The Alaska Airmen's Association

WHAT is the Alaska Airmen’s Association?

The Alaska Airmen’s Association is the largest state general aviation group in Alaska. It is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization whose sole purpose is to promote and preserve aviation in our Great State. Established in 1951 as an Alaskan Corporation it is led by a volunteer Board of Directors, 10 are elected by the membership and 4 appointed Regional Directors. We currently have 2200 members.

WHO are the Airmen?

Membership includes all pilots, student through ATP, mechanics, airline employees, aviation enthusiasts and any individual or business that has an interest in flying. Membership is open to everyone, including non-Alaska residents. Our members reside in 5 countries, 46 states, and represent members in 50 Alaskan cities and villages.

WHY should you join?

The Airmen maintain an active liaison with agencies and departments of the United States, the State of Alaska and local governments that are charged with the responsibility of regulating general aviation. Everyday we are addressing important issues such as the closure of airstrips, airspace, state leasing regulations, weather, aircraft taxing, etc. Volunteers sit on numerous committees statewide representing you and the interests of general aviation. You also receive a substantial member benefit package when you join. The quarterly newsletter keeps you up-to-date on Association activities such as pilot safety meetings, poker runs, swap meets, banquets, and special events. Membership discounts are available around the state on fuel (up to .25 cents per gallon), aviation parts, survival equipment, labor and much more. Use your Airmen’s membership card to save!

WHERE are we?

Lake Hood Seaplane Base is the location of our headquarter office.

We are headquartered at 4200 Floatplane Drive on Lake Hood, this location may be better known as the old Jim Air office across from the old Ketchum Hangar on the first commercial finger.  Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm.

In April of 2005 we opened a new Northern Office in Fairbanks, 3788 S. University Avenue, East Ramp, Fairbanks Intl. Airport. This is the MAC Managing, LLC  hangar, between CAP and the Tower on the first floor. New office hours are Monday-Wednesday 9:00-1:00.  Stop by and visit!

WHEN? JOIN TODAY!

ALASKA AIRMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

  • Members are guaranteed a pro-active voice for general aviation . .  your liaison with agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Alaska State DOT, National Park Service, US Military and others that influence and make decisions and policies that affect general aviation in Alaska
  • Members receive a bi-monthly newspaper with information on statewide events, important issues, technical safety article and more!
  • Members receive FREE Classified advertising in our bi-monthly members newspaper, “The Transponder” and on our website, http://www.alaskaairmen.org.
  • Members receive a special low subscription rate to General Aviation News
  • Members Receive a yearly Alaska Airmen Member Calendar!

The following discounts are available to current Alaska Airmen Members.  Your membership card is required to receive the benefits below.

ANCHORAGE

3D AVIONICS – 10% discount on avionics, installation and electrical repairs. 907-227-5302
ACE HANGARS AND FUELS - .15cent discount/gal, 10% hotel discount, courtesy car available. Pilot friendly telephone, internet, hotel and lounge available. 907-222-3000
AIH (AK Industrial Hardware) – Contractor discounts on selected items. 907-276-7201 (Anchorage) or 907-283-3531 (Eagle River)
AIRFRAMES ALASKA 5% discount on parts to members.  Located on Birchwood Airport, Chugiak (907) 688-0530
ALASKA USA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION - Membership privileges.  907-563-4567
EAGLE ENTERPRISES – 10% discount on all merchandise.  907-562-2331
DIAMOND PARKING – Lowest discount rate of $7.00 per day, $10.00 covered parking.  Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Free shuttle service offered to both terminals at TSAIA!
GREAT CIRCLE FLIGHT SERVICES, LLC – $.14 cents per gal discount on fuel purchased at our rack price, per uplift volume category. Open 24 hours per day, all credit cards accepted. 6121 South Airpark Place, #2, PH: 907-245-1232; MOB: 907-529-0715, http://www.greatcircleflight.com
INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SERVICE – $.10 cents per gal discount on in-to-plane deliveries. 907-243-0756
RM AIRCRAFT SERVICES – $25 discount to current card carrying members on Prop & Wt Balance (1per member). 907-688-2301
SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT - $.30 cents per gal discount .This discount cannot be applied to a discount already in effect.  907-243-4328 SPERNAK’S – $.15 cent discount per gal will be given to members. An account will be set up with your AAA number. 907-272-9475
TAKE FLIGHT ALASKA - $.10 cents per gal discount on fuel. 907-274-9943

FAIRBANKS

ACE HANGARS AND FUELS – .15cent discount /gal along with generous discount on all other services. 907-222-3000
AIRCOM AVIONICS – 10% discount on all transponder checks and pitot static tests. 907-474-0100
ALASKA AEROFUEL – $.15 cents off pump price of 100LL at FAI Intl Airport and Chena Marina.  Located in front of the Airmen’s Northern Office, you must set up an account to receive this fuel discount.  Call 907-474-0062
ARCTIC AVIATION – 5% discount on maintenance. 907-479-8100
TAMARACK AIR, LTD – Discounts on selected GA parts and supplies. 907-479-6751
AIH (Alaska Industrial Hardware) – Contractor discounts on selected items. 907-452-4788

PALMER/MAT-SU VALLEY

ABOVE ALASKA AVIATION is offering to the AAA members 10% off all tail-wheel endorsements. Talkeetna, AK.  9207-355-4808                                         ACE HANGARS AND FUELS-.15cent discount/gal along with generous discount on all other services.  907-222-3000                                                     AERO WOLF LAKE HANGAR LEASING – 10% discount on float & wheel plane spaces.  907-745-2344                                                                                                  AIH (Alaska Industrial Hardware) – Contractor discounts on selected items. 907-376-5274                                                                                              ALASKA AIRPLANE MAINTENANCE - 25% discount on propeller balance and weight & balance.  907-357-7603 or 907-232-1349 (Wasilla)

GLACIER AIRCRAFT PARTS – Located on the south end of the Palmer airstrip. 10% discount on everyday supplies for small aircraft. 800-478-7100 or 907-745-7100

KENAI

AIH (Alaska Industrial Hardware) – Contractor discounts on selected items. 907-283-3531
BEAVER WORKS LLC - 5% discount on aircraft sheet metal work, wings and flight controls. 907-262-9998 or http://www.wingrebuilder.com
SORENSON AVIATION – 15% discount on banner towing, aerial advertising, flightseeing and aerial survey. 907-235-6420

SOUTHEAST

AIH (Alaska Industrial Hardware) – Juneau – Contractor discounts on selected items. 9141 Glacier Hwy. 907-790-3300

OUTSIDE

SPECIALTY AIRCRAFT COMPANY – receive a 5% discount on your next order.  800-500-6786 or fax 541-548-5336
DOWNTOWN HOTEL_DAWSON CITY, YUKON, CANADA – $89.00 (Canadian) per room, free airport shuttle service. 867-993-5346 or candicks@yknet.ca or http://www.downtownhotel.ca/

2009 ALASKA AIRMEN’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS and OFFICERS

Adam White ADAM WHITE, PRESIDENT – Northern Region Director
Adam grew up in Georgia, where his first real job as a kid was washing and refueling airplanes at the local airport, within a short time he was a mechanic’s apprentice and flying whenever he could. Adam came to Alaska in 1995 after earning a BS in Aviation Technology from LeTourneau University where he also earned his pilot and mechanic certificates. He holds CFII, Multi, and Seaplane ratings. Living in Nenana with his wife and three daughters, he is an Itinerant Pastor flying his Maule M7 throughout the Interior visiting homesteads, fishcamps and Villages. Adam is actively involved in the aviation community of Fairbanks and the Interior, he looks forward to increasing the Northern Region’s presence in the Alaska Airmen’s Association.
stevepannone STEVE PANNONE is a life-long Alaskan and life member of the Alaska Airmen’s Association. A entrephenuer, Steve is a Professional Engineer who has dedicated his time to chair the Design Build Team for the New Building Project for the Alaska Airmen’s Association. He has agreed to donate his time, working with other members to successfully and within our means build the new headquarters at Lake Hood. He is co-owner of at PA12, flying out of Lake Hood. Past volunteer positions have included chairing the Scholarship Committee in the 1980’s.
erikabennett ERIKA BENNETT, SECRETARY Erika was born in Alaska and has lived in Kodiak, Barrow, Anchorage, Kotzebue and Talkeetna. She is married to Ross Bennett, an aircraft owner and A&P/IA mechanic. Erika earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Communication from the UAA, Anchorage and worked freelance in the film and TV industry until 1996. She obtained her private certificate in 1995 and now works for Arctic Transportation Services in western Alaska. She has also been employed by K2 Aviation in Talkeetna, Shared Services Aviation on the North Slope and the State of Alaska’s Forestry department and has more than 6200 hours.
rudivonimhof RUDI VON IMHOF, TREASURER Rudi was born in Alaska and grew up in Girdwood. He holds a BA degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. Fascinated with flying from an early age he loved listening to tales told by his grandfather, Frank Whaley, one of Wien Alaska Airlines first pilots. In ’94 Rudi obtained his private license and has accumulated over 1,200 hours of flying in the Alaska in his C-185 and Supercub. Rudi and his wife Natasha own a Real Estate Management company with multi-family housing and commercial properties in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Rudi is also a partner and owner of Delta Leasing, a company that offers aircraft leasing and leases heavy equipment and man-camp housing to North Slope oil companies.
terrycartee TERRY CARTEE A lifelong Alaskan, Terry has been involved with Aviation since the 1960’s where he was employed with the Alaska Air National Guard as a mechanic. He obtained his private pilot certificate in the early 70’s and acquired all ratings through ATP including rotocraft and seaplane ratings. In 1976 he engineered and successfully certified the only known 200hp 1956 Supercub. His aviation career covers employment with Ketchum, ERA and the Army Guard before retiring in Dec of 2005. He is currently with BP working on the North Slope as an Electrician.
Steve Franklin is a CFI, Commercial, SEL & Sea, Multiengine Land Instrument pilot.  He arrived in Alaska in 1950 at Homer and then moved to Kodiak before joining the US Army in 1967.  Steve served in Vietnam as a Flight Engineer with the 101st Airborne division on CH47 Chinook Helicopters.  Steve resided in Anchorage and  Eagle River after enlistment with the US Army.  He was Commander of the Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol(CAP) and National CAP Board member for 4 years.  Steve moved to Homer in 2001 and in 2003 joined the pioneering efforts of the Medallion Foundation managing their computer based aviation training device  program.
Rex Gray Final Rex Gray says, “In the spring of 1975, I ferried a Piper J-3 Club from San Diego to Fairbanks.  Almost everything I owned was stuffed into the J-3—just in case I wanted to stay.  I’m still here 34 years later and with no intention of going anywhere else.  I started flight instructing in Fairbanks at Philips Field and then went to the local air taxis during the Pipeline boom.  Most of my flying has been and still is in Alaska—both for pleasure and professionally.  Still a CFI and I currently fly for Alaska Airlines.  I have lived in Palmer for the last 28 years.  Over the years I have owned a variety of general aviation aircraft—currently own a Cessna 180.  Favorite airplane: the one I’m flying.  Favorite destination: Denali, Aleutians, Arctic, Southeast, ok—the whole state.  My best flight: a trip to Oshkosk AirVenture with my 16-year-old son in a 1946 Aeronca Champ-100 flight hours and 30 days of flying and camping—and Clam Digging—and Olson Creek for family camping/fishing—and Serpentine hot springs.”
craighartman CRAIG HARTMAN has been an Alaska resident since early childhood and spent his youth flying and fishing throughout Alaska via his father’s Cessna 185. He obtained his private certificate during a summer break from college in 1990 and bummed the family Supercub whenever possible to build experience and seek out new fishing holes. Ultimately, Craig secured his commercial privileges and now flies internationally for FedEx, but he spends as much of his leisure time as possible flying his Supercub.
Labelle[1] Robert W. LaBelle served on the Medallion Advisory Council from 2002- 2007.  His involvement in aviation started as an Airborne Electronic Technician with the USAF in 1951.  After military service he joined Boeing Airplane Company as a Nav and Fire Control Technicain and worked with the B-52 and Bomark Missile programs.  In 1960 Bob joined the FAA Flight Inspection Division until his retirement in 1989.  Bob has worked for Security Aviation as Dir of Ops and had his own consulting business for the past 12 years.  A volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol since 1972, Bob has held many positions to include Polaris Squadron Commander.  He holds his CFII and FAA Mechanic Certificates.
clevemcdonald CLEVE MCDONALD grew up in Seward, Alaska. After high school, he joined the Army and was an L-19 Bird Dog FAC in Viet Nam. Returning from the service he attended Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, earning a B.S. in Aviation Science. During that time he was a flight instructor, an aerobatics instructor, and towed banners as a part-time corporate flying job. He flew for Polar Airlines during the pipeline construction and was hired by Braniff International in 1976. He also flew DC-8′s aircraft in South America for Arrow Airways, flying transoceanic routes until 1983 when he returned to Alaska to fly for Alaska Airlines. Cleve owns a small airport in Wasilla and enjoys flying his C-185. His hobbies include fishing, hunting and climbing. He is an active member of the Association, has written several articles for the Airmen’s Transponder and served as the Airmen’s Mat-Su Valley representative on some important aviation committees that directly affect the most rapidly growing population area of Alaska.
dianamoroney DIANA MORONEY has lived in Alaska for 32 years. She began flying commercially in 1995, and since then has logged 10,000 hours. While not flying for work, she enjoys flying her C185, which she shares with her husband Bruce. They love flying all over Alaska and also make yearly trips outside with the plane. Currently Diana flies as Captain in an ATR-72 for Empire Airlines. Diana is also known for her love of dog-mushing and her involvement with the Iditarod AirForce.
joepearson JOE PEARSON, PAST PRESIDENT Born in the territory of Alaska, Joe spent most of his time as a boy with his dad flying and working on airplanes. Prior to the 1964 earthquake, Joe left the state and went to live in CA where he graduated with a degree in Accounting. He joined the USMC and was lucky enough to be assigned to the third operational F/A-18 squadron. After nine years he left active duty and found employment with FedEx. While in Anchorage he served as the FedEx Regional Chief Pilot for both the Anchorage and Los Angeles domiciles. In Summer of 2009 he relocated to Memphis where he continue with FedEx as a Director.  He owns a Husky and despite the grumblings of the Super Cub community he thinks it’s a great airplane.  Joe served as President of the Airmen for four years.

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Gregg Motonaga 2 GREGG MOTONAGA - Southcentral Region
Gregg grew up in Anchorage and got bit by the flying bug early.  Gregg says, “My friends and I flew model planes before we were able to take flying lessons.  Heidi Ruess gave me my first lesson when I was 17 and I finished with her a few years later while in college.  I didn’t fly much during medical school and residency training, but now working as an anesthesiologist in Soldotna, I have returned to flying in a PA-18.  My wife and I enjoy flying around Alaska and understand that the interests of general aviators must be protected everywhere; especially in our great state.”  Gregg has also participated in Airmen activities and you may have seen some of his photos on the Airmen’s annual calendar.
petecarlson PETE CARLSON – Southeast, Juneau
After graduating from Central Washington University with a degree in economics Pete moved to Alaska in 1964. He resided in the cities of Anchorage, Dillingham, Sitka and in 1967 made his permanent home in Juneau. He has worked in finance, construction and retail, and tourism for the past 20 years and is now retired. He flies a Cessna 172E and has participated on the Juneau Airport Board for the past 12 years. He is also the AOPA ASN volunteer for the Juneau Airport.