Interview with C-46 Pilots Terry Galyean and Shawn Holly

I had the privilege to speak with C-46 Pilots Terry Galyean and Shawn Holly during the 2019 annual Valdez fly-in.

The Curtiss C-46 Commando played a pivotal role in Alaska’s aviation history, particularly during and after World War II. Designed originally as a high-altitude military transport, the C-46 was rugged, powerful, and able to carry large payloads over long distances — qualities that made it ideally suited for Alaska’s vast, remote wilderness. Its ability to fly through harsh weather and over high mountain ranges made it a lifeline for delivering supplies, mail, fuel, and even live animals to isolated communities and mining camps. The aircraft’s high cargo capacity and twin-engine reliability gave bush operators a major upgrade from earlier, smaller planes.

After the war, many surplus C-46s were bought by civilian operators who modified them for commercial use. In Alaska, they became essential for air freight companies operating out of hubs like Anchorage and Fairbanks. Pilots flying the Commando braved snowstorms, short gravel runways, and minimal navigation aids, often relying on experience and skill to complete critical missions. Though maintenance-intensive, the C-46 remained in use for decades thanks to its unmatched utility, becoming a symbol of resilience in the Alaskan frontier's unforgiving skies.