HUMAN

Name: RUSS DUNLAP
Age: 62
Residence: PALMER, ALASKA
Occupation: I AM A RETIRED AIRLINE PILOT
Years involved with Iditarod: ABOUT 14
Iditarod Role: I’M CHIEF PILOT OF THE IDITAROD AIR FORCE
Current Location: WILLOW, ALASKA
Date of Photo: FEBRUARY 20, 2019
Temperature: 6F / OUTDOORS

What is your Why?.. Why are you here today and involved in Iditarod?:

I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE RACE BACK IN 2001 AND IT’S JUST BEEN A CONTINUOUS LOVE AFFAIR? HOW DID YOU FALL IN LOVE? I MEAN, WHAT’S — ? WELL, IT’S THE FLYING AND THE CAMARADERIE WITH THE PILOTS THAT ARE HERE. AND WE’RE A FAMILY. IT’S A GREAT FAMILY.

Tell me about your most rewarding experience on Iditarod?:

WELL, THAT WOULD BE THREE YEARS AGO. I WAS ACTUALLY GIVEN THE POSITION OF CHIEF PILOT. IT’S A HECKUVA LOT OF WORK, BUT IT’S ALSO PRETTY DARNED REWARDING. HOW SO? WELL, I GET TO TAKE CARE OF THESE 26 YOHOS OUT HERE. THEIR AIRPLANES. YOU KNOW, I’VE GOT TO WATCH OUT FOR THEM. THEY’RE THE FLOCK. YOU’VE GOT TO TAKE CARE OF THEM.

What do you know for sure?:

I KNOW FOR SURE THE SUN COMES UP IN THE EAST AND IT KINDA GOES IN THE WEST AND IT’S COLD IN ALASKA.