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OTZ → KVL
Which side of the plane to sit from Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (Kotzebue) to Kivalina Airport (Kivalina)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an exceptional vantage point of the Noatak River delta and the ancient beach ridges of Cape Krusenstern National Monument, offering more geological diversity than the open sea.
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Noatak River Delta
A complex network of channels and wetlands where the Noatak River empties into the Kotzebue Sound.
Cape Krusenstern Ridges
Over 100 distinct beach ridges representing thousands of years of human habitation and geological history.
Mulgrave Hills
The southwestern edge of the Brooks Range provides a scenic backdrop of rolling tundra and distant peaks.
Kivalina Lagoon
A large, shallow lagoon teeming with birdlife, visible just before the aircraft aligns for the final landing.
Sit on the right side to see the geological 'layers' of the beach ridges. Early morning flights offer long shadows that make the ridges more visible. In autumn, the tundra turns vibrant shades of red and gold, making this side particularly colorful.
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Chukchi Sea
Expansive views of the Arctic waters, often filled with pack ice or dramatic floes depending on the season.
Sheshalik Spit
A long, narrow sand spit that serves as a traditional subsistence hunting and fishing site for local residents.
Coastal Marine Life
Keep an eye on the shoreline for glimpses of spotted seals or migrating whales during the open-water months.
The left side is best for observing the interaction between the Arctic Ocean and the coastline. During winter and spring, look for the 'lead' (open water) in the ice. Afternoon flights provide better lighting for the sea without the glare of the southern sun.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 127 km (79 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 13 min
Departure: OTZ (66.88469696, -162.598999)
Arrival: KVL (67.73619842529297, -164.56300354003906)
Route Type: Domestic
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