Luke Hansen NextGen Scholarship Update

Hello, 

I received the Glacier Oil and Gas Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. I have been accepted to the Alaska Airlines Ascend Academy and will be starting my training this fall at Hillsboro Aero Academy in Redmond, OR. I am beyond grateful to have received this scholarship and am excited to start building hours towards my dream of being a pilot for Alaska Airlines.  

Aviation has always played a huge role in my life. Growing up in Nome, the only way to get in or out is via airplane so that is how I’ve always traveled. Alaska Airlines is also the only airline that connects Nome to Anchorage and that is what sparked my dream of becoming a pilot for Alaska Airlines. I also have aviation history in my family. My grandfather and Alaskan legend, Jim Hansen flew for Wein airlines back in the day and also flew commercial bush flights in and out of Nome for many years. Growing up around him and hearing the amazing stories of flying has also helped grow my love for aviation.  

In the future, when I get to Alaska Airlines, I hope to be based in Anchorage and fly all of the small town and village routes around Alaska. I want to be able to still see all of the people I know from my hometown while also doing what I love.  

Thank you to The Glacier Oil and Gas Company for all of the support through the scholarship! Also a huge thanks to the Alaska Airmen’s Association. Your organization is doing so much to make aviation more connected throughout Alaska while also helping get new pilots started on their journeys! 

Luke Hansen