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OTZ → DRG
Which side of the plane to sit from Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (Kotzebue) to Deering Airport (Deering)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most consistent views of the rugged Baldwin Peninsula and the inland geography of the Kotzebue Sound, including unique tundra patterns and diverse wetlands.
Baldwin Peninsula Tundra
Aerial perspective of the permafrost-rich terrain and thermokarst lakes scattered across the peninsula.
Kotzebue Sound Inner Coast
Views of the shoreline where the Chukchi Sea meets the northern Alaskan mainland.
Seward Peninsula Foothills
Distant views of the rising elevation as you approach the northern rim of the Seward Peninsula.
Chamisso Island Marine Refuge
Potential views of the remote island known for its significant seabird colonies and isolated location.
Sit on the left for the best land-to-water ratio. This side is particularly spectacular during the late summer when the tundra turns vibrant shades of orange and red. Since this is a very short, low-altitude bush flight, keep your camera ready from the moment of takeoff as the transition over the spit is immediate.
Arctic Ice Floes
Depending on the season, view massive sheets of ice or floating bergs drifting in the Chukchi Sea.
Chukchi Sea Horizon
An uninterrupted view of the vast Arctic waters stretching toward the International Date Line.
Deering Village Approach
A clear view of the isolated village of Deering sitting on the spit as the aircraft banks for landing.
Marine Wildlife Potential
Keep an eye on the water for potential sightings of beluga whales or seals in the sound.
The right side is ideal for travelers who enjoy the stark beauty of the open Arctic sea. In winter and spring, the patterns of the sea ice are mesmerizing. If flying during the midnight sun period, this side offers dramatic lighting over the water, though glare can be an issue for photography.
Distance: 91 km (57 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 min
Departure: OTZ (66.88469696, -162.598999)
Arrival: DRG (66.0696029663, -162.76600647)
Route Type: Domestic
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