"To connect and grow the next generation of aviation in Alaska by sharing our passion for flying, fostering an environment of open communication and learning, and passing down the knowledge of those who came before us."
WHAT IS THE NEXTGEN AVIATOR'S CLUB?
The NextGen Aviators Club is made up of young aviation enthusiasts whose primary purpose is to increase interest in Alaskan Aviation. The club is open to young adults interested in any aspect of Alaskan flying: piloting, aircraft mechanics, air traffic control, fabrication, and aviation management.
Together, we are growing Alaska's next generation of aviation professionals and enthusiasts.
WHAT WE DO:
- Provide Scholarships to facilitate growth and success in all fields of aviation
- Host useful aviation seminars (i.e., winter flying 101, ski flying, float flying, remote survival basics, mountain flying, etc.)
- Provide connections to meet other like-minded people in the field
- Network and connect with local aviation businesses and professionals to begin facilitation for workforce development (air carriers, Airframe and Powerplant mechanics, Certified Flight Instructors, collegiate programs, aircraft fabricators, etc.)
- Partner with EAA Young Eagles flights (free discovery flights for kids, (click to learn more)
- Provide volunteer and community service opportunities
nextgen events
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For any questions please email info@alaskaairmen.org
NextGen Board Members
ARAS SIRVELIS
I started flying remote-controlled Super Cubs as a 12-year-old and watching real Cubs fly over my home near Merrill Field. By 16, I knew I wanted to fly the real thing.I enrolled in the King Career Center’s aviation classes during my junior and senior years in high school along with spending summers working at Rust’s Flying Services as a dock hand. I knew that I loved aviation and with the financial help of my family I began my private pilot lessons. My goal was to get my license by 1, and I pulled it off!Once again with the help of family members, we decided that it made more sense to buy Cessna 150 to use to build my hours toward a commercial license. Doing the math, it made sense at the time, but once I had that 150 in hand, the mechanical problems started showing up (as they always do). I’d taken the plane to Pratt Aviation to fix the exhaust and some other issues. John Pratt let me watch and help his mechanic. I was hooked. Not only did I want to fly, I wanted to fix my own plane. As fortune would have it, John hired me as an apprentice during my last semester of high school.It was a perfect introduction to starting UAA’s aviation maintenance program. Apprenticing at John’s was an amazing opportunity. I was given excellent guidance by the mechanics, as well as a good deal of responsibility. I loved the work. I also continued to fly and work on my Cessna. I made numerous trips around Alaska. I realized that I wanted to fly and build planes.My current plan is to finish my A&P certificate, and start working towards my IA. Alongside the maintenance, I hope to finish up my instrument and commercial certificates in the near future.
KEVIN CAMPBELL
Kevin is a lifelong Alaskan and 2nd generation pilot who grew up in Anchorage and Soldotna. He grew up flying with his father, who has flown in Alaska since the 1960s, and has always wanted to fly.Like his father, two things will always stand for him - he'll live in Alaska, and he'll fly airplanes. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has been an Airmen's Association member since earning his private pilot's license in 2006. Kevin handled aviation products and accounts in Southcentral Alaska for Inlet Petroleum Company before joining ENSTAR Natural Gas in 2007, where he works in business development. He is active in the community and sits on several volunteer boards and committees. He holds a single engine land certificate with tailwheel endorsement, with plans to add a seaplane rating soon so he can explore new areas of Alaska. His favorite place to be is in the air, and he's frequently found flying around Southcentral Alaska in his Super Cub. Kevin is passionate about aviation and considers flying a privilege that everyone should have a chance to experience; he is grateful to give back to the aviation community through involvement in the Alaska Airmen Association, and hopes to encourage interest and engagement in the aviation community among younger pilots.
RYAN GERETY
Ryan has been interested in Aviation since childhood, but a Glacier Landing with K2 Aviation in Talkeetna, while working as a seasonal employee, sparked his desire to make it a career. He's recently obtained his Commercial Pilot license while working in the hospitality industry, and is especially fascinated with float planes.Ryan strives to expose as many people as possible to aviation and to help anyone who's interested in pursuing an aviation career.
DOMENIC GIUNTA
Domenic works with schools and organizations to help implement 3D printing, CNC milling, CAD design, and other advanced manufacturing in career and technical education. He is a licensed drone pilot and currently working on obtaining his private pilot certificate.
"Never would have thought I too could fly. I'm at UAA and working on my licenses. See you around, old sport."
ABRAHAM HARMAN
Abe is a pilot recreationally and a mechanical engineer professionally. He is originally from North Carolina, where his passion for aviation started at a young age after visiting the Wright Brothers' monument and museum at the NC Outer Banks and flew over the family farm on an EAA Young Eagles flight as a child.
After obtaining his pilot's license shortly after college, it was the pursuit of aviation-related jobs that ultimately brought him and his wife Katie to Alaska, where he has worked previously as Lead Engineer and Head of Manufacturing Operations for Airframes Alaska and Alaskan Bushwheels. It was through working on those projects related to and flying in Piper Super Cubs that his interest specifically in STOL and backcountry aircraft design developed.
Currently, he is the co-owner of Helio Alaska, Inc. based at Birchwood Airport in Chugiak. Helio Alaska is the holder of the Type Certificate to the Helio Courier aircraft and they are working to return it to production. The Courier, like the Super Cub, is uniquely suited to the demands of backcountry and off-field flying in Alaska and other wild places, making it an ideal candidate for manufacturing in Alaska. Many of the original production run of Helio Couriers that are still airworthy are already living out their lives in Alaska and Northern Canada due to their short field performance and rugged utility.
Abe is also an officer of the High School to Flight School nonprofit scholarship program for Anchorage and Mat-Su area high school students. The HSFS program is funded through private donations and strives to engage and support local young people wanting to become involved in aviation in Alaska by removing most of the increasing financial burden associated with obtaining a PPL for selected students who demonstrate exceptional work ethic and involvement in their community.
KYLER FORTH
Kyler is a lifelong Alaskan, outdoor and aviation enthusiasts. Currently working on his degree, he has also just joined the Alaska Air Guard to begin his career toward becoming an aviator.
I started flying remote-controlled Super Cubs as a 12-year-old and watching real Cubs fly over my home near Merrill Field. By 16, I knew I wanted to fly the real thing.
ANDRE BERGERSON
Andre's journey in aviation has been a lifelong pursuit, fueled by his upbringing as an army brat, and continues through his collegiate studies. He is currently a full-time student at UAA, majoring in Aviation Technology with a emphasis in Aviation Management and a minor in Air Traffic Control. His most notable aviation experience includes interning with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on an aerial migratory bird survey in Canada. He also spent a summer as a dock hand at Trail Ridge Air at Lake Hood. Andre finds fulfillment in his work within the community. The past four winters, he has served as the only ski instructor at Arctic Valley. On the NextGen Board, he hopes to continue growing community engagement and making the aviation industry accessible to all.
Wella Jay
Her deployment experience profoundly impacted Wella, highlighting the unique capabilities of women and the need for gender balance in all career fields. She didn't begin her aviation journey until 2020, partly due to misinformation and financial limitations. A scholarship from the Airmen's Association launched her career, and she vowed to "pay it forward" when the opportunity presented itself.
In 2024, Wella co-founded Sky Sisters of Alaska to support and empower Alaskan women interested in aviation through scholarships and education. She currently works as a flight instructor, is completing her Master's in Environmental Science, and enjoys spending time with her little family, exploring the backcountry, and baking sourdough bread in her free time.
Regan Tunstall
Regan comes from a military family and has spent most of her life in and out of Alaska. Outside of the Airmen's Association, she is a photographer currently working on getting a certificate in journalism to pursue her dream of becoming a photojournalist and traveling the world.
Regan has received most of her aviation knowledge from her dad who was a helicopter pilot in the Coast Guard. Because of that she has visited quite a few aviation museums around the country and has learned a good deal about military aircraft especially. Since joining the Airmen's Association, she has found her own interest in aviation and is excited to continue learning more and helping the community grow
NextGen Board Members
ARAS SIRVELIS
I started flying remote-controlled Super Cubs as a 12-year-old and watching real Cubs fly over my home near Merrill Field. By 16, I knew I wanted to fly the real thing.I enrolled in the King Career Center’s aviation classes during my junior and senior years in high school along with spending summers working at Rust’s Flying Services as a dock hand. I knew that I loved aviation and with the financial help of my family I began my private pilot lessons. My goal was to get my license by 1, and I pulled it off!Once again with the help of family members, we decided that it made more sense to buy Cessna 150 to use to build my hours toward a commercial license. Doing the math, it made sense at the time, but once I had that 150 in hand, the mechanical problems started showing up (as they always do). I’d taken the plane to Pratt Aviation to fix the exhaust and some other issues. John Pratt let me watch and help his mechanic. I was hooked. Not only did I want to fly, I wanted to fix my own plane. As fortune would have it, John hired me as an apprentice during my last semester of high school.It was a perfect introduction to starting UAA’s aviation maintenance program. Apprenticing at John’s was an amazing opportunity. I was given excellent guidance by the mechanics, as well as a good deal of responsibility. I loved the work. I also continued to fly and work on my Cessna. I made numerous trips around Alaska. I realized that I wanted to fly and build planes.My current plan is to finish my A&P certificate, and start working towards my IA. Alongside the maintenance, I hope to finish up my instrument and commercial certificates in the near future.
KEVIN CAMPBELL
Kevin is a lifelong Alaskan and 2nd generation pilot who grew up in Anchorage and Soldotna. He grew up flying with his father, who has flown in Alaska since the 1960s, and has always wanted to fly.Like his father, two things will always stand for him - he'll live in Alaska, and he'll fly airplanes. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has been an Airmen's Association member since earning his private pilot's license in 2006. Kevin handled aviation products and accounts in Southcentral Alaska for Inlet Petroleum Company before joining ENSTAR Natural Gas in 2007, where he works in business development. He is active in the community and sits on several volunteer boards and committees. He holds a single engine land certificate with tailwheel endorsement, with plans to add a seaplane rating soon so he can explore new areas of Alaska. His favorite place to be is in the air, and he's frequently found flying around Southcentral Alaska in his Super Cub. Kevin is passionate about aviation and considers flying a privilege that everyone should have a chance to experience; he is grateful to give back to the aviation community through involvement in the Alaska Airmen Association, and hopes to encourage interest and engagement in the aviation community among younger pilots.
RYAN GERETY
Ryan has been interested in Aviation since childhood, but a Glacier Landing with K2 Aviation in Talkeetna, while working as a seasonal employee, sparked his desire to make it a career. He's recently obtained his Commercial Pilot license while working in the hospitality industry, and is especially fascinated with float planes.Ryan strives to expose as many people as possible to aviation and to help anyone who's interested in pursuing an aviation career.
DOMENIC GIUNTA
Domenic works with schools and organizations to help implement 3D printing, CNC milling, CAD design, and other advanced manufacturing in career and technical education. He is a licensed drone pilot and currently working on obtaining his private pilot certificate.
"Never would have thought I too could fly. I'm at UAA and working on my licenses. See you around, old sport."
ABRAHAM HARMAN
Abe is a pilot recreationally and a mechanical engineer professionally. He is originally from North Carolina, where his passion for aviation started at a young age after visiting the Wright Brothers' monument and museum at the NC Outer Banks and flew over the family farm on an EAA Young Eagles flight as a child.
After obtaining his pilot's license shortly after college, it was the pursuit of aviation-related jobs that ultimately brought him and his wife Katie to Alaska, where he has worked previously as Lead Engineer and Head of Manufacturing Operations for Airframes Alaska and Alaskan Bushwheels. It was through working on those projects related to and flying in Piper Super Cubs that his interest specifically in STOL and backcountry aircraft design developed.
Currently, he is the co-owner of Helio Alaska, Inc. based at Birchwood Airport in Chugiak. Helio Alaska is the holder of the Type Certificate to the Helio Courier aircraft and they are working to return it to production. The Courier, like the Super Cub, is uniquely suited to the demands of backcountry and off-field flying in Alaska and other wild places, making it an ideal candidate for manufacturing in Alaska. Many of the original production run of Helio Couriers that are still airworthy are already living out their lives in Alaska and Northern Canada due to their short field performance and rugged utility.
Abe is also an officer of the High School to Flight School nonprofit scholarship program for Anchorage and Mat-Su area high school students. The HSFS program is funded through private donations and strives to engage and support local young people wanting to become involved in aviation in Alaska by removing most of the increasing financial burden associated with obtaining a PPL for selected students who demonstrate exceptional work ethic and involvement in their community.
KYLER FORTH
Kyler is a lifelong Alaskan, outdoor and aviation enthusiasts. Currently working on his degree, he has also just joined the Alaska Air Guard to begin his career toward becoming an aviator.
I started flying remote-controlled Super Cubs as a 12-year-old and watching real Cubs fly over my home near Merrill Field. By 16, I knew I wanted to fly the real thing.
ANDRE BERGERSON
Andre's journey in aviation has been a lifelong pursuit, fueled by his upbringing as an army brat, and continues through his collegiate studies. He is currently a full-time student at UAA, majoring in Aviation Technology with a emphasis in Aviation Management and a minor in Air Traffic Control. His most notable aviation experience includes interning with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on an aerial migratory bird survey in Canada. He also spent a summer as a dock hand at Trail Ridge Air at Lake Hood. Andre finds fulfillment in his work within the community. The past four winters, he has served as the only ski instructor at Arctic Valley. On the NextGen Board, he hopes to continue growing community engagement and making the aviation industry accessible to all.
WELLA JAY
Wella, a Swiss native, moved to the U.S. at age 18, where she joined the U.S. Army. As an Army Captain, she served as a paratrooper and medical logistician, deploying to Afghanistan in 2013 with the Cultural Support Team (CST). This all-female program played a crucial role in integrating women into special operations, culminating in "Full Combat Integration" in 2016.
Her deployment experience profoundly impacted Wella, highlighting the unique capabilities of women and the need for gender balance in all career fields. She didn't begin her aviation journey until 2020, partly due to misinformation and financial limitations. A scholarship from the Airmen's Association launched her career, and she vowed to "pay it forward" when the opportunity presented itself.
In 2024, Wella co-founded Sky Sisters of Alaska to support and empower Alaskan women interested in aviation through scholarships and education. She currently works as a flight instructor, is completing her Master's in Environmental Science, and enjoys spending time with her little family, exploring the backcountry, and baking sourdough bread in her free time.
Regan Tunstall
Regan comes from a military family and has spent most of her life in and out of Alaska. Outside of the Airmen's Association, she is a photographer currently working on getting a certificate in journalism to pursue her dream of becoming a photojournalist and traveling the world.
Regan has received most of her aviation knowledge from her dad who was a helicopter pilot in the Coast Guard. Because of that she has visited quite a few aviation museums around the country and has learned a good deal about military aircraft especially. Since joining the Airmen's Association, she has found her own interest in aviation and is excited to continue learning more and helping the community grow