Pilot's Dream! DHC-2 Beaver: Left Seat Checkout - Why I went to Alaska!

“Dream come true” is over used… but that’s what this was.

Martin and Tim from APEX Alaska were awesome for setting everything up to do this!

It’s not launched yet, but when it is they’ll have you covered end to end with amazing lakeside accommodations for summer and winter training at the Alaska Aviation Adventure HQ.
Pilots would come and join us to “expand” their flying skills, get to see Aviation from a different angle and experience the application of it to Alaska. Specialized 1 on 1 training as well as groups of 6-8 to come and fly helicopters, floats (Super Cub and beaver), wheels, skis, lakes rivers and Ocean!

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For those that haven't seen it, please check the Flight Chops Patreon page to find out how you can be a part of it 
 
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FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having the GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.
 

[rjonno]

My grandfather, Fred Howard Buller, was the lead aerodynamic engineer on the Beaver. They even named the flight test vehicle, CF-FHB, after him. This video, and the others in the series, are fantastic and encapsulate everything about the Beaver that captivates all of us, and made me want to be a pilot in the first place.

Would love to have a chance to fly one some day.

[oliverokeeffe]

14:52 i hope your camera op gets paid well :)

[gordonfeliciano]

On my bucket list to fly a Beaver. One magnificent flying machine!

[JustPlaneSilly]

"It's a good song" love that.

[brentheilman]

What a impressive aircraft. Cant believe we dont make more planes like this today. And the sound of that big radial... Love it.

[mannypuerta]

DHC got it right when they designed the Beaver. One of the most capable and docile taildraggers ever designed.

I was just talking to a Canadian friend who flew them in the Canadian north a number of years ago. I know what you’re feeling. Anyone who has flown Beavers develops a strong admiration for them.

[FlyingGrimaud]

I just met Mr. Martin flying his new twin bee from Florida to alaska. He happened to be at our airport in okc. Recognized him from this series. What a great guy. He took a few hours to go grab a coffee and talk to me about flying and all these cool things he’s been able to do. If I ever get a chance to go up to alaska, I’ll definitely have to go fly with him. Just as cool of a guy in real life as he is in these videos.

[luishenriquelimas]

0:54 only i noticed that the shadow of the beaver looks like a helicopter and not an airplane. Beatiful machine and awesome video!

[ropshubop]

I don’t think there’s a better showcase of the Beaver anywhere else on the internet. Awesome work putting this together. I wish there were one of these for all my favorite planes.

[Chasing_The_Dream]

Martin, bet this guy could get me over my fear of flying. Calm and sharp.

[johnreed]

I'm sooo envious, something about De Havilland kind of a cross between a big heavy old tool and a fine Swiss watch. Got to ride in an Otter in AK, Wonderful!! Looks like you were having a ball. Thanks for sharing, Blue Skies.

[ldoylerd]

If you're a high wing fan this has to be your favorite airplane, and the sound of that engine is so sweet!

[TheRealOzWookiee]

My all time favourite aircraft and manufacturer!

[martinbelisle]

My father used to fly beavers in northern Quebec when I was a kid. It brings back a lot of memories when I hear the two blade version. Same thing with the C185 on takeoff, such a distinctive noise as well.

[guccidoublepluggers]

I basically grew up on a beaver out on lake Clark. Usually had it on tundra tires but it was always so special when we’d put the floats back on. What a workhorse that plane was. For how big it was, it was impressive how short of a take off distance it needed. Loved the video!

[juemuri]

toller flieger, , , so schön nostalgisch...

[kenellis]

If you ever get up to Sudbury, check out Science North and the Rusty Blakey story. Rusty was a Beaver pilot who flew for Austin Airways off Ramsey Lake in Sudbury for many years.

[yzaw]

I was in Parry Sound yesterday (28-09-2020) and saw a beautiful Beaver at the dock, What a beautiful aircraft it was Canadian Reg.

[josephhertzberg]

It's tough man, always was, but moreso these days....a rich man's game
Beavers ain't cheap, but I love them so much

[goatflieg]

I know now why experienced pilots love the Beaver so much. Such a huge epic adventure... and yet so long ago... so much has happened since then. I hope you find yourself thinking of just how far you've come in aviation... and get to feel the pride you've worked hard to earn.