From Boston to Alaska: A Transcontinental Journey of Adventure and Connection in a Bell 407 GXi

In July 2023, Nai Nan Ko, Jr., an experienced pilot and entrepreneur, took delivery of his Bell 407 GXi helicopter at Bell's Commercial Center of Excellence in Mirabel. He knew it marked the start of a new chapter in his aviation career. What he didn’t anticipate was that this exceptional aircraft would soon take him and his 82-year-old mother on an unforgettable transcontinental trip from Boston to Alaska, a journey that would challenge his skills, showcase the Bell 407 GXi’s capabilities, and create lifelong memories.

Nai Nan Ko, Jr. is no stranger to aviation. With certifications in both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and over 4,000 hours of flight experience, he has built a career that combines passion and expertise. As the founder of Anai Aviation, he has always embraced challenges, but this trip was something special. Inspired by his friend and instructor Lars Gange, who asked him, “Would you ever fly to Alaska?” Nai seized the opportunity and decided to embark on the adventure with his mom and the help of his friend Lars who had already flown in Alaska.

Nai’s Bell 407 GXi proved to be the perfect companion for this ambitious journey. Equipped with advanced Garmin avionics, night vision capabilities, IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) navigation, Hi-Viz windows, and a rear camera that comes handy for glacier landings, the helicopter was engineered for both safety and performance. Its extended fuel tank was critical for navigating the remote stretches of British Columbia, where fueling stops are scarce.

Throughout the trip, the Bell 407 GXi proved its reliability, requiring only basic maintenance. Nai had brought extra fluids for every contingency but didn’t need them, except for wishing he had packed more windshield washer fluid to deal with unexpected swarms of insects.

Navigating the Vancouver & Seattle area required switching between IFR and VFR to best negotiate Instrumental Meteorological Conditions (IMC), Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA), and safe distances from shore - a task made seamless by the Bell 407 GXi’s advanced systems. Nai's confidence for the journey was bolstered by his training at the Bell Training Academy (BTA), which equipped him with the skills and knowledge to handle the complexities of flying in diverse conditions. “The BTA gave me a real strong sense of confidence for this trip,” he said.

“The stability of the four blades felt like flying on a cloud,” Nai remarked. His mother, seated comfortably in the cabin, enjoyed snacks as if dining in a restaurant atop a 50-story building. The Bell 407 GXi’s advanced engineering made the 8,000-nautical-mile journey not only possible but enjoyable.

With over 75 hours of flight time and 50 landings, Nai and his mother embraced a “go with the flow” approach, adapting to weather conditions and stopping wherever they needed. Their itinerary included breathtaking destinations like Teton National Park in Wyoming, Chicago, and Yakutat in Alaska. When flying at an altitude of 1,300 feet, Nai experienced nature in extraordinary ways he never imagined. He spotted dolphins, orcas, bald eagles, and even trees growing on a glacier - wonders that would be impossible to see from the window of a commercial airliner. That's why he describes this experience as the pinnacle of his aviation career.

In Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Nai had no designated landing site, but the Coast Guard welcomed them to their facility, offering hospitality and underscoring the camaraderie of the helicopter community. In Juneau, Alaska, an FBO operator shared bear meat, adding a unique local flavor to the experience. Throughout the journey, Nai encountered the warmth and generosity of the helicopter community. From tips on glacier landings shared by Air Methods’ chief pilot to meeting Bell 505 owners in Alaska, the sense of connection was profound. “The helicopter community is loving and always there to help each other,” he said.

For Nai, this transcontinental journey was more than an aviation milestone, it was a testament to the power of human connection, and the joy of sharing an adventure with his mother. This incredible feat not only showcased the engineering excellence of the Bell 407 GXi but also highlighted the spirit of exploration and community that defines the world of aviation. If you ever need advice on flying a helicopter to Alaska, Nai is now part of the pilot community who can share a few tips and tricks.