Iditarod Air Force 2008

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Welcome to the Iditarod Air Force (IAF) Home Page! Click on any of the subjects to learn more about Pre race activities and the events involved behind the scenes of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, also known as the Last Great Race. Check out the Gallery for pictures from this years race as well as photos from previous races.

The Primary focus of the Web site is designed around the activities of the 28 volunteer pilots who fly for the IAF and the 6 load coordinators. However, we do our best to share stories and pictures from the many other volunteers that are involved in making the Last Great Race a reality.

The IAF provides flying support of the Last Great Race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. This years 1112 miles of race route through Alaska promises to hold much excitement, not only for the 97 mushing teams, but for all the race volunteers as well. This is what brings us back year after year

1.	Our 29 volunteer pilots collectively bring 731 years and 365,000 hours of flying experience to the table. These credentials speak highly of a dedicated group of pilots that are about to make a lot of things happen.
2.	Move over 537 dropped and scratched dogs back to Anchorage or one of the hubs.
3.	Move over 169,000 lbs of dog food to nourish our athletes.
4.	Each musher averages 1759 lbs of food
5.	A total of 8296 bags of food
6.	Move 1950 bales of straw, enough for each team to have fresh straw at every checkpoint.
7.	Move 14500 lathes to remote checkpoints for the trail breaks to mark the trail.
8.	Distribute 1500 cases of heet.
9.	Bring in lumber for the tent camps and the carpenters to build them.
10.	Fly 48 veterinarians that monitor the athletes before, during and after the race to insure there well being.
11.	Move 44 communications volunteers and all their equipment to and from checkpoints.
12.	We also moved 101 race judges, Director of Competition and logistics, photographers, insider personnel and dog handlers continually up the trail who support the race.

We have accomplished all of this and more, year after year SAFELY. We make it all happen, to help create a memorable experience for all. All of your contributions and dedication are appreciated. You are the BEST of the BEST!!

Safe Flying.

Sincerely,

John R. Norris
Chief Pilot
Iditarod Air Force

Click here to the Iditarod Web Page

I'd like to thank Mark Kelliher and Donna Norris for helping me put everything together, and most especially, the Iditarod pilots for all of their contributions.

John R. Norris

Chief Pilot

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