From F-22 Cockpits to Super Cubs: Alaska Flight Training & Backcountry Flying

Ryan Gourley
Mar 24
3 min read

Alaska has a way of redefining what it means to fly. I learned that firsthand after being stationed here flying the F-22—a machine built for speed, precision, and dominance in controlled airspace. Even now, flying the F-22 in the Reserve, I get to fly the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft.

But as incredible as that experience is, it only scratches the surface of what aviation in Alaska truly provides.

Seeing Alaska the Way It Was Meant to Be Seen

Flying fighters in Alaska gives you a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking terrain in the world—massive glaciers, endless mountain ranges, and remote wilderness untouched by roads. But there’s a limitation: you’re always moving fast, operating within structure, and rarely able to truly interact with the environment.

That’s when I realized something—Alaska isn’t meant to just be flown over. It’s meant to be experienced.

Enter the Super Cub.

If you’re looking to experience this firsthand, our Alaska backcountry flightseeing and air taxi services are built around exactly that—getting you into places you simply can’t reach any other way.

From Supersonic to Backcountry—Sometimes in the Same Day

One of the most unique parts of my aviation career is that I don’t have to choose between the two worlds. There are days where I’ll fly a sortie in the F-22—operating at high altitude, high speed, managing complex systems—and then later that same day, I’m in a Super Cub flying low through river valleys or landing on a gravel bar.

It’s a stark contrast.

In the F-22, everything is structured, fast-paced, and tactical. In the Super Cub, everything slows down—but demands a different kind of precision. You’re reading the wind off the water, feeling the airplane, and making decisions with immediate consequences in an unforgiving environment.

Flying both back-to-back sharpens your perspective. It reinforces that great piloting isn’t about the aircraft—it’s about adaptability, judgment, and skill.

Transitioning from Fighter Jets to Alaska Backcountry Flying

Trading the F-22 for a Super Cub is about as dramatic a shift as you can make in aviation. One is high-performance, high-altitude, and mission-driven. The other is slow, precise, and completely immersed in the terrain.

Alaska backcountry flying teaches a different kind of discipline:

Reading wind by watching water, grass, and terrain
Understanding density altitude in remote Alaska environments
Evaluating off-airport landing zones not found on charts
Making real-time go/no-go decisions without towered support

This is where flying becomes raw again—in the best way possible.

Why Alaska is the Ultimate Flight Training Environment

If you're serious about becoming a well-rounded pilot, there’s no better classroom than Alaska. Flight training in Alaska goes far beyond the basics.

You learn skills that actually matter:

Off-airport and backcountry operations
Tailwheel flight training and aircraft control
Short takeoff and landing (STOL) techniques
Mountain flying in Alaska
Advanced aeronautical decision-making

Whether you’re working toward a certificate or expanding your capabilities, our Alaska flight instruction programs are designed to build real-world skill—not just pass a check ride.

Flight Instruction in Alaska That Goes Beyond the Checklist

At Hudson Cub-Ventures, flight instruction isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about building confident, capable pilots who can operate in real environments.

We specialize in:

Alaska backcountry flight training
Tailwheel endorsements in Alaska
Bush flying instruction
Off-airport and gravel bar operations

If you’re ready to level up your flying, explore our tailwheel and backcountry training options, and start building skills that actually translate outside controlled environments.

Why I Chose Alaska Bush Flying

After flying one of the most advanced aircraft in the world—and continuing to do so—I realized that what makes aviation meaningful isn’t just performance. It’s connection.

There’s something about Alaska bush flying—flying low through remote terrain, landing on a gravel bar, and shutting down in complete silence—that brings you back to the core of aviation.

It’s freedom. It’s challenge. It’s purpose.

And it’s something every pilot should experience.

Start Your Alaska Flying Experience

If you’ve ever wanted to take your flying to the next level, Alaska is where it happens.

Whether you’re looking for: