Plane Wrecks, Brain Farts, & Bad Weather | What He's Learned in 50 Years | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 9

11/19/24 • 149 min

https://sportaircraftseats.com https://www.godscountryaviation.com In this episode, we sit down with game warden and bush pilot Curt Beddingfield, who shares some thrilling stories from his experiences flying in the Alaskan wilderness. From navigating high winds on the Alaska Peninsula to miraculous escapes on rugged landing strips, Curt opens up about the risks, mistakes, and important lessons that have shaped his career. Hear about flying backwards in high winds, saving a heart attack victim in 50mph gusts, and the terrifying moment Curt realized he was heading straight for a mountain. Plus, Curt reflects on the humility and life lessons learned from flying in some of the most unforgiving terrain on Earth. Curt also discusses the differences between various bush planes, from the classic Super Cubs to the powerful Maule M7s he and his family fly. He reveals how the Maule, with its custom mods, outperforms many traditional bush planes in terms of load capacity, takeoff distance, and speed—making it ideal for hauling heavy loads like moose out of tight spots. Whether you're a seasoned aviator or just fascinated by the world of bush flying, Curt’s expertise and stories are sure to keep you captivated.

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Fastest Way To Wreck An Airplane - Adam Grenda's Story | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 8

In this episode of the Coffee and a Hangar Podcast, we're excited to welcome Adam Grenda, a seasoned pilot, big game hunter, and trapper hailing from King Salmon, Alaska. Adam dives deep into his unique journey of learning to fly in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, all under the mentorship of legendary bush pilot Ron Hayes. Adam reflects on the impact Ron had on his career, offering valuable lessons from the heart of Alaska.

We explore everything from Adam’s terrifying near-crash incident to his lifelong passion for hunting, which began at a young age. His stories perfectly capture the blend of adventure, danger, and the rugged beauty that defines life as a bush pilot in Alaska. Adam shares his experiences flying the iconic Super Cub, the lessons he learned through trial and error in the air, and how those early hunting experiences paved the way for his guiding career in Alaska’s tough terrain.

Adam also shares in detail his harrowing Super Cub crash at age 20, recounting how, as a young pilot with just 3 hours of tailwheel experience, he made some split-second decisions that resulted in a total wreck. He candidly talks about the mistakes he made during that flight, including ignoring basic safety measures and overconfidence in his abilities. Yet, from that near-fatal accident, Adam emerged with hard-earned wisdom that shaped the rest of his career, teaching him the importance of critical decision-making, especially in the erratic conditions of bush flying.

Through the ups and downs of his flying career, Adam reflects on the importance of humility, proficiency, and the constant drive to improve. His story is not just about surviving, but thriving in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.

Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy these epic tales of bush flying, and true backcountry adventure, straight from the Alaskan frontier.

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The Stories He Couldn’t Tell: Art Warbelow’s Bush Flying Story - Part 1 | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 10

Sponsor: https://sportaircraftseats.com Strap in for an unforgettable ride! On today’s episode of the Coffee and Hanger Podcast, I sit down with bush pilot, Art Warbelow, the founder of Warbelow’s Air Ventures in Fairbanks, Alaska. Art takes us back to his teenage years, sharing harrowing tales of flying, surviving, and the sheer grit it took to salvage his father’s flying service after a devastating tragedy. From illegal landings on snowy Alaskan roads to close encounters in the fog, Art’s stories are a mix of heart-pounding adventure and pure Alaskan ingenuity. Hear how Art and his teenage brothers kept the family business alive against all odds, dealing with near plane crashes, questionable pilots, and unexpected challenges at every turn in bush Alaska. This is Part 1 of our interview with Art Warbelow! Part 2 drops in a month, so make sure to subscribe and hit the bell 🔔 so you don’t miss it! #flying #airplane #cessna