Here's To Another 10!

It's not a secret -- flying in Alaska requires a certain breed of pilot, and a high level of skill. Just ask the pilots flying for the Alaska Region Forest Service, which is celebrating a remarkable milestone this summer: 10 years of accident-free flying.

That's almost unheard of anywhere in the aviation world... even more so when you consider some of the unique challenges posed to those flying over the 49th state.

"I am proud of our aviation staff members," said Alaska Regional Forester Dennis E. Bschor to Vertical Magazine. "They have been instrumental in reaching 10-years of region-wide accident-free flying. But, this milestone could only have been achieved through the vigilance on the part of every employee, on every trip."

Agency leaders credit a proactive aviation safety program for the nearly 60,000 accident-free flight hours... which stresses safe flying for all planes and helicopters flying for the Forest Service, and requires completion of an annual safety course.

The Forest Service also stresses to all employees that if the weather looks bad... to stay on the ground, without fear of reprisal from the agency.

No one with the Alaska Forest Service is resting on their laurels, though... as the agency has dubbed the slogan "Ten Again" to promote another 10 years of accident-free flying.

FMI: www.fs.fed.us/r10