Iditarod Air Force cleared for takeoff

January 27, 6:07 AMAlaska Transportation ExaminerGeorge Angus

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Long time Alaskans know all about the Iditarod Air Force.  The IAF consists of pilots who volunteer their time and aircraft use to haul all manner of things up and down the Iditarod trail.

This exemplary cause was put in jeopardy when someone whined.  Some air taxi operators decided the volunteers were taking away their ability to make a buck.

Well, our noticably "below the radar" Senator Lisa Murkowski stepped in to smooth FAA feathers and have a temporary reprieve granted.  She points out that this is not a long term solution.

The IAF flys dog food and medical supplies to designated checkpoints along the 1049 mile stretch of Iditarod trail.  Their volunteer work also includes flying out injured dogs or mushers and ferrying personnel to where they are needed.

Suffice it to say that without the Iditarod Air Force, it's possible the race would not look the same as it does today.