Where do flights originate?
Kingfisher is based in Kodiak City. All flights originate from Kodiak (Lily Lake or Trident Basin). We have a courtesy van for transportation from your hotel or the airport before and after your flight.
What is the capacity of the airplane(s)?
Each Bush Hawk can carry up to 4 passengers. The max weight of people plus gear cannot exceed 850 pounds. For larger groups, we can take two aircraft at once for a total of 8 passengers or 1700 pounds.
How many planes do you operate?
Kingfisher Aviation & Kingfisher Air operate 2 Found Bush Hawk floatplanes.
What are your professional qualifications?
Air Taxi Qualifications
- FAA Part 135 On-Demand Operations
- Maintenance & Pilot checks according to FAA Part 135
- Commercial licensed pilots
- Liability Insurance meet State Requirements
Permits:
- Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
- National Park Service – Katmai
- Alaska State Parks – Shuyak & Afognak
- Alaska State Transporter
- CPR/First Aid Certified
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept VISA/MASTERCARD/American Express, Travelers Checks and Cash. Payment is due before flight.
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Do you GUARANTEE that we will see bears?
No – we do not guarantee that you will see bears…. but if the weather allows us to fly to the desired destination, then it is almost impossible to not see bears on the ground! We feel that a “guarantee” is just marketing lingo – it is only as good as the person/company behind it. We strive to provide a whole “wilderness experience” for our clients, not just a bear.
What location will we visit for bear viewing?
Depending on the best bear viewing opportunity, we will take you to either Frazer Lake in the Kodiak Refuge or the Katmai Coast depending on the season.
How close can we expect to get to the bears?
Every adventure is different, but you can expect to be between 50-150 yards away from the bears. During mid to late summer, we tend to be able to get closer to the bears while they are fishing for salmon – maybe about 35 yards. Bring a zoom lens 75-300..
How much walking is involved?
Anticipate on about 1.5 miles of total walking during the trip to Frazer. It typically takes about 15-20 minutes each way. Katmai Coast trips vary depending on the tides.
What does my pilot/guide bring for bear protection?
Your guide will have an air horn and pepper spray as bear deterrent in the National Park. When visiting Frazer, your guide might bring a rifle. In over 10 years of working around bears on Kodiak, we have fortunately never had to use the pepper spray or rifle on our wildlife viewing trips.
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