August 12, 2023 - Alaska Trip
Alaska Air Museum

I was down in Anchorage waiting on my prop being fixed, so I cruised over to the Alaska Aviation Museum at Anchorage International Airport.  I have been here before, a year and a half ago:  Link.

That's a 1943 Grumman "Super Widgeon" out front.   As you can see, it's a typical Alaskan day in August: overcast and light rain.
   
They have a nice exhibit on Wien Air Alaska, which interested in me, since Ray -- who is letting me keep my plane tied down at his place at Wolf Lake Airport -- flew for them.  Sadly, in 1984 the airline was bought by a corporate raider on a leveraged buyout and was liquidated for about twice what the stock was selling for.
   
Noel Wien (June 8, 1899 – July 19, 1977) was an American pioneer aviator and the founder of Wien Alaska Airways.
   
A 1929 Keystone Loening missing its wings.
   
I have that "Commuter" Texaco model in a display case in my basement.
   
 
   
On this visit the restoration hangar was open so I checked it out.  As you can see, they are restoring a P-40 Warhawk.  Very cool!  If I lived close to hear, I'd definately be volunteering to work on this guy!
   
Overlooking Lake Hood, the largest and busiest sea plane base in the world.  On average there are 200 daily takeoff and landings.  On a busy day, it might be 400-600.  It is also used in the winter, when the lake is frozen, by planes on skiis.
   
I was told this is the only prop shop in Alaska:  Dominion Propeller Corporation.   My Hartzell Blended Airfoil Prop had issues with a couple of the nuts;  specifically, the roller pins where the safety wire goes through.  A fairly easy fix but only for a prop shop with the right tools and expertise.
   
 
   
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