Tweto family flying wild in Alaska

MANILA, Philippines - In the wildest regions of Northern Alaska, the only way in — and the only way out — is by bush plane. It’s a world of dangerous weather, harsh conditions and small isolated communities bonded by native customs, whose very survival depends on air travel. And it’s here that the unconventional Tweto family operates Era Alaska, the largest regional airline in the state, battling extreme weather to provide the only lifeline to America’s last frontier. Discovery Channel’s new 13-part series Flying Wild Alaska premieres every Tuesday at 11 p.m. starting June 5. Encores every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m.

Jim Tweto runs Era Alaska with passion and looks to his petite but fierce wife, Ferno, for support. She’s cargo runner, dispatcher and mom to daughters Ayla and Ariel, who play a vital role in the operation. Originally founded in the small city of Unalakleet with just one small plane, today the company has nearly 75 planes and handles everything from cross-state commuter flights to tiny off-airport “bush” flights — and employs pilots who are among the best in the world. From a professional skateboarder in search of ultimate freedom, to a local Alaskan native who has grown up around the business his whole life, they combat big storms in small planes — a scenario only suited for the most experienced, especially with such precious cargo.

From champion snow dogs bound for the Iditarod, to medicine for sick children, to groceries for miners working on the North Slope, Era Alaska transports a wide range of goods to one of the most remote and extreme regions of America. However, the pilots often have to navigate through treacherous weather, from conducting risky landings on frozen rivers, to dealing with dangerous icing conditions on the ground and in the air.

The series also follows bubbly Ariel’s quest for her pilot license — she is the only member of her family without one. As she prepares to embark on her first solo flying adventure, her teacher puts money on the line to challenge her to make a perfect landing. Will the determined young woman be able to earn her flying stripes and do her family proud?