Wow, it sure has been awhile since we've posted. In the last 4 months, we've been back to Oregon for a visit, which was really great! I wish we could've seen more family and friends, but it went by way too fast!
Our small airport is currently under construction and has been for several months. The City of Bethel was having the airstrip resurfaced, causing a number of problems. The project has cut the runway in half lengthwise, which makes it much harder for planes to land in high winds. We have three flights (on Ala.ska Airl.ines) daily and lately, a number of them have either not left Anchorage at all, or left, but got to Bethel and turned back around over the town.
The other day, the morning plane was coming in, and even had their landing gear down, flew over the house and Jeff and I noticed that they were pretty high up still. It was foggy that morning, and instead of landing, the plane kept on going and turned back to Bethel. Poor people! That would stink.
The project was stalled for nearly a month (leaving Bethel with only half the runway) because the building materials hadn't passed the state requirements.
There have been rumors going around town that Alas.ka Airl.ines was going to withdraw all their flights this winter because of the poor runway conditions. However, according to DOT, the airport should be good this winter.
It will be interesting because we constantly have high winds, fog and snow in the winter; we are wondering how many flights are going to be cancelled or delayed because of this. It should be an interesting winter!
(Just a fun little fact: Bethel airport is the 3rd busiest passenger airport in the state and the 2nd busiest cargo airport in the state.
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