For those of us who live in the “lower 48,” Alaska can sometimes feel a world away. But it’s a state I love to visit, not least because so many of the residents are involved in general aviation.

Today I had the privilege to be part of an event with Sen. Mark Begich of Alaska, as well as Pete Bunce of GAMA, Tom Hendricks of NATA, and Ed Bolen of NBAA. Sen. Begich co-chairs the Senate General Aviation Caucus and routinely speaks out against user fees and in favor of general aviation. He’s worked to ensure that avgas remains available even as the industry seeks safe and affordable alternatives. And he has fought hard against new taxes for GA operators. In short he’s a real friend to GA.

Sen. Mark Begich speaking to an audience of Alaskan aviators.

The crowd that gathered for the event was enthusiastic about protecting GA, too. And for good reason. Tourism is an important part of Alaska’s economy and hundreds of thousands of tourists each year take advantage of GA to go flightseeing or fishing. Residents, too, depend on GA for transportation, access to medical care, and the delivery of everything from food to mail.

It should come as no surprise that this was a knowledgeable audience that asked pertinent questions and really understood the issues facing general aviation.

It’s been a great trip to Alaska and I look forward to returning to this beautiful state with its GA-friendly atmosphere. If I’m lucky I’ll find a way to bring my Husky north for some real backcountry flying.

I love to fly early in the morning, especially in the summer and especially down low. The bumps that come with summer’s heat have not yet formed and the air is smooth and pleasantly cool.

This morning’s sunrise over Spencer, Iowa.

This morning I launched from KFSD in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at 5:30 a.m., traveling ahead of a thunderstorm. I arrived over KSPW in Spencer, Iowa, just about dawn and I was treated to this beautiful view of the sun rising over the fields. The coming days for me will be full, involving a combination of travel and meetings. But before the rush begins, it’s great to have a moment like this one that reminds me just how lucky I am to be a pilot.

Our travels in Wyoming took Dave Hirschman in the AOPA Sweepstakes Husky and me in my N24HU to Alpine, Wyoming.  There, the residents of the Alpine Airpark (46U) warmly welcomed us to their community which claims 14 Huskys on the field.  Located to the south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, this majestic community sits at the southeast corner of the Palisades Reservoir. 

The Reservoir provided a beautiful backdrop one morning for some photography…and we had a great photographer with us:  George Kounis from Pilot Getaways. 

 During our visit, Dave and I were treated to some great meals and fantastic flying.  We learned first hand that this is one airpark community that is committed to what they call “relentless fun!”

One evening, we had perfect conditions for a flight right over the top of the Snake River.  We took two groups of four Huskys on about a 20-mile run down the river in a carefully briefed and perfectly coordinated flight.  It was flying as Huskys were meant to fly and we were rewarded with remarkable scenery as the sun was low in the sky behind us.

These folks also just go out for early morning runs to find a cup of coffee at neighboring fields.  Since we were enjoying our own coffee in a guest house just a few yards from the 5,850 foot runway, it was enjoyable to go out and watch our new friends departing.

While our purpose in traveling to this part of Wyoming was for a final round of service at Aviat Aircraft for the AOPA Sweepstakes Husky before the giveaway, this community sitting just north of Aviat’s home in Afton was a real find and a perfect way for Dave and me to conclude what has been a wonderful year of flying the two yellow Huskys together across the country.

With about 200 hours on the Sweepstakes Husky, the aircraft has been carefully broken in for a new lucky owner.  Dave has headed to what we in  Washington, D.C., call  an “undisclosed location” in the West to stage the aircraft for our October AOPA Aviation Summit.  I’ve headed on to fly back to Frederick. 

So, while the sun may be setting on this wonderful trip west, along the way we’ve made some great new friends and discovered a place to which we both agreed we must find a way to return.

We have also witnessed the pure enthusiasm of pilots of all ages for flying a type of aircraft that can take you to back country airports all across the country.  We appreciate the positive response to our 2012 Sweepstakes aircraft and I personally look forward to handing the keys to one of our lucky members in the next few months.

The Huskies arrived safely in Alpine, Wyoming.

On Monday, Dave Hirschman, flying the Tougher Than a Tornado Sweepstakes Husky, and I headed west en route to Wyoming. The scenery was spectacular. We flew along the Missouri River near Pierre, South Dakota, before stopping in Alpine, Wyoming.

This morning, we took the Sweeps Husky to the Afton, Wyoming, Aviat factory for its annual. Dave and I received a warm welcome as we brought the plane home one last time. The next stop for that beautiful aircraft will be AOPA’s Aviation Summit in Palm Springs, California, where we will give it away to one very lucky winner. I know it will be hard to part with, as every sweepstakes plane is. But this time the blow will be softened by knowing I have a Husky of my own waiting in the hangar.

 As for me and my Husky, we’ll be flying around this area for the next couple of days, enjoying the scenery and the company of other Husky enthusiasts.

A view of the Tougher Than a Tornado Husky as we fly along the Missouri River near Pierre, South Dakota.

Thousands of young people dream of taking to the skies, whether for fun or a career, and AOPA is supporting those dreams with our new AV8RS teen membership. We launched the new membership at AirVenture on Saturday, and it’s a program I’m really excited about.

The young people who joined us for the launch of AOPA’s AV8RS teen membership program were excited to have a new way to connect with the GA community.

Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can join for free to receive a digital subscription to Flight Training magazine as well as access to members’ only content on AOPA.org and specialized information just for them. They’ll even get free admission to AOPA’s Aviation Summit in Palm Springs.

The young people I met as part of the launch event were not only enthusiastic about general aviation, but also remarkably well informed. Many had gone to considerable lengths to gather information about GA and were excited to have access to AOPA’s extensive and authoritative resources. If you know a teen who’s fascinated by flying and wants to become part of the GA community, encourage them to become an AV8RS member. You can learn more about the program and sign up online.

Yesterday, several of us had an opportunity to have a working lunch with FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta.  It was a briefing of sorts where a few of the general aviation leaders could discuss issues of importance with the Administrator and his top staff.  In the middle of a discussion on avgas, the door opened and EAA Founder Paul Poberezny asked if he could join in the discussion.  Paul shared his perspective on what AirVenture has become for the GA community as well as a few other thoughts on government and the FAA.  It was a remarkable visit and saying he was almost 91, Paul announced, “…I’m not running for anything!”  It will be one of the great moments of what has already been a wonderful week for us here at AirVenture in Oshkosh.

They say it’s better to be on the ground, wishing you were in the air, than it is to be in the air and wishing you were on the ground. With that in mind, I landed the Husky and waited this one out.

No matter when or where you fly, you must obey the laws of nature. In light general aviation aircraft, that means watching the weather and knowing when it’s time to get on the ground.

The first part of my trip to Oshkosh in the Husky was beautiful, but a good look at the weather radar told me the last 150 miles would be considerably more challenging. I decided to hangar the Husky and get a good night’s sleep while I waited out the heavy rains and high wind.

This morning I was lucky enough to catch a window of pretty weather between storms.

I’ve just landed in Oshkosh and I’m looking forward to all this week holds.

A break in the weather this morning let me take off and resume my journey to Oshkosh for AirVenture.

I’ve got the gear, now all I need are some clothes and weather window, and I’m headed to AirVenture.

It’s an ambitious trip, but that’s what July and August are for, right?

 Not only is EAA AirVenture starting in Oshkosh (KOSH), it’s time for AOPA’s Sweepstakes Husky to work it’s way West for the AOPA Summit in Palm Springs. Since Pilot senior editor Dave Hirschman and I have been flying the Huskies together all year, it just didn’t seem right to sit this trip out.

So, my Husky is getting loaded today to start a trip that will take me to EAA AirVenture for the week and then onto Wyoming and Montana. We’re taking the Tougher than a Tornado Husky through Afton, Wyoming where Aviat builds the Huskies to get it’s final scheduled service before we find that lucky winner and announce him or her from Palm Springs in October. Of course, a trip to Afton (KAFO) also allows for a tour of the Grand Tetons and Jackson, Wyoming. This is some of the most scenic country in the West. I will take time along the way to post a story or two in AOPA NOW….so, I hope you enjoy the adventure.

PS: In case you are wondering what all the stuff is…from left to right there is The Claw tiedown system; a Snap-on Tools bag; a great new survival bag from Prepared Pilot; a tall red bag with a chair; a red bag with extra clothing; my canvas flight bag for the Husky; the blue bag for the plane cover and the black bag with oil and stuff. All I need now are a few clothes!

Topping off the tanks before we launch for Oshkosh.

We always look forward to seeing what is coming in avionics during the annual conference sponsored by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA).  This year the meeting is in the Washington, D.C. area.  Portions of the event are being covered live by Aero-News which has permitted us to share the link for coverage.  You can watch now at – http://bit.ly/HfKAgD .

Live coverage is on right now.

Our AOPA team will be on hand during the week and we will have reports as well.  You will find those at www.AOPA.org.

As readers know, I joined up with AOPA colleague Dave Hirschman in a flight of the Huskies to SUN ‘n FUN.  The Sweepstakes Tornado Husky and my Husky are a great pair of aircraft and a joy to fly.  Dave and I were joined by AOPA LIVE’s Paul Harrop who recently posted a exceptionally good record of our flight to Lakeland via the Gulf Coast and Key West.

Enjoy the video:  http://bit.ly/H0vHgD 

And, if a track of the flight is of interest, click here:  http://bit.ly/phYhRX