Maybe It’s Time for a Trip to Alaska?

Good morning! If I win the lottery, I will not tell anyone — but there will be signs… ✈

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Alaska’s Remote Cabins Are at Risk

• Demand for Navy C-2 Greyhound Amid Osprey Grounding

• Upcoming Airshows

• Around the Skies: WWII-era flying boat returns to U.S., Wing-in-ground-effect craft, Airbus’ high-speed helicopter, FAA Reauthorization Act signed into law, Helicopter crash kills Iranian President

• PilotTube: This $3.9M beauty might be worth every penny

• Aircraft For Sale: New to market

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Alaska’s Remote Cabins Are at Risk — But Getting the Word Out Could Save Them

The Tongass National Forest boasts 144 public use cabins scattered across southeast Alaska, providing a haven for adventurers looking to hike, fish, hunt or just enjoy the solitude. However, the fairy tale might be turning into a saga as these remote getaways face threats from shrinking budgets and decreased general aviation. Jeff DeFreest from the Recreational Aviation Foundation points out that budget cuts have turned the upkeep of these cabins into a major feat, leaving some to languish without maintenance for years.

In a plot twist that could save these wilderness wonders, the RAF has teamed up with the USFS to rally volunteer labor and share costs, ensuring these cabins don't disappear forever. Thus far, the master plan for the Tongass Forest is to build, relocate and remove cabins to maximize access while trimming costs. The key to this fairy tale ending? Increased visitation and spreading the word about these hidden gems. So, if you visit, shout it from the mountaintops (or at least post it on Facebook) and help keep the magic of Tongass cabins alive.

Huge Demand for Navy C-2 Greyhound Amid Osprey Grounding

After the Navy grounded its CMV-22 Osprey fleet a few months back, the demand for the older C-2 Greyhound cargo planes has skyrocketed. The “World-Famous” VRC-40 Rawhides were originally preparing for a gradual phase-out, but they suddenly found themselves in high demand to support carrier operations globally. CDR Andrew Dumm (my old squadron-mate and current VRC-40 Commanding Officer) highlighted that their fifteen C-2s had to ramp up operations quickly, deploying detachments with little notice to fill the gap left by the grounded Ospreys.

Despite the Ospreys being approved for flight again, their enhanced maintenance requirements mean the Rawhides' workload remains heavy. VRC-40, once set to be decommissioned by 2026, now sees its aircraft and 400 personnel busier than ever, deploying across the world to support various carrier strike groups. This unexpected shift has increased the pressure on the squadron, but also their pride, as they continue to be a crucial lifeline for the U.S. Navy, delivering essential supplies and personnel to keep operations running smoothly.

And for those of you that don’t know, this news is very near and dear to my heart — I spent 3 years with VRC-40, flying around the world and logging hundreds of flight hours in the mighty C-2 Greyhound. If you’d like to see a little of what it’s like to fly the COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery), here’s a link to one of my recent YouTube videos.

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UPCOMING AIRSHOWS

May
May 22-24: U.S. Naval Academy Graduation - Annapolis, MD
May 24-25: Arklahoma STOL - Patriot Airpark, Pocola, OK
May 25-26: Bethpage Air Show - Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, NY
May 25-26: Hyundai Air & Sea Show - Miami Beach, FL
May 25-26: Breckenridge Air Show - Breckenridge, TX
May 25-26: Let Freedom Fly International Air Show - Pierre, SD
May 25-26: Augusta Air Show - Augusta, GA
May 25-26: South Texas Airshow - Edinburg, TX
May 26: Indianapolis 500 Flyover - Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN
May 30: U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation - Colorado Springs, CO

June
June 1: Wings & Wheels Airshow - Chickasha, OK
June 1-2: Terre Haute Air Show - Terre Haute, IN
June 2: Legacy of Liberty Airshow - Holloman AFB, Alamogordo, NM
June 7-9: WWII Weekend - Reading, PA
June 8: Rockin' on the Runway - Sunset, LA
June 8-9: Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo - Chesterfield, MO
June 8-9: Selfridge Air National Guard Base Air Show - Harrison Township, MI
June 12-18: Maryland Fleet Week & Fly Over - Baltimore, MD
June 14-16: Greenwood Lake Air Show - West Milford, NJ
June 15: The Flying Proms Symphonic Airshow - Virginia Beach, VA
June 15-16: Moses Lake Airshow - Moses Lake, WA
June 15-16: Deke Slayton Airfest - La Crosse, WI
June 15-16: Columbus Airshow - Rickenbacker ANGB, Columbus, OH
June 15-16: Olympic Air Show - Olympia, WA
June 21-22: Wings Over Wausau - Wausau, WI
June 22: Trukee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival - Truckee, CA
June 22-23: Centerpoint Energy Dayton Air Show - Dayton, OH
June 22-23: Quad City Airshow - Davenport, IA
June 22-23: Fairchild Skyfest - Fairchild AFB, Spokane, WA
June 25: Evening of Aviation Air Show - Toughkenamon, PA
June 29-30: National Cherry Festival Air Show - Traverse City, MI
June 29-30: Warriors Over the Wasatch Air & Space Show - Ogden, UT

July
July 1: Canada Day Flyovers - Ottawa, ON
July 3: Dubuque Riverfront Airshow - Dubuque, IA
July 3: Anderson Regional Airshow - Anderson, IN
July 3-7: Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival - Battle Creek, MI
July 4: Fair St Louis - St. Louis, MO
July 6: Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Air Show - Mabank, TX
July 6-7: Greater Binghamton Air Show - Johnson City, NY
July 6-7: CWHM RCAF 100th Celebration - Hamilton, ON
July 6-7: Los Angeles Airshow - Los Angeles, CA
July 13: America's Freedom Fest - Goshen, IN
July 13: Pensacola Beach Air Show - Pensacola Beach, FL
July 13: Boundary Bay Airshow - Delta, British Columbia
July 13-14: Wings Over Whiteman - Whiteman AFB, MO
July 13-14: National Warplane Museum Airshow - Geneseo, NY
July 13-14: California Capitol Airshow - Sacramento, CA
July 13-14: Yellowknife Airshow - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
July 14: Iosco County Fly-In Breakfast - East Tawas, MI
July 19: Rock The Ramp Airshow & Fly-in - Middleton, WI
July 19-20: Nebraska State Fly-In and Airshow - O'Niell, NE
July 20: Gandy Dancer Fly-in & Airshow - Siren, WI
July 20-21: Cold Lake Air Show - Canadian Forces Base, Cold Lake, Alberta
July 20-21: Arctic Thunder Air Show - Anchorage, AK
July 20-21: Thunder Over Michigan - Ypsilanti, MI
July 20-21: Pistons and Props - Janesville, WI
July 22-28: EAA AirVenture - Oshkosh, WI
July 22: Family, Fun, and Flight - Medicine Hat, Alberta
July 24: Wings Over Warren - Warren AFB, Cheyenne, WY
July 26-28: Grande Prairie Regional Air Show - Grande Prairie, Alberta
July 26-28: Tri-City Water Follies - Kennewick, WA
July 27-28: Fargo Airshow - Fargo, ND
July 27-28: Milwaukee Air & Water Show - Milwaukee, WI
July 27-28: Springbank Air Show - Springbank, Alberta
July 31: Snowbirds Over Duluth - Duluth, MN

AROUND THE SKIES

The Martin JRM Mars, one of the largest flying boats ever produced for the Navy, is set to return to the U.S. as a museum exhibit at Arizona's Pima Air and Space Museum by the end of the year.

Are “wing-in-ground-effect craft” the future of coastal transport? And yes, that’s a real term.

According to Airbus, this high-speed helicopter is the "perfect blend of speed, cost-efficiency and mission performance." Plus, it looks super cool.

President Joe Biden signed the FAA Reauthorization Act into law, providing FAA funding for another five years. As part of a $105 billion 👀 legislation package, the act aims to enhance aviation safety, support workforce growth and advance innovation.

Iran’s President and Foreign Minister were confirmed dead on Monday after their helicopter crashed in a mountainous and forested area of the country. The crash has raised questions about Iran's aviation safety, with some attributing the accident to sanctions preventing the procurement of new aircraft or equipment.

PilotTube

Truly one of the most impressive airplanes I’ve come across, the Kodiak 900 is a 900 horsepower, 10 passenger airplane with a cargo pod that can cruise at 210 knots and still takeoff and land in under 1,500 feet. Huge thanks to Charlie Gasmire for posting yet another fantastic video to his YouTube Channel.

I’M LOOKING FOR A NEWSLETTER WRITER

Are you interested in writing for flybuyer? This newsletter is growing quickly and I’m looking for an aviation enthusiast to help improve the best darn newsletter in aviation (patent pending). If you or someone you know might be a good fit, please send me an email at [email protected].

AIRCRAFT FOR SALE - NEW TO MARKET

This 1966 Piper Twin Comanche comes with upgraded avionics, Robertson STOL kit, wingtip tanks and ¼ inch windows. It has 5200 TT, with both engines having 850 SMOH and the plane comes with complete logbooks and has always been hangared. She’s a little older with some hours, but for under $200k it would make for a great family hauler.

• Asking Price: $199,000

• Location: Naples, FL

Tremendous opportunity to acquire a low-time and mint condition Diamond DA42 NG. Loaded with options — flown and maintained to a commercial standard in both Canada and America. Equipped with G1000, this head-turner would sure make for some nice ramp appeal.

• Asking Price: $859,000

• Location: Toronto, Ontario

According to the listing, this 2023 American Champion 8-GCBC Scout is better than new and available now! 180HP Lycoming O-360-C1G Hartzell Trailblazer Propeller, Garmin Glass panel with synthetic vision G3X, Garmin GTR-200B, G-meter internal in G3X, external baggage door, extended baggage, upgraded leather interior, wide back seat, composite floor, speed fairings, flashing AERO LED landing light, vortex generators, USB chargers, 26" Alaskan Bushwheels… what doesn’t this beauty have? Answer: for almost $400k, it should have it all!

• Asking Price: $385,000

• Location: Winchester, VA

This 1972 BELL 206B is well equipped for commercial operations or private use. Upgraded with a KAflex main driveshaft, plus several other utility modifications. Excellent main rotor blade, component and engine times remaining. Available now and ready to go to work!

• Asking Price: $465,000

• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

It’s hard to find any business jet for less than many millions, but this 2000 Hawker 800XP fits the bill. Yes it has 8721 TT, but it features an eight passenger interior consisting of a forward four-place club, aft three-place divan, forward facing chair and aft belted lav seat. Partially refurbished in 2016, new paint in 2022, Honeywell SPZ-8000 Dual Flight Director/Autopilot, Honeywell 5-Tube EFIS Electronic Flight Information System, Honeywell Primus 880 Weather Radar System and too much more to list.

• Asking Price: $2,095,000

• Location: Waterford, MI

This 1947 Republic RC-3 Seabee looks funky and old enough that it’s actually pretty cool. Specifically built for the anticipated general aviation demand after WWII, the Seabee is an all-metal amphibious aircraft and was originally priced at $3,500! This one in particular comes with complete log books and the original owner’s manual, overhead engine controls, Hartzell full-reversing 3-blade propeller, new Cleveland rotors and pads and a steerable tail wheel. Seems like a nice flying boat with fair paint and good interior.

• Asking Price: $155,000

• Location: Brooklyn Park, MN

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