Our newest NWTFA member is Charles Christenson of Kent, Washington, USA. Charlie flies a 1967 Cessna 182 on Aerocet 3400 amphibious floats with over 40 modifications including an 86-inch prop and 300 hp engine. He describes it as a great seaplane that gets into the best fishing spots while providing for easy access to fuel. Charlie has been flying professionally for over 40 years. He started pumping gas at a flight school in Minnesota at age 15 and worked his way up to flight instructor by age 18. He obtained a Canadian commercial license at age 19 and started his bush career flying a standard Beaver on floats for a fishing lodge in Ontario. He headed north to Alaska at age 21 to fly C-185, C-207, turbine Beaver and Twin Otter aircraft. After 5 years in Alaska, Charlie returned south and flew for commuter and major airlines, working up to captain on the 737-200. He eventually turned to contract flying with gigs including captain on a 737-400 in Turkey and flying a 737-800 in England. For the past 14 years, he has been an instructor/line training pilot with Boeing, where he flies the B737, B777 and B787. Charlie is counting down the days to retirement, so he can return to his passion of flying his C-182 around Alaska and into the Northwest Territories. He’s been to Yellowknife and loved it so we’re hoping to see him back here soon, perhaps for the 2019 Midnight Sun Fly In! |