There is a reason that Alaska has 6 times as many pilots and 16 times as many aircraft, per capita than the rest of the United States: more than 90% of Alaska is not served by roads. In many parts of Alaska, aviation is not just an optional means of transport, it may be the only method. Aviation air tour operations supporting the cruise ship industry are commonplace at many of the cruise ship port-of-call locations. Because of the extent of aviation activity throughout the 49th and largest state in the U.S., Robert Hedrick obtained his attorney license in Alaska nearly 20 years ago in 2002, and is an active member in the Alaska Bar Association. In Alaska, travel in small aircraft is a way of life. In 1995 the NTSB was concerned about high air taxi accident rates in Alaska, including the acceptance of pilots to take additional flight risks, and inadequate weather observations and communications. (NTSB Safety Recommendation A-95-142) The FAA has also performed numerous studies involving aviation accident rates in Alaska, and has established numerous recommendations to reduce the accident rate, and increase post-crash survival rates. Mr. Hedrick has litigated accident claims in Alaska, including helicopter air tour accidents involving cruise ship passengers. He has given presentations on Alaska Bush Operations, and spoke at the Alaska Aviation Trade Show in Anchorage, addressing issues of the importance of pilot in command and why it matters in Alaska. He has also given numerous talks on seaplane safety and post-accident survivability issues. If you or a loved one has been involved in an aircraft accident in Alaska, Aviation Law Group can help you. We invite you to contact us to discuss your case.