Alaska Day Festival In Sitka, AK Did Without Vintage Amphib

A major milestone in the history of Alaska is October 18, 1867, when the transaction with Russia to buy the territory mocked by opponents as "Seward's Folly" was completed, and Alaska officially became a US territory. It's commemorated each year as Alaska Day, and this year, organizers of a celebration in Sitka, AK decided to commemorate the anniversary by celebrating the history of aviation in in the state.

As part of the festivities, they planned to host an appearance by a World War II-era twin engine amphibian, apparently licensed in Exhibition category and owned by Noel Rude of Washington state, which required permission from the FAA. That permit was finally issued December 16. It's valid for two years, but came two months after the Alaska Day celebration ended.

Sitka Historical Society Director Bob Medinger tells the Associated Press, "At this point there's nothing in the works. Someday it would be cool to do it. We didn't get any further than that." (To be fair, there's no report on how far ahead the permit application was made.)

AP also reports that a message left with the FAA's regional office in Renton, WA has not yet been returned. Perhaps things can be worked out in time for the sesquicentennial in 2017.

FMI: http://alaskadayfestival.org/