Alaska
Who are you flying for currently?
I am a Charter/Photography Tours at Alpha Aviation in Alaska
Where are you flying and for what company?
2015-2016
What ratings do you hold?
All of them! PVT, COM, IFR, CFI/CFII
Where are you flying and for what company?
Alpha Aviation in Anchorage, Alaska.
What type of work are you doing now?
Mostly tours and photo flights. We bring guests to the glaciers, a dogsled camp, to an iceberg tour location, and to tons of amazing photo and hiking spots.
What kind of helicopter(s) do you fly?
AS350 & R44
Tell us about your career path.
I began instructing at MLH Kona base, and then was the MLH Assistant Chief out of Honolulu, performing stage checks, tours, and photo & film flights. I moved to Alaska in Spring 2018 and worked flying tours for Tanalian Aviation, and now am working for Alpha Aviation this upcoming 2019 season.
What do you find unique, challenging, or fulfilling about your job?
Alaska is the land of gorgeous, mountainous terrain and lots of remote space. For the odd jobs I get out in the sticks, you have to be sure to plan your fuel accordingly! Tours can be really exhausting work, and you always need to have a smile on your face and roll with the punches, so having a great attitude and a strong work ethic is a must. Oh, and bears. You have to always be on the lookout for bears!
Do you have any other comments or suggestions for those just beginning in the industry?
I’m a Whirly Girls member, and have received two scholarships- one from Survival Systems, USA for underwater egress training, and another from Erickson for longline.
