Gathering held over the weekend of May 2-3, 2026 at the Alaska State Fairgrounds with Palmer Municipal Airport (PAAQ) nearby. Unlike the sprawling layouts of Oshkosh or Lakeland, this event offers an intimate setting ideal for meaningful conversations with local pilots and industry figures previously known only through online interactions. Exhibits filled the hall, while aircraft on display outside included a special raffle Cub, a four-place bushplane awarded to a fortunate attendee.
A subsequent visit to Talkeetna provided insight into one of the state's most iconic aviation activities: glacier flightseeing. Operators including Talkeetna Air Taxi and K2 Aviation maintain fleets of de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otters, high-wing STOL workhorses perfectly suited to the terrain. Of the approximately 100 Otters still flying globally, about 15 call Talkeetna home, enabling precise operations to and from snow-covered landing sites on the flanks of Denali.
The trip also connects to recent industry developments. Victor Sierra Aviation, parent to Tempest and other brands, completed the rebranding of Alaskan Bushwheels and Airframes Alaska to McFarlane Alaska earlier this spring. The Palmer retail location remains a key resource for backcountry pilots needing specialized tires, airframe components and related support that make remote flying possible.
Looking ahead, attention turns to Valdez for the much-anticipated Short Takeoff and Landing competition. This event draws competitors from across the region and beyond to test their skills and aircraft capabilities on a short runway with significant obstacles. It represents the pinnacle of bush pilot expertise and will offer compelling material for the forthcoming issue.
As the week continues, the focus remains on capturing the unique spirit of Alaskan aviation, where flying is not a luxury but a necessity for transportation, recreation and commerce in vast roadless areas. Favorable weather will be key to maximizing aerial photography and additional visits. Readers can expect an immersive package when the Last Frontier-themed edition reaches newsstands later this year, complete with pilot reports, maintenance tips, destination guides and profiles of the people keeping aviation alive in one of the world's most demanding environments.