I believe its required by law in AK that private (bush) pilots carry survival gear which includes a firearm, If you look at the Best Glide Aviation website they list the essential pilot gear.

If you're flying in helos and for the state you may also be asked to take helo water evacuation training. They put you in a pretend helo seat and dunk you upside down in a pool.

Don't forget that in March you'll not have a lot of daylight.

Enjoy your stay, it's a beautiful place.

I like this style of really thin, kinda stretchy synthetic gloves to be used as under-gloves / glove liners.

The downside is they don't have the non-slip stuff on them, the upside is they don't have the non-slip stuff on them, plus they are not cotton and thus dry quickly.

Sometimes the non-slip stuff can get in the way. Hard to put on an outer glove on over them. On the other hand, they can be slippery w/o the non-slip stuff.

These are cheap and take up almost no space so I tend to keep a pair in my coat pocket in the winter time.

Also note that these thin gloves work well under a slightly loose Nitrile exam glove. I find this is very nice to combat working in wet, cold situations. The Nitrile is totally waterproof, and the thin gloves give a bit of warmth and you still retain high dexterity.

The thin gloves are also nice just being out when it is cold out to take the edge off.

I do like the Nitrile coated knit gloves too. My favorite is Nitrile coated Kevlar.

They are light, grippy, comfortable, they breath and are cut and fire resistant.

I always carry some in my bag.

-john

It is, I believe, a 1949 state law that required all aircraft that carry less than 15 people to have survival gear, including a firearm and ammo. But small aircraft can only carry so much weight, so I suspect that the required survival gear would be minimal.

Re the temps, I just checked Weather Underground for Bethel last April 22nd. High temp 41, low 35, zero precip. A twenty degree bag should work just fine there. Link ...

Headlamp, rather than just a flashlight. And find out if you will have a normal pilot- if you will, get in touch with them, and the site contacts. Ask them what you should bring, if you haven't already. Local guides are always worth checking with. :P

Sounds like a terrific adventure MDinana,

I agree with Ironraven on the headlamp, I use mine more often now than my hand-held light.

It is important to carry some survival gear on your person when flying as you may have to escape from a rapidly sinking or burning aircraft. On the main "Doug Ritter ETS" site there is lots of information on what to carry on-your-person and in your pack on a light aircraft. Very good information.

I often fly in contract or government-owned light aircraft and always carry a mini-PSK kit with me even though I know there is a good kit on the plane.

There are minimum kits required by law when flying remotely in Alaska, Doug Ritter listed it here .

Good luck and be sure to post some pictures when you get back!

Mike

+1 on the headlamp. They are so much more convenient than a hand-held light.

Research whether the one you are buying can use lithium batteries. As I recall the Petzls say they can't, but the Princeton Tec can.

Ken is correct, my Petzi cannot use lithium batteries.

Mike

No longer required, though I'd say the majority of bush pilots still do. See: http://www.equipped.org/ak_cnda.htm

Worth noting is that, 1. not everyone follows the law and 2. the quality of the survival gear carried can vary widely. 3. The list isn't all inclusive, by any means.

Remember, if it's not with you, it can't save you(tm). carry essential survival gear on your person.

Having said that, note that govt., medical and similar mission aircraft in Alaska often have both good, professionally cared for survival gear and training requirements. But, it varies widely and it isn't a substitute for being personally prepared.

Take a look at these gloves . Found out about them on this forum and they work great.
Allows one to maintain dexterity, highly cut resistant (I just really tested them by mistake, and no blood) and inexpensive. I got mine at Northern Tool and Equipment.

As to helpers, I could be lured away. No experience (legally) in medicine except combat lifesaver course 15 years ago. (you really don't want me to handle the IV's) However, I carry stuff real well, and I promise to not just be self loading luggage.

And if something needs shot, I know I can do that.