See an Alaskan bush pilot display a short field take-off and landing from a grass runway along the banks of the Chena River. Bush pilots and planes played a vital role in the pioneering of Alaska, succeeding the riverboats in Alaskan transportation history. Because of Alaska's vast remote areas, service by airplane was (and remains) essential to the timely delivery of supplies. When bush planes first entered the country, sternwheelers ruled the transportation business. It didn't take long for the bush plane to prove its utility and send the riverboats into retirement.

Today, Alaska has the highest per capita ownership of private aircraft. Due to the limited access to rivers in much of the state and the seasonal nature of riverboating, bush pilots can be seen practicing their skills in virtually all parts of Alaska year round.

"This cruise was the highlight of our vacation."
K.A. Rott, Ohio