Following the Alaska pipeline
This plan follows Alaska's oil route from Prudhoe Bay toward Valdez and Cordova, symbolically tracing the great pipeline built after the 1968 oil discoveries.
It is a route of terrain, cold and precision: mountains, lakes, narrow valleys, short strips and two water landings give it a real expedition feel.
From the North Slope to the Gulf of Alaska.
Spectacular relief, tight valleys and changing weather.
Big Lake and Ewan Lake make an amphibian the natural choice.
Water points and passes require careful preparation.
Understanding the flight
The flight follows an infrastructure more than a classic air route. The pipeline becomes the thread through a vast, rugged and unforgiving Alaska.
Short legs should not be underestimated: approaches, terrain and water landings demand more attention than distance.
Before departure
- Choose a stable amphibian able to land short.
- Study terrain before every leg, especially around the lakes.
- Use cold but readable weather, with enough ceiling in valleys.
- Approach Big Lake and Ewan Lake slowly, using map, GPS and visual references.
Suggested route
North Slope and first lake
Prudhoe Bay, Sagwon, Galbraith Lake and Big Lake place the flight in northern Alaska's isolated mineral landscape.
PASC → SAG → PAGB → SVS
Brooks Range and interior Yukon
Stevens Village, Wiseman, Coldfoot, Porcupine Creek and Fairbanks concentrate the mountainous interior section.
SVS → WSM → CXF → PCK → 4AK → PAFA
Toward Valdez and Cordova
Delta Junction, Ewan Lake, Crosswind Lake, Glennallen, Copper Center, Valdez and Cordova complete the route toward the Gulf of Alaska.
PAFA → PABI → EWAN → 1AK2 → 3Z5 → Z93 → PAVD → CKU
Experience tips
On this page, caution is part of the pleasure: keep altitude until the valley is clearly identified.
Water landings are not routine. Stabilize early, check the wind and keep an escape option.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2008