Meet Brad Sjostedt: Builder of the 2026 Raffle Plane

Introducing our next builder: Brad Sjostedt

Born and raised in the remote town of Cordova, Alaska—accessible only by ferry or airplane—Brad knows firsthand the vital role aviation plays in everyday life.

After a 22-year career with Alaska Airlines, where he earned the prestigious Legend Award, Brad took early retirement in 2020 to pursue flying and aircraft restoration full time. What began as a hobby, restoring his own Super Cub over 20 years ago, has grown into a full-time business based in Cordova, where Brad restores and builds aircraft with precision and pride. Brad also maintains most of the aircraft fleet in Cordova.

Brad is a certified A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA). Brad received his Aircraft Mechanic Certificate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2005. He earned his private pilot’s license in 2003, became a commercial pilot in 2008, and added Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to his credentials in 2023.

In addition to aircraft building and maintenance, Brad flies commercially during the summer months with air taxi flying and supports Alaska’s fishing industry as a spotter pilot in Prince William Sound—a critical role that blends aviation expertise with deep local knowledge. Brad also helps support the fall hunting and sport fishermen along the lost coast of Alaska.

During the Covid pandemic, Brad homeschooled his children for a year, giving the chance to really teach the everyday life skills like hunting, aircraft maintenance and changing your own oil. Brad’s wife and three children share his love for aviation, often flying to their families’ remote cabin on Hinchinbrook Island and enjoying Alaska’s backcountry through hunting, fishing, and beachcombing adventures. All three of Brad’s kids grew up flying in the backseat of a Super Cub, as did Brad’s amazing supportive wife, reflecting how aviation is truly a family affair.

Brad also enjoys flying his Cessna 185 and is currently restoring a Citabria for him and his youngest son to enjoy together, continuing his lifelong dedication to aircraft restoration and flight.