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Flying Wild Alaska
Flying Wild Alaska
Flying Wild Alaska
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Flying Wild Alaska
Created byDiscovery Channel
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes31
Production
Production locationsAlaska, United States
Running timeApprox. 43 minutes
Original release
NetworkDiscovery Channel (2011–2012)
ReleaseJanuary 14, 2011 (2011-01-14) –
July 20, 2012 (2012-07-20)

Flying Wild Alaska is a documentary television series that aired on Discovery Channel in 2011 and 2012.

The show features the Tweto family from Unalakleet, Alaska who run the Alaska airline Era Alaska. They operate the hub operations from Unalakleet. The show also features other segments from their bases in Utqiagvik (Barrow), Deadhorse, and other places.[1]

Cast

[edit]

Tweto family

[edit]
  • Jim Tweto, the COO of the airline, was born in Wichita, Kansas, but his family moved to Silver Bay, Minnesota shortly after his birth. He then moved to Anchorage, Alaska at the age of 18 with a hockey scholarship at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Shortly after moving, he realized his true passion was aviation, and in 1980 moved to Unalakleet, Alaska, where he met his wife Ferno. He became the COO of Era when the Frontier Flying Service, Era Aviation, and Hageland Aviation merged in 2009, becoming the largest regional airline in Alaska.[2][self-published source?] Jim Tweto was killed in a plane crash on June 16, 2023, at the age of 68.[3][4]
  • Ferno Tweto, the Unalakleet station manager and wife of COO Jim Tweto, was born in Anchorage and raised in Unalakleet. Ferno is also a pilot, earning her pilot certificate from a school in Everett, Washington in 1981. Ferno met Jim when he came to Unalakleet in 1980, and they married eight years later in 1988. They worked together side by side ever since and had three daughters, two of whom are showcased on the show.[5][self-published source?][6][self-published source?]
  • Ariel Tweto[7][self-published source?] is part of the Unalakleet ground crew, and is Jim and Ferno's second child. Like her mother, she ran cross-country and has run every day since 2002.[8][self-published source?] She was also a contestant on the ABC game show Wipeout in 2008 and 2009.[9] The 2011–2012 season of Flying Wild Alaska depicted Ariel taking flight training to earn her pilot's license. Her instructor, featured in the show, is Chelsea Abingdon Welch.[10][self-published source?] Ariel received her private pilot certificate on April 21, 2012.[citation needed] Ariel became a frequent guest on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, even joining Ferguson for a time during his week of episodes in Scotland in 2012 and near the end of Ferguson's tenure in December 2014.[citation needed] Tweto has a recurring voice role on the Fox animated sitcom The Great North, playing a teenage girl named Kima Evanoff.
  • Ayla Tweto, like her sister Ariel, is part of the Unalakleet ground crew. Later[when?] living in Anchorage, she has studied to be a paramedic. She visits the rest of her family in Unalakleet every weekend and has her private pilot's certificate.[11][self-published source?]

Others

[edit]

The show also features other various pilots from cities all around Alaska.

Pamyua has provided background music for Flying Wild Alaska.[citation needed]

Episodes

[edit]

Season 1 (2011)

[edit]
Episode # Episode title Original airdate
1 (1)"Meet the Twetos"January 14, 2011 (2011-01-14)
In the frigid Alaskan town of Unalakleet, the Twetos and their family-run airline Era Alaska Aviation battle the arctic elements to transport supplies and passengers to some of the most inaccessible spots in North America.[15]
2 (2)"Life or Death"January 21, 2011 (2011-01-21)
Pilot Luke Hickerson transports dangerous chemicals from Utqiagvik (Barrow) to the remote village of Atqasuk. In Unalakleet, the cold and dark winter causes its first death and Jim must make arrangements to transport the casket.[15]
3 (3)"Blow it Up"January 28, 2011 (2011-01-28)
In a dangerous mission, pilot Doug Doherty flies along Russian airspace to transport volatile explosives to the island of St Lawrence. In Unk, pilot Ben slams into a large bird in the middle of his flight.
4 (4)"Indian Summer"February 4, 2011 (2011-02-04)
Unseasonably warm weather sends Jim up to the Brooks Range to look for potential landing strips. Ferno and Ariel prepare an Eskimo feast for returning pilot John Ponts and the week ends with an icy plunge into the Unalakleet River.
5 (5)"Tundra Taxis"February 11, 2011 (2011-02-11)
In Bethel, construction crews race to finish ERA's newest hangar before the unforgiving winter snows arrive. But when Jim flies in to inspect the progress, he is far from happy. In Unalakleet, fierce crosswinds blow John Ponts' tiny 207 all over the sky.
6 (6)"Greenhorn Ben"February 18, 2011 (2011-02-18)
Pilot Yuri Ivanoff trains in Bethel for a potential promotion to fly the 208 Caravan. But danger strikes when heavy ice forms on the wings. In Unalakleet, weeks of rain force Jim to do a river landing and a greenhorn comes on board during some of the worst weather to fly.
7 (7)"Deep Freeze"February 25, 2011 (2011-02-25)
Era Alaska makes a special canine delivery to four-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey in Fairbanks. After the first snow in Unalakleet, Jim and Ferno cope with an influx of schoolteachers on their busiest day of the year.
8 (8)"Bush Brawl"March 4, 2011 (2011-03-04)
A dangerous frozen river landing leaves Jim and Ferno skating on thin ice, while Ariel's flying lessons end in frustration. The biggest snowstorm of the season hits, shutting down all of Western Alaska and leaving several Era pilots up in the air.
9 (9)"Trick or Tweto"March 11, 2011 (2011-03-11)
Halloween in Alaska brings vicious crosswinds that wreak havoc on Era's small planes. Ariel hopes to learn the family business in Unk, but a power blackout tests her abilities when she takes over as station manager.
10 (10)"Goodbye Sun"March 18, 2011 (2011-03-18)
The approaching winter darkness fuels a mass exodus from Unalakleet. In Utqiagvik (Barrow), a bootlegger attempts to smuggle in illegal liquor and Luke races to complete a daring rescue before the sun sets for two months straight.

Season 2 (2011)

[edit]
Episode # Episode title Original airdate
1 (11)"Arctic Winds"October 28, 2011 (2011-10-28)
John Ponts fights heavy turbulence and angry passengers on a flight through the Nulato Hills. Jim and Ferno leave the terminal in the hands of the pilots, and Sarah's flight to rescue a villager lost in a storm turns into a battle for her own survival.[15]
2 (12)"Tomorrow Island"November 4, 2011 (2011-11-04)
Two pilots push their limits to land vital vaccines two miles from Russia on Alaska's most treacherous runway. In Unalakleet, Ariel Tweto takes to the skies once again and proves that she still has a lot to learn.
3 (13)"Money in the Sky"November 11, 2011 (2011-11-11)
Two pilots attempt to deliver a specialty drill through a sea of fog. Luke brings the first ever ATM to Wainwright, along with a planeload of cash. Erik races to deliver passengers and critical supplies before a spring storm shuts him down. John makes a fur hat for his ill father and travels to California to visit him, hours before his death.[16]
4 (14)"Era Alaska Rises Again"November 18, 2011 (2011-11-18)
Jim faces a risky landing on a frozen river while Luke has problems getting his plane to take off, and a pilot carries vaccines to Russia's border.[16]
5 (15)"Every Dog Has Its Day"November 25, 2011 (2011-11-25)
The Iditarod dog sled race benefits Era Alaska; Ayla, Ariel and Ferno run with reindeer in Anchorage; a pilot deals with a malfunction; a tsunami warning is issued for the west coast.[16]
6 (16)"Blizzard BBQ"December 2, 2011 (2011-12-02)
A late winter storm menaces operations; Ben deals with icing conditions while Erik employs drastic measures to ship medicine to a snowed-in village.[16]
7 (17)"Guts and Glory"December 9, 2011 (2011-12-09)
Jim flies a group of rock climbers to Brooks Range; Luke takes a whaling crew over the sea to search for a hunting site.[16]
8 (18)"Top of the World"December 16, 2011 (2011-12-16)
Jim tries to find missing mountain climbers on Alaska's Brooks Range; Luke races a village elder to a hospital; a pilot tries to set a speed record to the North Pole
9 (19)"Breakup"December 23, 2011 (2011-12-23)
Era Alaska provides aid to a village devastated by heavy flooding. Two pilots get lost in a sea of fog off the Russian coast while trying to deliver desperately needed ammunition. In Anchorage, Jim's prized Cessna 180 has a small engine fire during first start-up while getting refitted with a more powerful engine.
10 (20)"Cakes on a Plane"December 30, 2011 (2011-12-30)
Ponts' old skate crew arrives to build a skate park for local kids on Unk's newly paved roads. Ariel takes to the skies in a new plane with dangerous results and lead Pilot Erik Snuggerud battles heavy turbulence with a very special delivery.
11 (21)"Prop, Drop and Ball"January 6, 2012 (2012-01-06)
A heavy load of dangerous propane tanks shifts during takeoff, which leads to an aborted takeoff. Basketball between the ramp crew and pilots leads to new work assignments. Jim and Ferno air drop supplies to bear hunters, while Ponts and Ariel continue their flying lessons.
12 (22)"New Wings Over Alaska"January 13, 2012 (2012-01-13)
Ariel looks for seagull eggs; Erik has a rough flight over a notorious runway; Sarah takes her first flight in a 208.[16]
13 (23)"One Flying Family"January 20, 2012 (2012-01-20)
Era Alaska ferries fire crews to combat wildfires across the state; Ariel flies solo for the first time; Ponts navigates a deadly pass on his first training flight.[16]

Season 3 (2012)

[edit]
Episode # Episode title Original airdate
1 (24)"Running Out of Time"June 8, 2012 (2012-06-08)
Era Alaska digs deep to survive a brutal winter. Ariel Tweto joins in on a desperate search for her missing friend. Sarah Fraher attempts a difficult landing to aid a pilot stranded mid-runway. John Ponts attempts an emergency medical drop over the isolated Kavik camp.[15]
2 (25)"Zero Cabin Pressure"June 15, 2012 (2012-06-15)
Alaska's harshest winter in years wreaks havoc on Era's fleet. Sarah Fraher's aircraft door opens mid-flight. Doug's brakes freeze on an icy runway while carrying explosive chemicals. Jim attempts a risky landing atop the frozen Anvik River.
3 (26)"Solar Flare Danger"June 22, 2012 (2012-06-22)
Villagers in Wainright lose their water supply due to the Arctic cold. Solar flares leave Ponts and Ben in harm's way. In Unalakleet, a criminal is on the loose and the Twetos are on edge.
4 (27)"Return to Diomede"June 29, 2012 (2012-06-29)
The epic Iditarod dog sled race begins in Anchorage. Pilot Doug Stewart tests his limits while landing on a runway that is melting into the ocean. Pilot John Kapsner races to locate two snow-machiners that are lost overnight deep in the Alaskan Bush.
5 (28)"Money Pit"July 6, 2012 (2012-07-06)
Erik is plagued by mechanical issues. Doug and John battle to keep their plane on an icy runway. Ariel receives a surprise visit.
6 (29)"Radio Silence"July 13, 2012 (2012-07-13)
Ariel disappears from radio contact during a solo cross-country flight. Erik struggles to land his plane on a narrow runway.
7 (30)"Into The Wind"July 20, 2012 (2012-07-20)
Jim Tweto makes a nearly impossible landing at Unalakleet. Sarah Fraher battles strong headwinds while attempting to deliver fuel to a research station.
8 (31)"End of an Era"July 20, 2012 (2012-07-20)
Series Finale. After 30 years of running Era Alaska, Jim Tweto considers retirement. Doug loses his avionics over the North Slope. Ariel, under the guidance of instructor Chelsea Abingdon Welch reaches the end of her training and becomes a private pilot after facing the scrutiny of an FAA examiner.

Broadcast Airings

[edit]

Repeats of the series air on the digital broadcast network Quest.

Death of Jim Tweto

[edit]

On June 16, 2023, Jim Tweto was killed in a plane crash near Shaktoolik, along with passenger Shane Reynolds, a hunting and fishing guide.[17] The cause of the crash is still under investigation. The NTSB preliminary report stated that the plane impacted a tree during takeoff. However, no conclusion about the final cause has yet been published.[18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Flying Wild Alaska

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Flying Wild Alaska is an American reality documentary television series that originally aired on the from 2011 to 2012, chronicling the operations of Era Alaska, a family-run based in , as it delivers essential supplies and passengers to remote communities along the coastline. The series highlights the perilous challenges faced by the Tweto family—including patriarch and chief operating officer Jim Tweto, his wife Ferno, and their daughters Ariel and Ayla—in navigating extreme weather, rugged terrain, and mechanical issues to serve isolated rural areas inaccessible by road. Over three seasons comprising 31 episodes, the show captures high-stakes missions, emergency rescues, and the daily struggles of maintaining lifeline services in Alaska's unforgiving wilderness. The series is notable for its portrayal of authentic Alaskan aviation culture. Tragically, Jim Tweto, a central figure in the series, died in a plane crash near Shaktoolik in June 2023, alongside passenger Shane Reynolds, an event investigated by the as caused by gusting tailwinds and a collision with terrain.

Premise

The Tweto Family and Era Alaska

The Tweto family serves as the central figures in Flying Wild Alaska, operating , a essential to remote Alaskan communities. Jim Tweto, the family's patriarch and founder of the business's precursor operations, amassed over 30,000 flight hours as a seasoned bush pilot, specializing in challenging short-field landings and takeoffs in rugged terrain. His wife, Ferno Tweto, serves as station manager and operations coordinator, overseeing station activities from the Unalakleet hub and ensuring the coordination of flights amid unpredictable weather. The couple's daughters, Ariel and Ayla, contribute to the enterprise; Ariel pursues pilot training while emerging as a media personality through her on-screen presence, and Ayla supports family operations alongside community involvement in Unalakleet. Era Alaska traces its roots to Jim Tweto's early ventures in bush aviation, beginning with the establishment of Gussic Ventures in Unalakleet, which merged with Mike Hageland's operations to form Hageland Aviation Services. This entity later consolidated with Frontier Flying Service and acquired in 2009, creating Era Alaska as Alaska's largest Part 135 carrier at the time, with Jim serving as . Based in Unalakleet, the functions as a lifeline for isolated western Alaskan villages, delivering critical cargo such as mail, groceries, and medical supplies to areas inaccessible by road, often navigating and short runways. These operations underscore the company's role in sustaining rural economies and emergency responses in one of the world's most demanding flying environments. The Tweto 's involvement reflects a multigenerational commitment to , where professional duties intertwine with personal life in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Jim and Ferno's decades of experience inform daily decision-making, while their daughters' participation fosters a sense of continuity, balancing the high-stakes risks of —such as sudden storms and mechanical issues—with family bonds and community ties in Unalakleet. This dynamic highlights the resilience required to run a family-owned in remote , where success depends on collective effort amid isolation and environmental perils.

Daily Operations and Challenges

Era Alaska's daily operations centered on short-haul flights using a fleet that included Cessna 208 Caravans, Beechcraft 1900C and 1900D models, and de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash-8 turboprops, enabling the transport of passengers, , and supplies to over 100 remote communities across western and northern . These , with capacities ranging from 1 to 37 passengers and up to 6,000 pounds of , operated from hubs like Anchorage's International Airport and Unalakleet, servicing routes that spanned , rivers, and unpaved strips in areas inaccessible by road. The airline played a vital role in sustaining isolated villages, particularly during the long winter months when ground travel was impossible, by delivering essential goods such as groceries, fuel, and building materials on multi-stop flights that could cover just 100 miles but require five or six landings. Key operational challenges stemmed from Alaska's harsh environment, including conditions like blizzards, airframe icing, and strong crosswinds that frequently forced flight delays or diversions. Mechanical reliability was strained in subzero temperatures, where reduced performance, frozen fluids, and battery issues heightened the risk of in-flight failures, necessitating rigorous pre-flight checks and lighter load operations to maintain margins. Logistical obstacles intensified during holidays, when demand for family reunions and gift deliveries surged, or in emergencies requiring rapid response, all while pilots relied on advanced skills for off-airport landings on unprepared surfaces—techniques involving multiple reconnaissance passes at varying altitudes to assess hazards like soft snow or hidden obstacles. These operations mirrored the broader necessities of Alaskan aviation, where small carriers like Era Alaska held U.S. contracts for bypass mail delivery to communities, ensuring vital communication and in regions cut off for months. Additionally, the airline contributed to essential services such as medical evacuations (medevacs), transporting patients from remote sites to hospitals amid unpredictable conditions, underscoring the critical lifeline role of bush pilots in supporting and connectivity across the state.

Cast

Tweto Family Members

Jim Tweto is portrayed as the gruff yet experienced patriarch of the Tweto family and chief operating officer of Era , often seen making high-stakes decisions amid treacherous flying conditions in remote . His on-screen presence emphasizes his piloting expertise, with key moments including daring landings on short ridgetops in a Cessna 180 and recounting a past crash where he broke his neck, underscoring his resilience and leadership in family and business operations. As the owner running the airline from Unalakleet, Jim's tough demeanor drives the narrative of battling harsh weather and mechanical issues to deliver supplies. Ferno Tweto appears as the practical and co-owner alongside Jim, coordinating ground and supporting the family's operations in Unalakleet. Her role highlights scenes of managing daily tasks at the home base during winters, often amid family tensions arising from the high-pressure environment of . Though her screen time in early episodes is more subdued, she contributes to the portrayal of familial unity in sustaining Era Alaska's vital services to isolated communities. Ariel Tweto is depicted as an energetic young adult and aspiring pilot, full of spunk and optimism, as she learns to fly and seeks within the . Her character arc features training flights, such as her first solo, and mishaps like incorrectly parking aircraft, which add lighthearted family drama while showcasing her involvement in ground operations and community efforts in Unalakleet. Portrayed as bubbly and effervescent, Ariel's enthusiasm helps maintain the show's focus on adventure and resilience in Alaska's wild terrain. Ayla Tweto is presented as a supportive assisting with airline operations, often in a quieter capacity that emphasizes bonds and daily tasks. While as a in Anchorage during filming, she appears on weekends to help with duties in Unalakleet, contributing to the narrative of collective effort without seeking the spotlight. Her spunky yet understated role reinforces the Twetos' teamwork in overcoming operational challenges.

Other Key Personnel

In addition to the Tweto family, Flying Wild Alaska highlights several non-family employees of Era Alaska who contribute to the airline's operations in 's challenging bush environment. These individuals, including pilots and support staff, are depicted as essential team members navigating , rugged terrain, and logistical demands to keep flights on schedule. Key pilots featured include John Ponts and Doug Doherty, both seasoned pilots known for their reliability in handling perilous routes across remote regions. John Ponts, operating out of Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), brings expertise in flying, emphasizing safety protocols like clear communication during low-visibility landings on unprepared strips. His background as a former professional skateboarder adds a layer of resilience to his portrayal as a steady operator in adverse conditions. Doug Doherty, based in Nome, serves as a line pilot, , and check airman, piloting aircraft such as the 208B Caravan and on high-risk missions, including deliveries near international borders. His experience underscores the technical proficiency required for transporting volatile and serving isolated communities. Ground crew and mechanics form the backbone of Era Alaska's maintenance efforts, ensuring aircraft readiness amid frequent mechanical stresses from harsh Alaskan operations. Daryl Lowell, an aircraft mechanic, is shown performing critical repairs, such as fixing control issues on bush planes to prevent downtime during urgent flights. Similarly, lead mechanic Bob Anthony appears in scenarios involving routine inspections and troubleshooting, illustrating the collaborative problem-solving needed during equipment failures like engine malfunctions. These roles highlight the ground team's vital support in loading cargo, pre-flight preparations, and crisis response, which enable the pilots to focus on safe navigation. Community figures from Unalakleet and surrounding areas occasionally appear, representing the local dependence on Era Alaska for survival essentials like food, medical supplies, and mail deliveries to off-grid villages. These residents and clients demonstrate the airline's community impact, as pilots and crew interact with them to coordinate vital resupplies in regions inaccessible by road. Their presence underscores the operational challenges of serving 's indigenous and rural populations year-round.

Production

Development and Filming

The series was developed in as a reality docuseries highlighting the high-stakes world of Alaskan bush aviation, initially pitched to the through the efforts of Ariel Tweto, who leveraged her Hollywood connections alongside producer Tommy Baynard to showcase her family's operations at Era Alaska. 's initiative stemmed from her aspirations in entertainment, drawing interest from Discovery executives like Joshua Weinberg, who saw potential in the authentic portrayal of remote aviation life. The concept centered on the Tweto family's daily struggles, transforming their private business into a of adventure and peril suitable for television. Produced by 3 Ball Productions, with executive producers JD Roth and Todd A. Nelson, and co-executive producer DJ Nurre, the show emphasized genuine, observational storytelling over manufactured drama. Filming spanned 2010 to 2012 across the three seasons, with crews embedded full-time to capture unfiltered operations amid Alaska's unforgiving environment. For the first season, production ran continuously from late August to early December 2010, documenting the shift from mild fall weather to subzero winter conditions, allowing for raw footage of seasonal challenges without interruption. Subsequent seasons followed a similar intensive schedule, with the crew prioritizing real-time events like emergency flights and mechanical issues to maintain authenticity, though logistical hurdles such as extreme cold and remote access often complicated shoots. Jim Tweto, the family patriarch, initially resisted participation due to discomfort with publicity and a for privacy in their isolated lifestyle, but relented after Ariel's , ensuring that all depicted activities adhered strictly to regulations. The production adopted an immersive, documentary-style approach using compact "" cameras and handheld rigs to follow pilots during flights, minimizing intrusion while capturing spontaneous moments of risk and resilience. This unscripted format relied on extensive raw footage—gathered around the clock, excluding only private moments—to highlight genuine hazards like turbulent landings and supply disruptions, with focusing on tight editing to build tension from real events rather than reenactments. Crew members, many unfamiliar with , received on-site guidance from Jim Tweto to respect operational protocols, ensuring the series balanced entertainment with accurate representation of bush piloting's demands.

Aircraft and Locations

The featured aircraft in Flying Wild Alaska prominently include the , a versatile single-engine utilized by Era Alaska for essential cargo runs to isolated Alaskan outposts, capable of carrying up to 14 passengers or substantial freight loads over short, rugged airstrips. Complementing this are the 180 and 185 models, favored for their robust and oversized tires that enable short takeoffs and landings () on unprepared gravel bars and snow-covered terrain, often piloted by family members like Jim Tweto for surveying and supply missions. Jim Tweto's personal Piper Super Cub also appears, highlighting nimble in tight, remote settings where precision is critical for survival. The series underscores operational realism through depictions of routine maintenance, such as de-icing procedures and engine checks in extreme cold, which prevent failures during high-stakes flights. Filming and operations are centered at Unalakleet, Era Alaska's primary hub in northwest , a coastal village serving as the logistical base for coordinating flights across the region. Key routes portrayed connect to remote destinations like Shaktoolik, a windswept community; Koyuk, an inland Inupiat village requiring careful navigation over frozen terrain; and Nome, a historic town acting as a regional gateway for further extensions. These locations emphasize the isolation and environmental hazards, with winter shoots conducted in subzero conditions that challenge aircraft systems, from frozen fuel lines to reduced visibility, demanding specialized cold-weather gear and protocols. To maintain authenticity and safety, production involved on-site aviation experts, including pilots who briefed film crews on operational limits and ensured all depicted flights adhered to (FAA) regulations, such as in marginal weather. No major incidents occurred during filming, reflecting the rigorous oversight integrated into the 24/7 shoots that captured real-time aviation challenges without staging hazardous scenarios.

Broadcast and Release

U.S. Airings

Flying Wild Alaska premiered on the Discovery Channel on January 14, 2011, airing new episodes on Friday nights initially at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The series ran for three seasons, concluding on July 20, 2012, with a total of 31 episodes. Later seasons shifted to the 10:00 p.m. ET/PT slot. Season 1 consisted of 10 episodes broadcast from January 14 to March 18, 2011, capturing the Tweto family's operations during the spring thaw in . Season 2 expanded to 13 episodes, airing from October 28, 2011, through January 20, 2012, amid the challenges of fall and winter conditions. Season 3 featured 8 episodes from June 8 to July 20, 2012, focusing on summer flying demands before the series ended. The series was released on DVD by MPI for each season: Season 1 on November 22, 2011; Season 2 on November 13, 2012; and Season 3 on November 19, 2013. The show has seen frequent reruns on the since its conclusion, maintaining its presence in the network's rotation of adventure programming. As of November 2025, all seasons are available for streaming on Max and , providing on-demand access to the full series. No additional seasons have been produced following the 2012 finale.

International Distribution

The series achieved international distribution primarily through Discovery's global network of channels and streaming services. In , Flying Wild Alaska premiered on in 2011, aligning closely with the U.S. broadcast schedule, and season 3 returned on September 6, 2012, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. In the , the show aired on Discovery Turbo beginning in 2011 and remains accessible via the official Discovery UK website, featuring episodes from all three seasons. In , it was broadcast on starting in 2012, with ongoing streaming availability on local platforms. Versions dubbed or subtitled in local languages were made available in various European and Asian markets to broaden appeal; for example, in , the series was localized as Flying over Wild Alaska on Korea. No international spin-offs were produced. Regarding streaming, Flying Wild Alaska was offered on in select regions during the but has since shifted to other services. As of November 2025, it is accessible internationally via , where full seasons are available for purchase or streaming with a subscription, and through regional Discovery+ apps.

Episodes

Season 1 (2011)

Season 1 of Flying Wild Alaska, which aired from January 14 to March 18, 2011, consists of 10 episodes that introduce viewers to the Tweto family and their management of Era Alaska, a family-run operating out of . The season centers on the winter startup challenges faced by the company, as pilots and staff navigate brutal arctic conditions to deliver essential supplies, passengers, and cargo to remote coastal villages inaccessible by road. Key hazards, including ice buildup on wings, fierce crosswinds, snowstorms, and frozen runways, underscore the perilous nature of in the region. The narrative establishes the Tweto family's daily routines, with patriarch Jim Tweto piloting missions, wife Ferno Helene overseeing operations, and daughters Ayla and Ariel contributing to station management and learning the business. Episodes highlight initial family dynamics, such as Ariel's early efforts and the integration of new pilots, while portraying the airline's role as a critical lifeline for isolated communities. Thematic tension arises from balancing close-knit life in a remote village with the high-risk demands of business survival, where mechanical breakdowns and weather delays can jeopardize operations and personal safety. Mid-season developments focus on training arcs, like new pilot orientations amid icing risks, and logistical strains from transporting hazardous materials or responding to community needs during the deepening winter. The season arcs build toward the onset of prolonged darkness and the anticipation of spring thaw operations, emphasizing resilient problem-solving in extreme isolation. Representative examples include risky river landings and blackout management, illustrating the constant interplay between routine flights and life-threatening emergencies. Episode summaries are as follows:
  • "Meet the Twetos" (January 14, 2011): The episode introduces the Tweto family and their airline in Unalakleet, as they battle arctic conditions to deliver supplies and passengers to remote areas, including Jim flying a hunting party to the Nulato Hills region.
  • "Life or Death" (January 21, 2011): Pilot Luke Hickerson transports hazardous chemicals from Barrow to Atqasuk, while Jim coordinates the transport of a casket following a winter-related casualty in Unalakleet.
  • "Blow It Up" (January 28, 2011): Doug Doherty flies volatile explosives near Russian airspace to St. Lawrence Island, and new pilot Ben Pedersen encounters a bird strike mid-flight over Unalakleet.
  • "Indian Summer" (February 4, 2011): Warm weather allows Jim to scout remote landing strips in the Brooks Range; back home, Ferno and Ariel prepare a traditional Eskimo feast that culminates in a plunge into a river.
  • "Tundra Taxis" (February 11, 2011): Construction crews in Bethel rush to complete a new hangar before winter intensifies, but Jim expresses dissatisfaction upon inspection; pilot John Ponts grapples with severe crosswinds during a landing in Unalakleet.
  • "Greenhorn Ben" (February 18, 2011): Trainee pilot Yuri Ivanoff deals with ice accumulation on wings during sessions in Bethel; Jim attempts a precarious river landing in rainy conditions, as a novice pilot arrives to face adverse weather in Unalakleet.
  • "Deep Freeze" (February 25, 2011): Era Alaska pilots deliver sled dogs to Iditarod champion Lance Mackey; Jim and Ferno manage a hectic schedule transporting schoolteachers shortly after the season's first heavy snowfall.
  • "Bush Brawl" (March 4, 2011): Jim and Ferno undertake a hazardous landing on a frozen river; Ariel's initial flying lessons encounter setbacks; a massive snowstorm grounds flights across Western Alaska.
  • "Trick or Tweto" (March 11, 2011): Halloween brings destructive crosswinds that endanger Era's small planes; Ariel takes charge of the Unalakleet station amid a power outage while continuing her business training.
  • "Goodbye Sun" (March 18, 2011): Approaching winter darkness spurs a resident exodus from Unalakleet; Luke hurries to perform a rescue in Barrow for an individual in peril before the onset of two months without sunlight.

Season 2 (2011–2012)

The second season of Flying Wild Alaska comprises 13 episodes, broadcast from October 28, 2011, to January 20, 2012, capturing Era Alaska's operations during the challenging transition from fall to winter in remote . Building on the airline's foundational struggles, the season emphasizes expansion initiatives, including the introduction of new pilots and increased cargo hauls, while intensifying depictions of harsh environmental obstacles like heavy , blizzards, and that threaten flights and supply deliveries to isolated villages. Early episodes highlight recruitment and training efforts amid urgent missions. In "Arctic Winds," pilot John Ponts contends with turbulence and passenger unrest during a flight through the Nulato Hills, while new pilot Sarah Fraher—introduced as Ponts' girlfriend—navigates a to a dehydrated villager, underscoring the high-stakes demands on incoming crew members. "Tomorrow Island" features pilots pushing limits to deliver vaccines on a perilous runway near , as Ariel Tweto resumes but encounters significant learning hurdles, revealing her ongoing development as a pilot within the family business. These installments portray Era Alaska's growth pains, with Jim Tweto delegating more responsibilities to pilots like Ferno and Luke to manage rising workloads. Mid-season narratives escalate operational crises driven by winter weather. "Money in the Sky" depicts pilots transporting a specialty drill through dense and Luke hauling an with cash to Wainwright village ahead of a spring , illustrating the precision required for financial and mechanical deliveries in deteriorating conditions. Episodes like "Blizzard BBQ" show a massive disrupting schedules, with pilot battling ice buildup on his wings and Erik resorting to unconventional tactics to deliver critical , heightening the portrayal of resource strains such as equipment failures and supply delays. "Breakup" captures Era Alaska aiding a flood-ravaged village, but complications arise when pilots lose their way in while carrying ammunition, and Jim's 180 suffers a fire, amplifying risks to the fleet during expansion. Later episodes explore character arcs and thematic tensions from business pressures. In "Guts and Glory," Jim transports rock climbers to the remote , while Luke supports a crew over unstable , emphasizing the airline's role in cultural and adventurous endeavors that test family bonds. "Prop, Drop & Ball" involves hauling 1,600 pounds of amid malfunctions for Luke and a challenge for Ariel under Ponts' guidance, highlighting interpersonal dynamics and the physical toll of fuel-related in winter isolation. The season culminates in "One Flying Family," where Era Alaska supports wildfire-fighting crews, Ponts tackles the deadly Merrill Pass, and Ariel achieves her in treacherous conditions, deepening explorations of familial reliance and individual growth amid external adversities like fuel constraints and weather extremes. Episode summaries are as follows:
  • "Arctic Winds" (October 28, 2011): John Ponts battles turbulence en route to Nulato; Sarah Fraher rescues a dehydrated child in stormy weather.
  • "Tomorrow Island" (November 4, 2011): Pilots deliver vaccines to Diomede near Russia; Ariel struggles with flight training.
  • "Money in the Sky" (November 11, 2011): Pilots transport a drill through fog; Luke delivers an ATM to Wainwright.
  • "Era Alaska Rises Again" (November 18, 2011): The team rebuilds after setbacks; challenging deliveries test the crew.
  • "Every Dog Has Its Day" (November 25, 2011): Era supports Iditarod preparations with dog deliveries; weather complicates missions.
  • "Blizzard BBQ" (December 2, 2011): A blizzard disrupts operations; Ben fights ice, Erik delivers medicine creatively.
  • "Guts and Glory" (December 9, 2011): Jim flies rock climbers to Brooks Range; Luke aids whaling crew over ice.
  • "Prop, Drop & Ball" (December 16, 2011): Luke hauls propane with malfunctions; Ariel practices landings with Ponts.
  • "Break Up" (December 23, 2011): Aid to flood victims; pilots lost in fog with ammo; Jim's plane catches fire.
  • "The Iditadogs" (January 6, 2012): Support for Iditarod dog sled race; high-volume transports amid weather challenges.
  • "Fast Times" (January 13, 2012): Rapid missions test pilots; training and urgent deliveries in harsh conditions.
  • "Road Warriors" (January 20, 2012): Crew handles intense schedules; mechanical issues and weather threats.
  • "One Flying Family" (January 20, 2012): Firefighting support; Ponts flies Merrill Pass; Ariel's first solo flight.

Season 3 (2012)

Season 3 of Flying Wild Alaska, which aired on the Discovery Channel starting June 8, 2012, consists of eight episodes that chronicle Era Alaska's operations during one of Alaska's most severe winters, transitioning into spring challenges. The season emphasizes the physical and emotional toll of bush piloting in extreme conditions, while exploring the Tweto family's efforts to sustain their legacy amid mounting pressures. As the series draws to a close, narratives highlight the handover of responsibilities to the next generation, particularly through Ariel Tweto's growing role in the business. The season opens with intense winter survival scenarios, such as Ariel's involvement in a frantic search for a missing friend in remote terrain and pilot Sarah Fraher's precarious landing to assist a stranded colleague, underscoring the airline's critical role in life-saving missions. Environmental hazards dominate early episodes, including solar flares disrupting communications and endangering pilots Ponts and Ben over the Arctic, as well as mechanical failures like an aircraft door opening mid-flight due to subzero temperatures. These events reflect the relentless demands of Alaskan aviation, where pilots must navigate frozen rivers, icy runways, and sudden weather shifts to deliver supplies to isolated villages. A central arc follows Ariel Tweto's pursuit of independence, including her first solo flights and preparation for the FAA pilot's license exam, symbolizing the family's shift toward younger leadership. Community ties are woven throughout, as seen in episodes covering the Iditarod sled race, where pilot Doug Stewart attempts a daring landing on a thawing coastal runway, and Ben Pederson's windy retrieval of a priest for Easter services in outlying areas. Later installments depict mechanical woes, such as Erik Snuggerud's engine troubles in Bethel and Doug's avionics failure over the North Slope, testing the pilots' ingenuity and the airline's resilience. The season culminates in the finale, "End of an Era," where Jim Tweto, after three decades at the helm of Era Alaska, contemplates and a new chapter, prompting reflections on the sacrifices of family-run in 's unforgiving . This episode ties together themes of legacy and endurance, portraying the Twetos' unyielding commitment to serving remote communities despite the personal costs. Overall, Season 3 portrays not just as a profession but as a familial and cultural lifeline, resilient against nature's extremes. Episode summaries are as follows:
  • "Running Out of Time" (June 8, 2012): Ariel searches for a missing friend; Sarah lands to help a stranded pilot in harsh winter conditions.
  • "Solar Flare Danger" (June 15, 2012): Solar flares disrupt communications; Ponts and Ben face risks over the Arctic.
  • "Zero Cabin Pressure" (June 22, 2012): An aircraft door opens mid-flight in subzero cold; emergency responses test the team.
  • "Return to Diomede" (June 29, 2012): Deliveries to Diomede Island amid weather challenges; community support missions.
  • "Money Pit" (July 6, 2012): Financial strains and mechanical issues; pilots handle costly repairs and deliveries.
  • "Radio Silence" (July 13, 2012): Communication failures during flights; Ariel advances in training.
  • "Into the Wind" (July 20, 2012): Strong winds complicate Iditarod support and Easter services retrieval.
  • "End of an Era" (July 20, 2012): Jim considers retirement after 30 years; reflections on family legacy and future.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Flying Wild Alaska received generally positive feedback from professional critics, who appreciated its immersive depiction of rural Alaskan aviation and family-run business operations amid harsh environmental conditions. Reviews highlighted the series' ability to convey the high-stakes realities of bush piloting without overt sensationalism, positioning it as one of the more grounded entries in Discovery Channel's lineup of Alaska-themed reality programming. The series was nominated for a NAMIC Vision Award for Reality in 2012. Critics praised the show's authentic portrayal of bush life, noting how it captured genuine interactions between pilots and remote communities, such as deliveries to isolated villages like Little Diomede, while showcasing the Tweto family's real-world efforts to sustain their airline. The series was commended for its strong family dynamics, portraying the Twetos as a cohesive unit marked by mutual respect and collaboration in overcoming operational challenges. Additionally, it was valued for its educational insights into aviation hurdles, including fuel contamination risks, small-plane handling in unpredictable weather, and the logistical demands of serving outposts. Despite these strengths, some critiques pointed to occasional in certain episodes, where editing amplified tensions for narrative effect, though this was seen as relatively restrained compared to other formats. The focus on weather-related perils, while central to the subject matter, occasionally led to perceptions of formulaic storytelling centered on recurring environmental obstacles. Reviews also noted limited exploration of broader cultural contexts, with the series prioritizing logistics over deeper engagement with Indigenous traditions and community life in Unalakleet and surrounding areas.

Viewership Ratings

The premiere episode of Flying Wild Alaska on January 14, 2011, drew 2.58 million viewers, marking it as the highest-rated debut for a new series in history at the time. Subsequent episodes in Season 1 maintained solid numbers, with examples including 2.135 million viewers for the February 18 installment, contributing to an overall strong performance in the 2 million viewer range for the season. Season 2, airing from October 2011 to January 2012, saw continued engagement, peaking at 2.549 million for the January 20 episode. Holiday-themed episodes helped sustain interest, aligning with Discovery's Friday night lineup that boosted overall network viewership. In Season 3 (June–August 2012), viewership stabilized at lower levels, with the July 20 airing attracting 1.194 million viewers, reflecting a steady but reduced audience compared to prior seasons. The season finale provided a modest uptick. Nielsen data highlighted Flying Wild Alaska's appeal in rural and male demographics, particularly adults 25-54, where it performed competitively within Discovery's reality programming slate. However, it trailed genre peers like Deadliest Catch, which averaged 3.45 million viewers across its 2011 season. Post-broadcast, the series has seen sustained demand on streaming services, registering 4.1 times the average U.S. TV show demand in July 2025, indicating enduring popularity.

Legacy

Post-Show Developments for Era Alaska

Following the conclusion of Flying Wild Alaska in 2012, Era Alaska underwent significant structural changes as part of broader consolidations in Alaska's regional aviation sector. In 2014, the airline rebranded to Ravn Alaska, unifying its operations under a single identity while its commuter services, including those formerly operated by Frontier Flying Service and Hageland Aviation, were integrated as Ravn Connect to focus on essential rural routes. This rebranding aimed to streamline branding and expand service across Alaska, incorporating larger aircraft for longer routes while maintaining small-plane connectivity to remote communities. Ravn Alaska experienced growth in the mid-2010s, adding routes and acquiring assets from struggling competitors, but faced mounting financial pressures. In 2015, the company sold a majority stake to firms J.F. Lehman & Company and W Capital Partners, providing capital for fleet modernization and route expansion amid rising operational costs in Alaska's challenging environment. By 2019, further acquisitions, such as parts of PenAir's operations in a , bolstered its network, positioning Ravn as Alaska's largest rural air carrier with over 100 daily flights serving dozens of communities. However, the severely strained the airline, leading to a Chapter 11 filing in April 2020 and the temporary grounding of most services due to travel restrictions and revenue losses. Post-bankruptcy, Ravn emerged in late 2020 under new ownership by , Inc., resuming limited operations as Ravn Connect with a focus on essential air service subsidies from the U.S. . The carrier gradually rebuilt, but persistent challenges including high fuel costs, pilot shortages, and reduced demand led to route cuts and fleet reductions by 2025. On August 5, 2025, suspended all operations, effectively ending its 77-year legacy of serving Alaska's bush communities after failing to secure new investment amid ongoing financial distress. Following the shutdown, the U.S. sought bids from new providers to continue essential air services for affected rural communities. Regarding the Tweto family, who were central to Alaska's portrayal on the show, Ariel and Ayla Tweto transitioned away from direct involvement in the airline's management following the series' end in 2012. Ariel pursued careers in media, including work, outdoor advocacy, and appearances in documentaries like Into America's Wild, while Ayla focused on personal endeavors outside . No Tweto family members held operational or executive roles in the airline after the early 2010s consolidations.

Death of Jim Tweto and Family Impact

On June 16, 2023, Jim Tweto, aged 68, was piloting a (registration N91361) that crashed shortly after takeoff from a remote airstrip near Shaktoolik, , approximately 35 miles northeast of Unalakleet. The aircraft struck a , lost control, and impacted , killing Tweto and his passenger, Shane Reynolds, a 45-year-old hunting guide from . Preliminary findings from the (NTSB) indicated that gusting winds and a tree strike contributed to the accident. The NTSB's final report, released in July 2025, determined the to be Tweto's encounter with gusting tailwind conditions during takeoff initial climb, which led to the tree impact, loss of control, and subsequent collision with terrain. Contributing factors included sudden wind shifts and the sloped, mountainous terrain near the airstrip, but no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found in the or . Tributes following the highlighted Tweto's extensive experience, with the NTSB confirming 27,625 total flight hours and 5,825 specifically in the Cessna 180 at the time of the . The crash profoundly affected Tweto's family, particularly his daughter Ariel, who publicly shared her grief in interviews shortly after the incident. Ariel described the loss as ongoing, stating, "It hasn’t gotten easier yet, really. Slowly we’ve been smiling more and laughing more. We’re strong and we have each other." She emphasized her father's enduring legacy in aviation, noting, "He raised countless pilots — men and women — who wouldn’t be pilots if it wasn’t for them meeting my dad," and reflected on the life lessons he imparted, affirming the family's commitment to carrying forward his passion for bush flying. In Unalakleet, where the Tweto family had long been integral to the community through Era Alaska, residents mourned Tweto's devotion to western Alaska's remote areas, though the family opted against a formal memorial service there, opting instead for a celebration of life at the Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage. The tragedy also sparked renewed public interest in Flying Wild Alaska, with the series gaining attention on streaming platforms as viewers revisited the Tweto family's story.

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