Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
Thank you for attending the 2023 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering!
Held annually at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport
Palmer, AK
Stay Tunned for the 2024 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering!
ATTENDEE INFORMATION
The Alaska Airmen Association and the City of Palmer are excited to welcome you to the 25th Annual Great Alaskan Aviation Gathering!

SILVER SPONSOR - BOOTH 206

GETTING TO THE GATHERING - ATTENDEES
FREE ADMISSION - Since 1998 the Alaska Airmen's Association has kept the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering FREE for all attendees! We believe our event is important for all to attend and are happy to provide connections through our aviation family. Thank you to all our donors, members, and sponsors for helping us to keep this event free!
MEMBER VIP PARKING - Alaska Airmen members get free VIP parking in the orange lot! See map here
PARKING FUNDRAISER $5- With such amazing crowds attending at the Palmer venue, this year we are getting some help from the local Palmer High Moose Hockey team to keeps things moving smoothly! Contribute $5 (cash or credit) to their fundraiser and park in the red lot at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Prefer not to participate? No problem, a free shuttle runs throughout the event with multiple stops throughout Palmer! See map here: 2023 Alaska Airmen Show - Anchorage Trolley Shuttle Route
Location and Time
The 2023 event will be at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport on Saturday, May 6th from 9 AM until 5 PM and Sunday, May 7th from 10 AM until 5 PM.
2075 Glenn Hwy
Palmer, AK 99645
901 S Airport Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
HOW TO FLY-IN
Fly into the airport, stay for the day, and fly out.
- Navigate to Warren "Bud" Woods Palmer Municipal Airport (PAAQ)
- A Temporary Air Traffic Control tower will be in effect within a 5nm radius of Palmer Airport from 9am-5pm Friday 5/5 -Sunday 5/7.
- Ground crew will be available to direct aircraft to parking.
- Please check all NOTAMs before planning to fly in. Heavy traffic and temporary runway closures should be expected.
Temporary Tower Frequency: 118.2 MHz
Temporary Ground Control Frequency: 120.2 MHz
Contact Palmer Flight Service on CTAF: 123.6
CAMP WITH YOUR AIRCRAFT
Fly into the airport, camp Friday and/or Saturday night, and fly out Sunday.
Reserve a campsite (space is limited, and registration is required). Click here to register.
Aircraft camping information
- FREE
- Pre-registration is required (button above)
- Tie-down anchors will be provided but you must bring your own rope.
- The camping surface is asphalt.
- Campfires are authorized in provided, fire-marshal-approved pits only. Bring your own firewood.
- Pets are not allowed.
- A dumpster is available on-site.
- Port-o-potties provided (no restrooms)
- No access to water.
- Shuttles into Palmer and the Fairgrounds run throughout the day Saturday and Sunday until 5 PM. There are no shuttles on Friday
Register for the Show and Shine and fly into the Fairgrounds.
Click on Show and Shine in the ACTIVITES section below to see details. See info on the 2022 Show and Shine here.
Finding Lodging for the Gathering!
The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will take place in Palmer at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport this year.
The closest lodging can be found in Palmer and Wasilla, but Anchorage is only a 45-minute, scenic drive from the event.
Suggested Lodging and RV rentals
Check back in spring of 2023 for more discount details and information! We suggest the following establishments (prices may vary):
B&B's
There are several options through Airbnb and Virbo available this year!
Palmer
- Alaska's Harvest B&B - $149-209/ night -3 miles from venue
- 2252 N. Love Drive, Palmer, AK 99645 907-232-8783
- Offering a 10% discount to 2023 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering exhibitors
- Contact Alyssa at 907-245-1251 Opt #2 for the discount code
- Alaska Back Country Cottages - $208.99 per night - 6.5 miles from venue
- 3901 South Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK, 99645
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- The Pioneer Motel - $110.99 per night - 1.8 miles from venue
- 124 West Arctic Ave, Palmer, AK, 99645
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- The Colony Inn Hotel - $101.52 per night - 2.1 miles from venue
- 325 E Elmwood Ave, Palmer, AK 99645
- 907-745-3330
Wasilla
- Best Western lake Lucille Inn - Get 10% off the per night rate - 14.9 miles from venue
- 1300 West Lake Lucille Drive, Wasilla AK, 99654
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- Grand View Inn – $120.00-145.00 per night – 11.0 miles from venue
- 2900 East Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK, 99654
- Call (907) 352-1700 to reserve using rate "Great Alaska Aviation Gathering"
- Alaska Select Inn Wasilla – Get 10% off the per night rate – 12.4 miles from venue
- 3451 East Palmdale Drive, Wasilla, AK, 99654
- CLICK HERE to reserve
Anchorage
- Courtyard Anchorage Airport - $159 per night - 45 miles from venue
- 4901 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99517
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- SpringHill Suites Midtown Anchorage - $169 per night - 41 miles from venue
- 3401 A Street Anchorage, AK 99503
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- The Lakefront Anchorage - $179 + 12% bed tax per night - 45 miles from venue
- 4800 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517
- CLICK HERE to reserve or call (907) 243-2300 and mention Alaska Airmen's Association
- Aloft Anchorage - $159 per night - 43 miles from venue.
- 310 W 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503
- CLICK HERE to reserve or call +1 907-273-3000
Camping or Parking your RV?
Paradise Alaska RV park
Paradise Alaska opens May of 2023 with large sites and pull throughs including electric, water, and sewer.
Please call (907)775-6359 or (907)775-6360 ahead of time to confirm availability and reserve a spot.
There are RV sites with 20/30/50 amp full hookups. Showers and laundry for $5, free wifi and dumping with a water fill for $10.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Paradise RV Park at (907)775-6359 or (907)775-6360 or chat with them through their website. HOME | rvpark (paradisealaskarv.wixsite.com).
Great Alaskan Holidays
Great Alaskan Holidays would like to welcome you to this year’s annual Alaska Airmen’s Association Show. They are Alaska’s largest RV rental company, providing comfortable touring and lodging solutions to travelers visiting Alaska from around the world for over 36 years now.
Park it at the show and live in it. Travel through Alaska before the event or extend your stay to take full advantage of an opportunity you may never have again…..tour Alaska in the safety, privacy, and comfort of your own RV rental.
EVENT PROMOTION!
- Use Promo Code: MAY23
- 4 Night Minimum
- Rent Between May 1, 2023, and May 31, 2023
- Any Class C Floorplan Available (22F, 22M, 25F, 25B, 28F, 31F, 31K, 31H, 32F)
- $224.95/Night* + 0.25 Pay Per Mile Rate
- $249.95/Night* Unlimited Mileage Rate (only available for 6 or more night rentals)
- $50 Free Rental Items Voucher – can use on Rental Items, Prepaid Gas, Prepaid Propane, or CDW
- New Reservations Only made on or after March 16th, 2023
Contact our Reservations Department at (907) 248-7777, option 1, or reserve ONLINE with real-time availability and instant confirmation.
ACTIVITIES
The Alaska Airmen partner with the Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation and McFarlane Aviation to host a full weekend of free educational seminars for the public. Be part of a safer, better educated flying community by participating in this event.
Colony Church-Track 1 and Hoskins Hall-Track 2
Saturday, May 6th 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday, May 7th 10 AM to 5 PM
Detailed Schedule Here: Show Program
Seminar Program Schedule – Tracks 1 and 2
Saturday, May 6
Time | Seminar Track 1 Colony Church | Seminar Track 2 Hoskins Hall |
10:00 - 10:50 | Engine Failure After Takeoff Capt. Brian Schiff, The Proficient Pilot | Alaska Airmen’s Association Annual Meeting
Stephen Ratcliff, Board President |
11:00 - 11:50 | Recreational Aviation Foundation – Improving Remote Airstrips
Al Clayton, Stef Goza, and Jeff DeFreest, RAF Alaska Liaisons |
Flying to the Future, Building the Drone Industry in Alaska
Nick Adkins, Deputy Dir, Alaska Center for UAS Integration, University of Alaska Fairbanks |
12:00 -12:50 | Fighting Wildfires and the Pilot
Jason Brooks, Mike O’Brien and Camila Roy, Alaska Fire Service |
Getting and Keeping Your Aviation Medical Certification
Robert Thomas, MD, ATP Medicine, LTD |
13:00 - 13:50 | Flying Under Pressure: Looking at how the mind operates under duress Richard McSpadden, AOPA Air Safety Institute | Purposely left blank |
14:00 -14:50 | Flying Clubs: Maximum Fun Minimum Cost
Steve Bateman, AOPA You Can Fly |
Invasive Species: Elodia, What it is and Why You Should Care
Dan Coleman, Invasive Weeds an Agricultural Pest Coordinator, Alaska DNR |
15:00 - 15:50 | The Future of Aviation Insurance - The Alaska Aviation Insurance Market
Alicia Oliver, Bill White Insurance |
Alaska Public Use Cabins
Bill Rusk |
Sunday, May 7
Time | Seminar Track 1 Colony Church | Seminar Track 2 Hoskins Hall |
8:00 -11:00 | AOPA Rusty Pilot Seminar
Brian Schiff, AOPA Rusty Pilot Program (registration required) |
Purposely left blank |
11:00 -11:50 | Purposely left blank | An Update on GAMI Unleaded Aviation Fuel for Alaska
Tylor Hall, General Aviation Manufacturers, Inc. and Ross St. John, Crowley |
12:00 -12:50 | AOPA’s High School STEM Program
Steve Bateman, AOPA You Can Fly and John Fick, King Tech High School |
FAA Enforcement Actions: How They Work and How to Respond
Brent R. Cole, Esq., Law Offices of Brent R. Cole, P.C. |
13:00 - 13:50 | The State of the Seaplane Community
Steve McCaughey, Seaplane Pilots Association |
Search and Rescue: Roles and Response
Alaska Rescue Coordination Center S |
14:00 - 14:50 | Alaska Airmen’s Advocating for You
Adam White, Alaska Airmen’s Association |
Survival Considerations and Kits
Civil Air Patrol Capt. Richard Dennis S |
15:00 - 15:50 | Mountain Passes, PIREPs and IFR Routes: Alaska Showing the Way
Tom George, AOPA and Adam White, Alaska Airmen’s Association |
Aircraft Recovery
Kevin Wykoff, Alaska Claims Services S |
S = Survival Training Track
WINGS credit: This year’s seminars also include presentations eligible for credit in the FAA’s WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program. This program encourages pilots to improve their skills and knowledge as pilots by reviewing, refreshing, and continuing their education. Attendees wishing to receive WINGS credit should ensure they sign in with an attendant at the seminars.
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP AND IA RENEWAL- Open to all!
Description: A one-day aircraft maintenance workshop. Seminars will be eligible for credit toward IA Renewal and/or Aviation Maintenance Technician awards program.
When: Friday, May 5, 2023
8am – 5pm
Where: Hoskins Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds
Target Audience: Aircraft owners & maintenance professionals
This event is FREE but registration is required. Click here to register.
For full session schedule and more details click here.
Sponsored by
Are you an aviation professional? Do you hope to become one?
Make your way to Raven Hall for the career fair to speak with aviation employers about career paths, prospects, and goals. You may even land an on-site interview!
Career Fair exhibitors can be found at the front tables inside Raven Hall on Saturday May 6th and Sunday May 7th.
ACE Air Cargo | www.aceaircargo.com | Ace Air Cargo offers scheduled cargo flights, passenger and cargo charters, small package service and logistics. |
Alaska Airlines/ Horizon Air | www.alaskaair.com | Alaska Airlines Pilot Recruiting team is excited to meet with potential candidates at the event. Alaska pilots will be on-site reviewing resumes and conducting meet and greets. |
Cleveland Wheels and Brakes | www.kaman.com | Cleveland Wheels & Brakes is a pillar in the general aviation community. Cleveland is the leading manufacturer of wheels, brakes and hydraulics systems, own and operated by Kaman. |
Daifuku / Elite Line Services | www.elitelineservices.com | Daifuku/Elite Line Services provides Ground Support, PBB, BHS services to major airlines throughout the country. We are currently seeking qualified GSE Mechanics for our Anchorage AK location. |
Empire Airlines | www.empireairlines.com | Empire Airlines is a FedEx Express feeder operating a fleet of ATR 42s, ATR 72s, Caravan 408s, and Caravan 208s throughout the western United States. We’ve been a FedEx feeder operator since 1988. We are hiring Pilots and Mechanics. |
Everts Air Cargo | www.evertsair.com | Everts Air Cargo specializes in serving the unique needs of our customers who reside in the larger Alaskan cities as well as the small villages. |
Fly8MA | www.fly8ma.com | FLY8MA provides Ground School, Flight Training, and Lodging and locally in Big Lake, Alaska. |
Land And Sea Aviation, Alaska | www.landandseaaviationalaska.com | Land and Sea Aviation is a flight school out of Merrill Field in Anchorage. We have over 10 years of experience training Alaskan pilots! |
Lynden Air Cargo | www.lynden.com | Lynden Air Cargo is a US part 121 all-cargo airline based in Anchorage, Alaska. We conduct operations within Alaska as around the world, utilizing our fleet of L382 Hercules aircraft. |
North Star, LLC | www.nstarmaintenance.com | North Star, LLC - Aircraft Maintenance -Turbine Aircraft Maintenance & Repair -Piston Aircraft Maintenance & Repair -Aircraft Maintenance Staffing Solutions -Local and Remote AOG Service |
Pegasus Aviation Services | www.pegasusanc.com | Pegasus provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years. |
Ravn Alaska | www.ravnalaska.com | We Call Alaska Home Providing passenger, cargo, and charter service throughout Alaska. Soon to be offering flights to Asia and the Lower 48 as Northern Pacific Airways. |
SkyWest Airlines | www.skywest.com | SkyWest Airlines is the career destination for more than 12,000 professionals who are literally "going places" with their careers. |
Show off your beautiful bird, compete for some awesome prizes, and land at the Alaska State Fairgrounds!
Register to fly into the Alaska State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 6th to participate in this fun event!
- Landing at the Alaska State Fair is NOT open to the public. Registration and prior approval for landing is required.
- All pilots must complete the registration in full and sign all associated waivers and prior to being approved for participation.
- A temporary air traffic control tower will be in effect within 5nm of the Palmer Municipal Airport during the event
- Show and Shine participants will also be required to communicate on a designated advisory frequency prior to landing at the fairgrounds.
Categories include: Slickest Super Cub, Best in the Sky(wagon), Duct Tape Masterpiece and More!
For more details and to register, click here
Booths #139 and below: Located in Raven Hall
Booths #165 and above: Located in Aircraft Spruce Pavilion