Fairbanks Alaska May 2024

[EC]

On previous visits to Alaska there never was time to make the journey to Fairbanks.This time Fairbanks was one of the main targets. We drove the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks, a 7 hour drive through scenic landscapes and times where you are really alone on the road.
Fairbanks is the homebase of Everts Air Alaska, the last company in Alaska to operate DC-6's and Curtis C-46 Commando's. To keep these running they bought all the DC-6's they could while they were still around. As a result there are more than 15 DC-6 hulls standing around being canabalised to keep the others flying. Everts is very friendly to spotters and a tour of hangars and aprons is easily arranged.
Fairbanks also has a small terminal for flights from Alaska Airlines and Ravn air Alaska. There is a waterstrip and aprons for general aviation.










There were 3 commando's at Fairbanks though none of them flying, the only operational one is based in Kenai at the moment.

The shape of things to come, Cessna 408 SkyCourier




There are also several cargo converted BAe146 standing around but I do not believe they are being used at the moment.


Former Brooks Fuel DC-7


And Brooks Fuel DC-4






On with other things at the airport






















This retired FedEx 727 is used as training object by a local college.


Kind Regards
EC

[YS11]

Great old stuff

[Rene Klok]

Very nice. It is like Jurassic Park out there.

[VH3D]

Wow nice set. Fairbanks is on my bucket list. How are the spotting locations around the airport? Are they as relaxed with spotters as they are at ANC?

Thanks

[Krazy]

Very nice. It is like Jurassic Park out there.

But here the locals don't eat you

Great set!

[T7]

Wow nice set. Fairbanks is on my bucket list. How are the spotting locations around the airport? Are they as relaxed with spotters as they are at ANC?

Thanks

I was there two weeks ago. Very relaxed.
At the eastern part of the field, drive to the technical college and go to the barrier (righthand side of college, where the 727 is parked). It always opens and then follow your nose, you can even drive inbetween the aircraft.
The western part (with Everts/terminal) is fenced off but from the eastern part (follow Old Airport Road) you can still make good landing photo's on 20R.
Good photo location in the southwest is the Perimeter Road. We saw DC6's departing and they really fly low when departing from 20R.

[Key]

Thanks Eddy for the lovely display! Brings back great memories too. AK is still the Upper One obviously

Erik

[VH3D]

Thanks for the description. Trying to pull the plug on Alaska. Either this September or Spring next year. However the long drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks makes me wanna take the flight