OUR PLANES

N906JS

de Havilland / Viking Aircraft

Model: DHC-2T MKIII Beaver

Year: 1962

Length: 30 ft

Wingspan: 48 ft

Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney PT6-34

Horsepower: 685

Payload: up to 1250 lbs Includes pilot and fuel

# Pax: 9

Speed: 125 Knots

N603DA

de Havilland / Viking Aircraft

Model: DHC-2T MKIII Beaver

Year: 1957

Length: 41 ft

Wingspan: 58 ft

Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney PT6-34

Horsepower: 685

Payload: up to 1250 lbs Includes pilot and fuel

# Pax: 9

Speed: 125 Knots

N5755G

Cessna Aircraft Company

Model: C-206G

Year: 1976

Length: 28 ft

Wingspan: 36 ft

Powerplant: Continental IO-550

Horsepower: 300

Payload: up to 850 lbs Includes pilot and fuel

# Pax: 5

Speed: 120 Knots

N254AW

de Havilland / Viking Aircraft

Model: DHC-3T Otter

Year: 1956

Length: 41 ft

Wingspan: 58 ft

Powerplant: Garrett PPE-331-10

Horsepower: 900

Payload: up to 2000 lbs Includes pilot and fuel

# Pax: 10

Speed: 115 Knots

Why Fly With Us?

Aviation and Alaska share an incredible history filled with adventure, exploration, and beauty. When we set out to create the ultimate touring packages for our guests, we knew that airplanes would play a crucial role in our success. Experiencing Alaska from the air is unlike any other, offering a perspective that's truly unparalleled.

Imagine having a bird's-eye view of glaciers, volcanoes, wildlife, beaches, and rocky shorelines with cascading waterfalls – creating photographs and memories that last a lifetime. Airplanes allow us to transport you daily into untouched wilderness, right in the heart of Alaska's stunning national parks.

Our dedicated research team, pilots, and mechanics invested extensive time exploring various aircraft types used in Alaska's remote areas. Prioritizing safety, performance, comfort, and reliability, we discovered that de Havilland Turboprop and Cessna aircraft stood out as the best in the business. Destination Alaska made a significant investment in three de Havilland turbine-powered aircraft, and they have exceeded our expectations.

These aircraft boast incredible horsepower, smooth quiet climb performance, low maintenance, and fast cruise speeds – providing pleasant surprises that enhance your experience. Our "Turbo Bear Viewing" is a signature offering, allowing our guests more time with the bears. Following suit is our low-time Cessna 206, often referred to as the "pickup truck of the north." This versatile five-seat aircraft, with its wide doors and rugged airframe, is one of the most utilized planes in all of Alaska. Whether on floats or big bush tires, the Cessna 206 consistently gets the job done day in and day out.

Our meticulous attention to aircraft selection, combined with a focus on your comfort and safety, sets us apart from the crowd. Come and experience the difference for yourself!

WHY TURBINE PLANES?

  • Enhanced Power-to-Weight Ratio:
    • Power Output of Turbine Engines: Turbine bush planes commonly incorporate turbine engines, offering a superior power-to-weight ratio in comparison to piston engines. This results in improved takeoff performance, especially in demanding conditions like short or high-elevation airstrips prevalent in Alaska. The heightened power enables turbine bush planes to operate efficiently, even with substantial loads, making them ideal for transporting cargo and passengers in the rugged Alaskan wilderness.
  • Increased Reliability and Durability:
    • Streamlined Mechanical Structure: Turbine engines have fewer moving parts than conventional piston engines, leading to heightened reliability and reduced maintenance demands. In the challenging and isolated conditions of Alaska, where access to maintenance facilities may be limited, the straightforward design of turbine engines becomes a significant advantage. Turbine bush planes can endure rough landings, severe weather, and prolonged operation without experiencing the same level of wear and tear as piston engines, contributing to elevated overall durability.
  • Enhanced High-Altitude Performance:
    • Consistent Power at Altitude: Turbine engines maintain a steady power output at higher altitudes, making them well-suited for the mountainous terrain of Alaska. Given that bush planes often need to traverse mountain ranges and glaciers, the ability to operate effectively at high altitudes is crucial. Turbine engines deliver reliable performance in these conditions, ensuring that pilots have the necessary power for safe takeoffs and climbs, even in the challenging topography of the Alaskan wilderness.