Interview: Alaska Bush Pilot Will Johnson

Welcome to the Coffee and a Hanger podcast! In this episode, we have the incredible Will Johnson, who left a stable engineering job at Westinghouse Corporation in the 1980s to become a bush pilot in Alaska. Will shares thrilling stories from his time flying over the vast Alaskan wilderness, including a daring rescue mission in the Bering Sea.
Will talks about his early days as a green pilot, learning the ropes the hard way, and using his ingenuity to navigate challenging situations. One such story involves rescuing a man with a ruptured hernia from a boat 150 miles out in the Bering Sea. With faulty navigation equipment and deteriorating weather conditions, Will managed to land his plane on rough seas and execute a risky transfer of the patient using a survival suit and a rope.
Join us as Will recounts the adrenaline-pumping moments, like his first failed landing attempt in rough waves and the challenges of dealing with dead batteries in the middle of the ocean. Hear about his creative dispatching techniques, including the innovative way he transported passengers and cargo to and from the fishing fleets, and his unforgettable encounters with various characters along the way.
From navigating ocean currents to performing midair emergency maneuvers, Will’s experiences offer a unique glimpse into the life of a bush pilot in one of the most remote and rugged environments on Earth. Tune in for an episode filled with adventure, humor, and the valuable lessons learned from a lifetime of flying.
Enjoy the episode and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing stories on the Coffee and a Hanger podcast!
#flying #cessna #bushplane

[@dougolson304]

The piece of advice that I like is, “the inconvenience of a cancelled or delayed flight will soon be forgotten but an accident will always be remembered and regretted.

[@AirplanesInTheWild]

I agree, sometimes we get so focused on our goal that we forget to assess our options. It’s something we should constantly be reminding ourselves of.

[@milliondollarartist]

55 years old looking for retirement fun in AK. I gee up there as a kid and loved flying with my neighbor. 25:33 fun inspiring stories. How much fun a life is. Your was. Thanks for your tales for all the new coming men. 26:33

[@borninak]

Great interview. Lots of important advice. And Daniel knows the right questions to ask. Keep ‘em coming!

[@AirplanesInTheWild]

Thanks man 👍

[@mitchelljackman4727]

These old guys are incredible to listen to! I really hope you can keep these coming, look forward to every episode… wish I had someone like this close by to mentor me! Keep up the good work you do a great job! Cheers from Australia

[@AirplanesInTheWild]

That’s why we do it. Thanks for watching and tell your friends 👍

[@Davids_Odyssey]

Thank you so much for these amazing interviews!

[@AirplanesInTheWild]

Glad you like them!

[@canuckchris5733]

Great interview. Liked and subscribed 👍

[@AirplanesInTheWild]

Thank you

[@frederickking1660]

Did you ever catch up to the ships captain.

[@milliondollarartist]

1:17:05 image if. All the decisions make experience. 1:17:05

[@mikeskupniewitz8057]

Was the pilot he talked about hitting the ridge “father Kelly”. He was one of my customers… hit somewhere between dillingham and togiak

[@AirplanesInTheWild]

I’m not sure. I didn’t ask his name 🙁

[@cameronmolt5649]

This is good info they don't teach to pass the ACS

[@milliondollarartist]

49:24 wow 49:24