Cliff Hudson
Cliff Hudson was one of Alaska’s most well known early bush pilots. He flew his small planes for over four decades, opening up the wilderness around Denali to climbers, homesteaders and tourists.Hudson came to Alaska in 1948. He was a pioneer of local air service, offering rides to places previously off-limits.Hudson flew climbers directly to Denali, saving them a (SO—mile hike through rough areas. He delivered mail and supplies to remote homes and took tourists on “flight seeing” tours of the mountain. His flights opened up Alaska to thousands of people.Bush pilots had to be fearless. Hudson flew to remote places in the worst of weather, and he saved many lives. In 1954, Hudson rescued six airmen whose plane had disintegrated in midair. He received the US Air Force’s Exceptional Service Award for saving their lives. Hudson passed away in 2010, but his legacy lives on.
Each May the community holds a Memorial Fly In in Talkeetna to celebrate Cliff Hudson and to encourage local children to learn how to build and fly airplanes.
“Cliff ’s flying record consisted of thousands upon thousands of hours of take-offs and landings in the most extreme flying conditions. He was a much beloved and cherished member of the community.”
– Alaska State Legislature
“Cliff was never one to seek publicity. He was a quiet, easy-going man who was good to so many people.”
– Ollie Hudson, wife
“I probably could get more money hauling tourists, but I still have people out in the bush who need service.”
– Cliff Hudson, during the height of his career
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Luscombe Silvaire
This is the plane used by bush pilot Cliff Hudson. It is a Luscombe Silvaire model 8A, designed and built in 1939. Hudson used this aircraft for training purposes in the remote wilderness of Alaska.This model 8A is a single-engine plane with one pair of wings and a two-blade propeller. It is 20-feet long with a wingspan of 35 feet, and holds two people.Luscombes were considered “the sports car of light planes,” and pilots enjoyed their performance and easy handling. They were built using no wood, which was revolutionary at the time. These all-metal planes were easier and cheaper to build, without sacrificing strength. Luscombes cruised at faster speeds using the same amount of engine power.
All in the family
Cliff Hudson bought this plane in 1975 to teach his sons to fly. Cliff and his sons Jay and Chuck flew this plane for years, and it has landed on both Denali and Ruth Amphitheatre, an immense glaciated area of Denali National Park
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For more images from our visit earlier in the day please have a look at this travel blog.