Pacific NW pilots - Whale sightings?
03-20-2010, 11:50 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Apr 2009
Position: Hiding under the counter
Posts: 276
Pacific NW pilots - Whale sightings?
So its getting close to whale watching season, and I'm curious if anyone here that's flown around the San Juans, has been able to see any of the Orca pods that migrate through?
I know there is a good museum in Friday Harbor that maps out the current location. Just curious if anyone has tried to track them down from the air before. Seems like it would be a fun flight next time I'm up.
Also, are there restrictions to doing this that I should be aware of other than minimum altitudes?
I know there is a good museum in Friday Harbor that maps out the current location. Just curious if anyone has tried to track them down from the air before. Seems like it would be a fun flight next time I'm up.
Also, are there restrictions to doing this that I should be aware of other than minimum altitudes?
03-21-2010, 02:37 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2009
Position: C-172 PPL
Posts: 176
fascinating
I'm fascinated by this idea.
I know in MS Flight Sim X, one of the "missions" between Lake Union and Friday Harbor involves spotting a whale pod, so it doesn't seem outside the realm of possibility.
If there were multiple planes in the area, how would traffic be handled? Simply see-and-avoid? Or everyone on 121.5? Or is there another option?
-abelenky
(student, first X-country solo on 3/20)
I know in MS Flight Sim X, one of the "missions" between Lake Union and Friday Harbor involves spotting a whale pod, so it doesn't seem outside the realm of possibility.
If there were multiple planes in the area, how would traffic be handled? Simply see-and-avoid? Or everyone on 121.5? Or is there another option?
-abelenky
(student, first X-country solo on 3/20)
03-22-2010, 06:19 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2008
Position: Livin' the dream
Posts: 626
Globerunner,
Interesting post. I'm guessing you've already seen this page, Whale Watching and Viewing Other Marine Mammals in Alaska
or others like it.
Anyway, just thought I'd link to it just in case. It seems to specifically mention Humpbacks, but maybe some of the guidelines are the same depending on where one is flying? I'd be super cautious about state regs too.
If you page down there's some resources for Washington state.
Have fun and good viewing. Orcas are fascinating animals. I regret that I've not got any good photos of them from the air. Beautiful.
If you get some good photos please consider posting them.
Interesting post. I'm guessing you've already seen this page, Whale Watching and Viewing Other Marine Mammals in Alaska
or others like it.
Anyway, just thought I'd link to it just in case. It seems to specifically mention Humpbacks, but maybe some of the guidelines are the same depending on where one is flying? I'd be super cautious about state regs too.
If you page down there's some resources for Washington state.
Have fun and good viewing. Orcas are fascinating animals. I regret that I've not got any good photos of them from the air. Beautiful.
If you get some good photos please consider posting them.
03-22-2010, 11:10 PM
#4
With The Resistance
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Burning the Agitprop of the Apparat
Posts: 6,191
"In the 1950's the US Air Force practiced strafing runs on pods of killer whales". * Today some commercial fishermen are still shooting killer whales because the whales are stealing their fish. It has not been until recent years, when killer whales were captured and put on display in aquariums that they earned the respect they deserve. They proved themselves to be intelligent, acrobatic and friendly, and people around the world have fallen in love with them.
Navy NATOPS procedures specified that whales were not to be strafed. Elephants were a different matter, and enemy elephants and water buffaloe were freely strafed.
Navy NATOPS procedures specified that whales were not to be strafed. Elephants were a different matter, and enemy elephants and water buffaloe were freely strafed.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
