News from AirBorne Australia:
The all new XT912-SST is now available. The new wing design has no upper rigging and
is supported by side struts. Order your new XT912 today!
News from Airborne Alaska:
Ski flying season is over and we've converted our trikes to wheels. Although the ski flying
season was short this year, we still had a great time teaching students the freedom of flying
on skis. We are gearing up and are planning some pretty intense treks in Alaska this summer.
If you'd like to join us one of our treks you can contact us through this website. Also, if you
didn't purchase a trike yet, we recommend that you do it now so you won't miss out on the
2010 flying season. Remember, life is short . . . . get Airborne today!
Adventure Triking Reality Show?
We've sent out numerous "pitch / idea" letters to various television production companies
and networks (worldwide) in hopes of getting one of them to produce a reality program on
trike flying in Alaska. So far, the response has only been in the form of rejection letters. One
letter in particular was from none other than, the Oprah Winfrey Network. Their policy clearly
states that they do not accept un-solicited material. However, our policy is to never take "NO"
for an answer . . . . We will not be deterred in our efforts to pitch our idea to as many production
companies / networks as feasibly possible. Who knows; with perserverence, a little luck and
maybe a touch of devine intervention, the possibility of landing a reality program on triking
may not be as far fetched as one might think . . . . Then again, we won't hold our breath either!
Update: Two network production companies have expressed interest in the project. We're
keeping our fingers crossed!
The official "Oprah" rejection letter
Bradley Sky Ranch is open for business:
Despite rumors of being closed, Bradley Sky Ranch in North Pole, Alaska is open for
business. Tie down space and runway access fees are $50.00 a month or $10.00 by the
day. For more information contact Cheryl Bradley at (907) 488-9797 or at (907) 378-9319.
Airplanes and Light Sport Aircraft are welcomed at Bradley Sky Ranch.
Airborne Alaska uses Bradley Sky Ranch's well maintained 4,800 foot runway.
Other News:
July 2010
Congratulations to Bruno Grunau for passing his Sport Pilot Practical
Test. FAA Examiner Ryan Anderson (left) and Bruno Grunau (right).
Brian Harlan took bush trike flying to a whole new level with his latest
modified AirBorne Edge X trike. The trike stands tall with huge 24
inch tires. It's definitely one of the biggest "monster trikes" that we
have ever seen. Harlan plans on offering conversion kits sometime
in the near future. For more information . . . . contact us
April 2010
Ben Deptula's "King for a Day" story featured in Light Plane World
online magazine. Go to EAA.org to check it out. Click on the
multimedia page and click on newsletters. Then, click on the April
2010 issue and scroll down.
May 2010
Ron Larner (left) is congratulated by U.S. Army CW-4 & Blackhawk
helicopter pilot Tom Fritz (right) after his solo flight in his AirBorne
Edge X trike. Good job, Ron!
March 2010
Ron Larner (front seat) and CFI Ben Deptula (rear seat) prepare
for Ron's first ski lesson.
Our "temporary" Tanana River runway from the air.
Our Tanana River runway from the ground.
Ron Larner after his lesson with his AirBorne Edge X Classic trike outfitted with extra long skis.
January 2010
Ben Deptula's "The Early Days" story featured in Light Plane World
online magazine. Go to EAA.org to check it out. Click on the
multimedia page and click on newsletters. Then, click on the
January 2010 issue and scroll down.
November 2009
Ben Deptula's and Ryan Anderson's aerial trek across Interior Alaska
featured in EAA Sport Pilot magazine. Check out "Into the Wild" in
the November 2009 issue!
October 2009
Ron Larner (left) gets a good look at his recently purchased
AirBorne Edge Classic with new Streak 2B wing.
August 2009
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 and Blackhawk pilot Thomas Fritz
(left) is congratulated by Certified Flight Instructor Ben Deptula
(right) after completing his solo flight in his AirBorne Edge
trike. Good job, Thom!
July 2009
Ben Deptula, Ryan Anderson and D.B. Cooper expert and "Coast to Coast"
radio regular guest Galen Cook fly deep into the Alaska Range and explore
its numerous valleys, glaciers and jagged peaks. "Deptula took me to the
edge and back . . . . this has to rank as one of my all time epic adventures,"
Cook said. "It was a surreal and magical experience weaving in and out
of those tall mountains. At times it felt as though we we're flying in a dream
land where mythical characters like wizards and fire breathing dragons
live. It was absolutely amazing," Deptula added.
Ben Deptula and Galen Cook land on a remote runway deep within the
Alaska Mountain Range.
The Wood River (left) and Mount Deborah (right).
September 2008
Ben Deptula, Randy Echols, Roger Ruess and Steve Marquiss fly their trikes from
North Pole, Alaska to Gold King, Alaska. (See "Stories from the Edge" - Story #2)
Gold King dead ahead (left) and on final approach (right).
Roger Ruess (left) and AirBorne Australia trikes at Gold King (right).
Reflections
11 years ago
Ben Deptula takes a reporter / photographer for an Introductory Flight
lesson in his trike. Story featured in Daily Newsminer - July 1999
12 years ago
Barbara Hazelaar is all smiles after an
Introductory Flight lesson in a trike.
Story featured in Daily Newsminer
June 1998
16 years ago
Airborne Alaska's roots run deep in Hang Gliding. Over the
years we became involved with trikes. Story featured in
Daily Newsminer - June 1994
"Don't let another year go by being ground bound . . . . get Airborne today!"
Recommended Links:
At Airborne Alaska we don't just teach people how to fly . . . . we get them stoked on flying!
Need a Weight Shift Control flight instructor in your area? We are mobile and can
provide short term as well as long term contract instruction. We can travel to all
locations within the United States and its territories, or any country in the world
that will allow us. contact us
Directory 
Interested in advertizing your aircraft or stuff on our "used Trike" page?
Ben Deptula
Weight Shift Control CFI
(907) 978-1271