Author Archives: kencarlton

I was working on my log book last week and noticed I’d just gone over 6,000 hours of Huey time…in celebration here are “some” of the Huey’s I’ve flown. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4UFSoGOgag  

I was on a fire the other day and the Incident Commander came over to my parked helicopter to discussion employment of the helicopter on the fire. “Reb” was wearing and very nice Elk Skin Jacket with Moose horn buttons.  … Continue reading →

I thought I let everyone know how things are going in Alaska.  First of all I have a new mechanic, Al, another Marine NCO, like Jack.  Both are self motivated, and very knowledgeable about the 212, but Jack was one … Continue reading →

So you want to fly in Alaska?  Well, a lot of flying on fires occurs at 500 feet above sea level to 2,000 feet.  Not very high and certainly the Bell 212 can fly at maximum gross weight at these … Continue reading →

Ken Carlton slept here, yes he did.  I am a happy, frequent sleeper in the Bell Hotel. I first started using helicopters to sleep, in 1969.  At night one of the RLO’s (Real Live Officers) a derisive term coined by … Continue reading →

I’m flying a fire-fighting helicopter in Alaska, a Bell 212, this is the third time I’ve flown in the far North.  The first time I flew in Alaska was 1970-71.  Then, as an Army Pilot just back from Viet Nam, … Continue reading →

Firefighting In Alaska Gallery

My Boss (helitack manager at Tok, Alaska) is cool, her name is Elisa, and she is tougher than woodpecker lips. She is also a competition Musher (sled dog racer) and dog trainer. She trained dogs for the Iditarod…and all this … Continue reading →