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AIN β ATK
Which side of the plane to sit from Wainwright Airport (Wainwright) to Atqasuk Edward Burnell Sr Memorial Airport (Atqasuk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the sprawling Kuk River estuary and the remarkable oriented thaw lakes that define the Arctic Coastal Plain geography.
Kuk River Estuary
View the massive branching waterways of the Kuk River as they feed into the Wainwright Inlet near the start of the journey.
Oriented Thaw Lakes
Witness the unique geological phenomenon of thousands of oval lakes all pointing in the same direction due to prevailing winds.
Arctic Tundra Expanse
A vast, treeless wilderness that serves as a vital habitat for caribou herds which are often visible from lower altitudes.
Permafrost Patterns
Observe the intricate honeycomb-like polygons formed by the natural freezing and thawing cycles of the Arctic soil.
Sit on the left for the best inland views of the river systems. This is a very short flight (approx. 20-30 minutes) at low altitude, so keep your camera ready from takeoff. In summer, the 24-hour sun provides excellent visibility, while late August offers stunning red and orange tundra colors.
Chukchi Sea Coast
Catch a brief view of the Arctic Ocean's edge and potential sea ice during the initial climb out of Wainwright.
Wainwright Village
Get a bird's-eye view of the coastal IΓ±upiat community and its unique layout on the narrow strip of land.
Mead River Loops
Follow the serpentine path of the Mead River as it winds through the inland tundra approaching the Atqasuk airfield.
Wetland Habitats
Look for clusters of smaller ponds and marshlands that serve as prime nesting grounds for various migratory Arctic birds.
The right side is ideal for seeing the immediate transition from the coast to the inland plains. Watch for the Mead River's tight meanders as the plane descends into Atqasuk. During winter flights, this side may offer better views of the moon reflecting off the snow-covered landscape if the aurora borealis is not active.
Distance: 97 km (60 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 min
Departure: AIN (70.6380004883, -159.994995117)
Arrival: ATK (70.46730041503906, -157.43600463867188)
Route Type: Domestic
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