Hi, Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. The NTSB preliminary report describes the first call, made by Layson: "The pilot stated that they had impacted a mountain and needed rescue. We look forward to seeing you in Talkeetna. Its really important to note that the weather is a huge constraint on this activity. You are on vacation and we want to make it easy! We are privileged to share with you the incredible landscape and timeless beauty of Denali National Park. If you had the option to await better weather, it would be worth it. I have to say that this trip was so incredibly awesome that I think the extra time up there is worth it. Maybe BQ can correct me if I'm wrong. This post has been removed at the author's request. They accommodated a date change for our scheduled tour due to low visibility - incredible customer service. Take a look at our exclusive guided hike in Denali National Park. Children 11 years of age and under receive a 30% discount, and children 23 months and under are considered a lap child and fly for free. Longer is always better in my opinion. Rust's Flying Service offers wilderness tours out of Anchorage, and specializes in bear viewing tours. Talkeetna Air Taxi The Glacier Landing Company . Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Can I sit in the co-pilot seat? Hats off, and sincere thanks to the crews at both K2 AND TAT. I ended up with 4 rebookings with them in 2005, over 3 different days and only the orginal being the 7pm timeframe. Choose to modify, reschedule, or get a 100% refund. Upon crashing, the aircraft's ELT alerted the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center at about 6:00 pm local time on Saturday. The thing to look for in your itinerary is WHICH Princess Wilderness Lodge you'll be staying at because there's more than one. Founded in 1980, K2 Aviation offers flying opportunities for climbers and sightseers in Talkeetna in Alaska. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. McKinley), and there are a variety of trip styles which include a classic sightseeing tour around the mountain, a flight to the summit, or even a glacier landing. Talkeetna Air Taxi was wonderful and even though we didn't end up going on the 7:00 p.m. flight, still gave the 4 of us 20% off all 4 tickets because we originally booked with the toursaver. It was one of the more memorable things I've ever done. Bring a light jacket and wear long pants. McKinley and the nearby mountains would be a more awesome experience than a helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier - or any other glacier in the Juneau Icefield. K2 Aviation also offers snowshoes and sleds on a rental basis. The crash killed all five people aboard the de Havilland Beaver, making it the deadliest in recent history for an air taxi flying into Denali National Park and Preserve. Hotel pickup and drop-off (within 6 miles of the K2 Airport Office at the Talkeetna State Airport) Gratuities DVD (available to purchase) Meeting And Pickup Meeting point K2 Aviation 14052 E 2nd St, Talkeetna, AK 99676, USA Open in Google Maps Check in for your flight 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. I see no reason to book the earlier flight if you can pay half by going later and the later one is convenient for you. Twice before, four people have died in plane crashes near America's tallest peak. The total trip time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. 2022 Anchorage Daily News. $('body > div.header > div.header__icons > div').wrap('') Re: Talkeetna Air Taxi or K2- summer 2012? My hat's off to those pilots, they really know their stuff! We used Talkeetna Air and they made it the best excursion we did our 1st, time. We supply waterproof over-boots which fit over your shoes for glacier landing flights. I know people have recommended doing the summit only. Review collected in partnership with this attraction. Johnson said its difficult for a person to check out the safety record of an air charter company before deciding whether a sightseeing trip is worth it. The winter season (October April) office hours daily from 9:00 am 3:00 pm. The plane was fractured behind the trailing edge of the wings, Williamswrote. I wasnt sure what their weather policy was so I emailed them and got this response: I did the Denali flight with a glacier landing on Labor Day and was fortunate to have clear weather. Welcome to K2 Aviation. And it has been posted for years that Talkeetna Aero does all the summit flights, when booked with Talkeenta Air Taxi. K2 Aviation Talkeetna 1 Map Website Season: Year Round $255+ 1 to 2 hrs While you may never join the ranks of climbers who have summited Denali, an up-close view of North America's tallest peak can still be yours. What should I wear/bring? Luckily, the south side of the Alaska Range is usuallycalm, and not particularly bumpy. I have gone with Talkeetna Aero the most. }); 1-800-764-2291 Investigators are still in the early stages and will need to conduct further interviews with K2 Aviation and other pilots in the area. If your flight is cancelled because of weather, your deposit will be refunded. Follow. Unless you know that what you want to do is in this (or any other discount program) book . Both K2 and Talkeetna Air Taxi (TAT) get my highest recommendation. Talkeetna Air Taxi vs K2 Aviation They're both the same price for the Denali flightseeing tour and glacier landing. Safety During the winter, we are open seven days a week from 9:00 am 3:00 pm. Follow the river systems of Talkeetna Free cancellation Recommended by 100% of travellers from HK$2,779.02 per adult Reserve Winter Explorer Flight-seeing Tour from Talkeetna 14 By Talkeetna Air Taxi The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center got an alert from the plane's emergency locator transmitter at 5:53 p.m., NTSB learned. 207 following. Fax: 907-733-1221, K2 Cares! We explained that we had only that afternoon available since we were scheduled to leave Talkeetna 11am the following morning. Talkeetna Air Taxi features acustom-designed fleet of planes, adedicated customer service team, and avariety of tours for every budget. Could I use the POC? Follow along with the bouncing ball, kids, as our tale unfolds:Pre-booked directly with TAT about a month before leaving for Alaska. Denali Flights departing from Talkeetna have a distinct advantage over departures from Anchorage or Denali National Park entrance area. As for discounts, you'll need to check the two books online to see what if either are offering in terms of flightseeing and whether or not they fit into your schedule. Should I still do this trip? Williams said he was also still trying to establish Layson's aviation history including flight hours and time spent flying in Alaska's mountains. It isn't very convenient to go on a 7 p.m. flight from Talkeetna unless you plan on spending the night there. Summer Hours 7:00 am - 9:00 pm Winter Hours 9:00 am - 4:00 pm . LEARN MORE From $270 Per Person Winter Explorer It provides glacier landing and air taxi options. (That's the only substitution? As for seeing "base camp", a low priority for me, since it is only good when they are climbing. The flyguys of Talkeetna are a cooperative and close-knit band of brothers who are constantly in radio contact with each other about flying conditions in the area. Bad weatherkept rescuers from reaching the craftfor more than 36 hours. We are happy to hold them until you return from your tour. Wildlife viewing tours are available by special request; please contact our office for pricing. Also, Talkeetna Air Taxi is the only approved glacier landing concessionaire with its own state-of-the-art Flight Simulator. I would recommend them easily for a wonderful flightseeing tour. Also, since you can cancel 24 hours in advance free of charge, there is no risk to you in making a reservation. From our family to yours, welcome to K2 Aviation! You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. I have to commend Chris and TAT for their helpfulness and honesty. Flight times run approximately Summer season 2021 (May 1st to Sept 1st)8:30 am (first flight of the day)11:00 am1:30pm4:00 pm (last flight of the day), Flight times run approximately Shoulder season: Part I (till Sept 15th)9:00 am (first flight of the day)11:30 am2:00 pm 4:00 pm (last flight of the day), Flight times run approximately Shoulder season: Part II (Sept 16th to Sept 30th)10:00 am (first flight of the day)12:30 pm3:00 pm (last flight of the day), Flight times run approximately Shoulder season: Part III (Oct 1st to Oct 31st)12:00 pm (first flight of the day)3:00 pm (last flight of the day). By the way, you might look into using a Toursaver 2 for 1 coupon. Helicopter servicesClimbing expedition supportMedia & Commercial filming projectsUtility Charters (fuel deliver, building supplies)Iditarod Chase the Race and day trip chartersBack-country rafting & hiking transportAerial Photography & Survey. In order to arrive 30 minutes before flight time, you should plan on taking a shuttle departing 1 hour and 30 minutes before your scheduled flight time. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Also, is it correct that Talkeetna and Juneau are the most desirable places to take flightseeing tours? This is a professional scenic tour, not a thrill ride. We do not recommend backpacks/purses on the airplane as space is limited. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. It is luck of the draw but the pilot was saying our flight was certainly the best that day. We cannot see the summit on every flight; viewing opportunities change withthe weather. But over the current decade in Denali and Talkeetna before last weekend, there were no fatalities and only one serious injury in flightseeing operations. The shuttle departs on the hour from Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and every half hour from Talkeetna. On the other hand, Talkeetna Aero Service has a two-for-one coupon. See Denali up close and personal by air or view Mt. But I can't see where a plane with big fat floats is that of one equipped with skis. And definately both run great tours. K2 Aviation does not provide Dramamine. We do provide free van service transfers throughout downtown Talkeetna and to and from the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge for anyone flying with us. Denali (McKinley) Summit Flight or Standard Scenic Tour. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Great encounter from beginning to end. Here at K2, we love airplanes. Not a climber, but love the outdoors? The entire experience from the drive to/from Talkeetna to the flight and views were outstanding. Thanks so much! My 12-year old daughter was petrified to board the plane, but soon she began to enjoy herself and now she'll tell you that flightseeing was one of her favorite activities in Alaska. FAQ - K2 Aviation About K2 FAQ Why fly K2? The right wing came to rest several hundred feet below the main wreckage. We would recommend at least the Mountain Voyager with a Glacier Landing. The McKinley Princess Lodge is approximately 50 minutes away form Talkeetna. Apparently K2 hadnt flown in weeks. Alaskan Helicopter tours. How do I get to and from McKinley Princess Lodge? 24.5k Followers, 207 Following, 1,445 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Talkeetna Air Taxi (@talkeetnaair) talkeetnaair. K2 told investigators the one-hour tour was scheduled to fly over multiple glaciersand the Denali climbers' base camp on Kahiltna Glacier at 7,200 feet, then return to Talkeetna. 14052 E 2nd St. Talkeetna, AK 99676. Our tour train arrived in Talkeetna about noon and we were scheduled to fly with them at 3pm. You will enter an. If you don't make any stops, it should take approx. ~Stephanie. Id like to thank Chris and K2 Aviation for one of the most memorable lifetime experiences and would highly recommend this for anyones bucket list! "Then finally it went through.". book the later one and try to change it the day of arrival). Great movies: Wakanda Forever, Apollo 13 4K, Atomic Blonde 4K, Batman (1989) 4K, Gladiator 4K, American Beauty, No Country for Old Men, Forrest Gump 4K Trip prices range from $220 - $485 per person. And be prepared on any given day for the mountain to do what the mountain is wont to do. The sooner you make a reservation the more likely we will have the tour and time available that suits your travel plans. Check out the deals on our tours! By far for me, with probably at least 30 flights in Alaska- Anaktuvuk Pass surpassed all others. Talkeetna has skyscrapers of granite and ice instead of steel. You go right over the ridge where the mountain climbers take weeks to hike up to. Your website says that you take video of the flight. But we took the Grand Denali Tour with glacier landing with Talkeetna Air Taxi and thought they were very professional. The plane'sGPS track data indicatedit flew over base camp at 5:46 p.m., then turned south above Kahiltna Glacier before turning left toward Talkeetna, the report says. Talkeetna, AK 99676. I chose the company that offered the discount, so I booked the McKinley Base Camp Tour plus glacier landing with Talkeetna Air Taxi for next August. However, visibility from every seat is excellent and everyone gets a window seat. You should check out the company websites. Flight times run approximately Winter season (Nov 1st to April 30th)One departure daily at (approximately) 12:00 p.m. During the winter season, we are unable to offer discounts. Nothing compares with the sight of seeing the biggest rock on the North American continent up close and personal. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. When the summit cannot easily be seen, K2 pilots may alter the flight route if they feel they can provide a better tour byvisiting other parts of the Alaska Range. 10 years ago Save I have flown with K2 as well as their sister company Rust's out of Anchorage. Does the plane actually land when you do a summit tour? Our location in Talkeetna provides an excellent launching point for your explorations of Denali, the Alaska Range, and Denali National Park. It provides glacier landing and air taxi options. . Have not used the other mention. the lodge has motor coaches that come to Talkeetna about every hour and the ride is about 45 minutes. The company organizes the flightseeing tours of Denali National Park and the Alaska Range. The National Park Servicelast week endedefforts to recover the wreckageand the bodies inside, citing a harrowing and risky combination of steep terrain, avalanche hazard and the condition of the aircraft. We also joined the 20% club, meaning only 20% of people who visit see the three peaks at once. Is one tour better than the other? In one of those flights, the NTSB criticized the pressure felt by pilots from cruise ship schedules. Fax: 907-733-1221, 1-800-764-2291 I definitely want to see the base camp where the climbers begin their ascent, but it's not a high priority to spend the extra time and money to see the north face of Mt. 25% off coupon for Talkeetna Air Taxi flightseeing - July 19th 2014. There are no restaurants at the airport, but K2 Aviationhas soda, juice, and small snack foods for purchase. During the summer season (May 15 September 16) we encourage you to layer your clothing. From our family to yours, welcome to K2 Aviation! Re: Talkeetna Air Taxi or K2- summer 2012? Our team takes pride in making your time with us the highlight of your trip. K2 Aviation does not provide standard tours out of Denali National Park. It'll be yours, too. 2 hours, 15 minutes from Anchorage to Talkeetna. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Hi CAMadison! End point All that is required to secure a reservation is a 50% deposit per person, fully refundable with 48 hour notice or inclement weather. - K2 Aviation staff. I get motion sick. The coupon would have been accepted by them for any rebooking. K2 Aviation offers once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing tours among and above the Alaska Range. In the event you do get sick, we do have sick sacks in the airplanes and the pilot will make you aware of their location. Come fly with us! Denali creates its own weather environment, and it can change from flight to flight. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Denali Air Taxi Services We are safe, experienced and committed to your success. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. If conditions are GREAT we can start doing them again in March. Do you have suggestions? The pilot called at least two times and reported his coordinates as well as the medical condition of the passengers. We do our best to inform you about current weather conditions at your flight time. Is there any place to eat at the airport? And no, not correct- there are plenty of excellent flightseeing areas besides Talkeetna and Juneau. Our pilots go through a company-specific training program that is FAA approved. However, flightseeing is spectacular and I highly recommend it. We do fly year round if the weather is good. Most people do not experience motion sickness and do not need an anti-motion sickness medication. We're owned and operated by the Rust family, flying Alaska's back country since 1963. K2 Aviation also offers snowshoes and sleds on a rental basis. You should bring a heavier coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, boots, and sunglasses. No, you can not assume "flightseeing" is a ski plane, the only ski planes you are going to go on is a tour with a glacier landing. Hi, thanks for the inquiry. I've booked a glacier landing tour. Get answers to your questions about Talkeetna, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts, Talkeetna for 1 nightlodging and restuarants, How to schedule when fewer ships are docked, Talkeetna to Anchorage during holiday December, River self fishing near Talkeetna in September. Hi there. http://www.flightseeingtours.com/denali.asp There are helicopter flightseeing of Denali Park available with ERA, but not out of Talkeetna. From the moment you make your reservation to the time you step off your flight, you will find the people of K2 to be professional, experienced, safety minded, and service oriented. 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