Frequently Asked Questions
Is flying in a small airplane in Alaska safe? Safety is our first concern at Scenic Mountain Air. We have never had an accident in over 15 years of operation in Seward. We don't take chances with questionable weather, and the airplane is maintained to the highest standards. Every flight is equipped with safety gear, survival supplies and a satellite telephone.
How long are the scenic flights? We can fly as long as you like within the five hour fuel capacity of the airplane. However, most people choose a one to two hour flight within a fifty mile radius around Seward.
Where do you take us? Every flight can be customized to what you want to see. However, if you do not have specific requests, we offer tours that combine the amazing scenery of mountains, ocean coastline, beaches, fjords, glaciers, icefields, lakes and rivers combined with several species of wildlife around every corner.
Do you land on the glaciers or anywhere else during the scenic flights? At this time, we are not offering landings during the scenic flights. This keeps the cost down, and allows us to pack in a wide variety of scenery and wildlife.
Is it cold in the airplane? How should we dress? The airplane is very comfortable, usually with just a light jacket or sweater.
Will we see bears? There is a large population of both black and brown bears in the Seward area. Your pilot knows where to find them, and although not guaranteed, it is highly likely that you will see bears on every flight.
When is the best time to see grizzlies? Grizzly bears congregate at a specific spot on a back country stream near Seward to feed on the sockeye salmon that swarm in to their spawning grounds like clockwork every year. This phenomenon starts about the middle of July and lasts from four to six weeks. Up to two dozen bears, including cubs, can easily be seen at one time in this area that is accessible only by air.
What if I get airsick?The air on the scenic flights is usually smooth, but although rare, occasionally passengers prone to motion sickness can get uncomfortable. Dramamine taken ahead of time helps most people. The flights are short enough that any discomfort does not last long, and in almost every case our passengers have said the flight is the thrill of a lifetime and well worth a little discomfort. |
