Letter From The Executive Director
By Abby Austin
Greetings Airmen Members!
My fingers are crossed that Spring is truly upon us and that means great weather to kick off the flying season at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering! It’s the busiest time of year around the office, but also our favorite time of year. So much planning and preparation goes into the Gathering that by this point, we can’t wait to share it with you all! This event has grown so much in the last few years that we have held it at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, and we are proud to say that it truly has become a celebration of Alaskan aviation. Check out some of the action:
New Offerings:
- Airport After Party on Saturday May 4th sponsored by Silver Sky Aviation featuring live music and beer garden
- Music from Hope Social Club sponsored by Summit Aviation
- Beer Garden by Klondike Mike’s
- Expanded Fly Market
- New and Improved Aircraft Spruce Pavilion
Returning Favorites:
- Airport Action: STOL Demo and Division of Forestry Fire Suppression Demo
- Hands-On Youth Activities
- Scholarship Award Ceremony
- Educational Seminars hosted by Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation
- Alaska Airmen Member VIP Parking
Ways to Participate:
- Aircraft Maintenance Workshop hosted by Pratt and Whitney Canada on Friday May 3rd
- Career Fair: Sign up to recruit or just drop by to network!
- Show and Shine Aircraft Beauty Contest: Fly right into the Fairgrounds!
- Fly Market: Sell your hangar clutter or shop for awesome deals!
- Volunteer!
Registration and information for all these events can be found at alaskaairmen.org/greatgathering.
Also, the aircraft raffle fundraiser is coming to a close as we typically sell out in April but there is still time to get tickets for that beautiful experimental PA-18 built by Danchini Aero! You can buy online at alaskaairmen.org/raffle, call us at 907-245-1251 or stop by Northern Lights Avionics in Anchorage to get your chance at winning the airplane and other incredible prizes before it’s too late.
So, I hope to see all of our Airmen Members at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering and thank you for joining us and being a part of this experience! Your presence and participation make the event a vibrant and unforgettable celebration. We look forward to continuing our mission with your ongoing support!
Abby Austin
Executive Director