Roy Dickson: The Legendary 1930s Alaska Bush Pilot

Roy Dickson 1930s Alaska Bush Pilot

by edulink GmbH

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2073 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	251 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Roy Dickson was a pioneering bush pilot who played a pivotal role in the development of Alaska in the 1930s. He was born in 1906 in Minnesota and learned to fly in the early 1920s. In 1930, he moved to Alaska and began flying for Wien Alaska Airlines. Over the next decade, he became one of the most respected and well-known bush pilots in the territory.

Early Life and Career

Roy Dickson was born on October 29, 1906, in St. Paul, Minnesota. His father was a Methodist minister and his mother was a schoolteacher. Dickson had a passion for aviation from a young age. He built his first airplane model when he was just 10 years old. After graduating from high school, Dickson attended the University of Minnesota for two years. In 1924, he left college to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.

Dickson took flying lessons at the Curtiss-Wright Flying School in Minneapolis. He received his pilot's license in 1926. After working as a barnstormer and flight instructor for several years, Dickson moved to Alaska in 1930. He joined Wien Alaska Airlines, which was one of the first airlines in the territory.

Bush Flying in the 1930s

Bush flying in the 1930s was a dangerous and challenging job. The planes were small and unreliable, and the terrain was often treacherous. Dickson flew a variety of aircraft, including the Stinson SR-9, the Fairchild 71, and the Ford Tri-Motor. He flew to remote villages and mining camps, delivering supplies and transporting passengers.

Dickson was known for his skill and daring as a pilot. He was also known for his kindness and compassion. He often went out of his way to help people in need. Dickson's reputation as a reliable and trustworthy pilot made him a valuable asset to Wien Alaska Airlines.

Notable Accomplishments

Dickson's most famous accomplishment was his flight to the summit of Mount McKinley in 1932. He was the first pilot to land an airplane on the highest mountain in North America. Dickson's flight was a major achievement in aviation history. It helped to open up the Alaska wilderness to tourism and exploration.

In addition to his flight to Mount McKinley, Dickson also played a role in the search for the lost city of gold, Eldorado. He flew over the remote areas of the Alaska wilderness, looking for signs of the legendary city. Although he never found Eldorado, Dickson's search helped to raise awareness of the vast and unexplored regions of Alaska.

Later Life and Legacy

Dickson retired from flying in 1946. He moved to California, where he worked as a real estate developer. He died in 1988 at the age of 81. Dickson's legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the role he played in the development of Alaska.

Roy Dickson was a true pioneer of aviation. His skills as a pilot and his dedication to serving others made him a legend in the annals of Alaskan history. His story is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of achieving great things.

Roy Dickson (left) and Noel Wien (right) in front of a Wien Alaska Airlines plane

Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America

A bush plane flying over the Alaskan wilderness

Roy Dickson 1930s Alaska Bush Pilot

by edulink GmbH

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2073 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	251 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE