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Bush Pilots of Alaska

"Kim," they had pleaded with me, "If you're going to write a book on Alaska bush pilots, you've got to talk with Bill de Creeft with Kachemak Air Service in Homer. He's one of the best."

Later that week, the phone rang. "This is Mike McBride with Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge in Homer. How'ya doin'? Kirk and Leslie told me you were writing a book about bush pilots and mentioned you might be coming down here to talk with Bill de Creeft. Kim, you have to do it. This guy is fantastic. He's a great Alaskan, a great pilot, and very intelligent, charming and humble man. He's flown clients to and from my lodge for nearly twenty years. He lived in a tent while he built his log cabin when he first arrived here, and over the years he's evolved as the most reliable pilot around. I know, Kim, there are lots of great bush pilots in Alaska, and you can't write about them all. But believe me . . . I've seen many pilots who push too hard, who take chances, who grow over-confident and careless. But not Bill. He's a special kind of man."

I would like the following article printed as public recognition of the efforts of Mr. William DeCreeft on 13 August 1970.

On 13 August 1970, the CGC Ironwood, the C & GS Vessel Pathfinder and the Bessie M. were engaged in searching for the survivors of the Grizzly II in the vicinity of Shaw Island (Kamishak Bay). Mr. William DeCreeft, flying in the area of Mt. Augustine at the time immediately volunteered to search the mainland beach areas due west of Shaw Island on the Alaskan Peninsula. Weather conditions at the time were: winds 30 knots with higher gusts from the northeast, visibility 2 miles and patchy and ceiling about 200 feet. It was the sort of weather that keeps most aircraft on the ground but Bill never hesitated to join the effort. He quickly located all three survivors on the beach near Douglas River. The shallow water and visibility in that area would have made detection by any of the searching vessels impossible. Bill's successful efforts alone saved all three survivors from a wet, cold night ashore. Knowing the exact location of the men ashore, evacuation was then accomplished by Coast Guard helicopter from Kodiak.

Bill's superb flying ability and his devotion to fellow Alaskans puts him high on the list of people it's, nice to have around (bagpipes and all). He has been of assistance to the Coast Guard in the past also, especially in the timely detection of oil spills. The entire crew of the CGC Ironwood tip their hats to Bill for a demanding job well done. We're glad to have him aboard.

"...1929 Travel Air pressed into emergency service..."