Meet our Pilot!

As I have said before climbing is only part of the battle in this whole thing, a big part but still only a part and every so often you come across people who make the battle just a little bit easier. Recently I spent my morning researching air taxis onto the Kahiltna Galcier... where our climb will begin. In talking to what seemed to be all of the recommended air services one in particular stood out. As I began to dial an AK. area code for the first time I found it was one I would soon become familiar with, the (907) area code. And not two minutes after I called Sheldon Air Service my call was returned by Dave the pilot and that familiar (907). The conversation started as usual... price,dates,deposits and so on. It was when he took a personal interest in me and my climbing team that I felt he might be the pilot for us. Its not often you can call up a business and be greeted with such enthusiasm and genuine kindness. After speaking with Dave for a bit and then later with the sweetest of ladies Susie, their good nature allowed me to gain a better understanding on how the climb works and Dave was nice enough to answer a few questions so we could all see a side of climbing Denali, the side most don't see and the side that makes this whole thing happen. 

11 questions for DAVE.

What kind of pilot would you consider yourself? How long have you been a pilot?

I consider myself an adventurous pilot, always looking for a challenge with safety as the #1 concern. Iam proud to say that I have flown the Alaska bush and glaciers over 12,000 hours over the last 30 years and never put a scratch on anyone.

How many people would you guess you have flown up to climb Denali?

I have personally flown around 7,000 climbers to climb Denali and another 4,000-5,000 climbers to
glaciers in the surrounding area.

How have things changed since you started flying climbers?

Things have changed since I started flying climbers, in the sense that the National Park Service has taken on a bigger role. They require pre-registration, have 24-hour helicopter rescue and even going so far as to have climbers carry their poop off the mountain. You can imagine what it is like for pilots as the smell of processed granola and ramen begin to permeate the cockpit! I have often had to suck on fresh air from an air vent as we descend to warmer temperatures. But the smell of a climber after sweating for 20 days on Denali is all part of what we do. It often creates conversations and lots of laughter! Since I began flying climbers, the equipment has changed. We don’t see old-timers with wool clothes and 5’ long wood snowshoes any more.

Has your view of climbers changed in your 30-years of flying?

Although there have been changes in the park service and clothing/gear, my view on climbers has not changed: it’s always great to meet climbers from all over the world! The spectrum from wealthy to the guy or gal that wants to “work off” his flight to the mountain still exists. Of course, all are always welcome and we do our best to accommodate everyone. I’ve been out catching King Salmon with climbers after the climb and have had hundreds of barbeques with them, sharing the great wealth and resources of Alaska.

I was told you are also a rescue pilot. Tell me about rescuing people on the mountain?

I have been the pilot in so many rescues on the mountain I can’t remember them all. Many times its been being in the right place at just the right time to help in rescues. Sometimes rescues require flying above 16,000 with oxygen. I recall pulling people out of one of our competitor’s airplane that was hanging in a crevasse. The only thing supporting the airplane was its wings on either side of the crevasse. Then there are some people that can’t be rescued. It reminds me of the 2 Italian climbers that were found dead hanging on a rope at a very high altitude. They remained there for years in full view, if you knew where to look for them.

I am guessing you have been involved in some pretty intense situations. Were any of them avoidable?

There is an inherent danger in everything we do . I would much prefer to take my chances on an airplane on Denali than to drive down a busy highway. Experience and judgment are the keys to any decision. The only way to avoid intense situations is to not do anything at all. What kind of a life would that be?

What kind of advice would you give to people who are planning on climbing Denali?

My advice to people climbing Denali would be to give yourself plenty of time. Be very conservative with the cold and severe weather. Most importantly, get down safely!

Of all your time flying, what are some of your most memorable moments and why?

Some of my most memorable flights around Denali were flying through the night into the wee hours of the morning, picking up climbers in the endless sunshine of our Alaska summer. And that nod from an eagle soring as we passed by each other at eye-to-eye level.

Have you ever climbed Denali?

I have not climbed Denali because I have made my living flying climbers during the climbing season. I have an unquenchable desire to stand on top of Denali. It’s on my bucket list!

And last, after speaking with you guys on the phone you seem like the warmest people. How does one keep warm in Alaska in the winter? What keeps you there season after season?

That one January, when it was -50° for the whole month, it was pretty tough to keep warm! The commercial jet airplanes couldn’t fly because the altimeters would not adjust to that high of pressure! Now that’s cold! Flying climbers to Denali is our lifestyle. We love it! We love the Alaska wilderness! Denali itself never ceases to amaze us through the seasonal changes. We have no aspirations to do anything different. This is our life and this is where we want to be. I would encourage everyone to cherish every moment, live in every moment that fills this life we have been so fortunate to be a part of here on earth.

It  has been my pleasure becoming acquainted with the Sheldon/Lee Family and the fine business they run. They have been so helpful with this endeavor and so forthcoming with much needed information we would otherwise learn only upon our arrival in AK.