October - December 2025
Alaska Chapter of the 99s is Revitalizing!
The Alaska Chapter of the International Organization of Women Pilots is revitalizing. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors the Chapter has been inactive for a few years. Several of us feel it is time to regroup and renew. We support the International 99s Mission Statement promoting advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and…
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Alaska Weather Chart Change Proposed
Tom George, AOPA Alaska Regional Manager The National Weather Service’s Alaska Aviation Weather Unit is soliciting feedback on planned updates to its Surface and Significant Weather charts. The public notice inviting feedback includes links to sample products so interested parties can see what the new charts would look like. In general, changes to the Surface…
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Sky Sisters of Alaska
Have you ever wondered if the conundrum gracing your mind’s beaches has washed ashore another’s mind? I would love to clarify that this question is for the inexperienced pilot; however, I believe that this occurrence does not discriminate by experience or age. For the extroverts, for the quiet at heart or in voice, for the…
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Alaskan Women in Aviation: Hattie Schmidtkunz
By Regan Tunstall Growing up in Sutton, Alaska, Hattie’s love for flying started when she was paragliding in her early 20s. One day when she was at Lake Lucille, she spotted a floatplane taking off and instantly knew she wanted to become a pilot. Hattie was working for the DOT most summers while pursuing her…
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President’s Report, Q4
Greetings Airmen’s Members, Hope you all are enjoying a nice beginning to the fall season. We’re doing well at the Airmen’s and preparing for the 2026 year ahead with several highlights in store. Happy to report that our 2026 Great Alaska Airmen’s Gathering Reffle Plane is coming along well with Brad Sjostedt in Cordova, AK. …
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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…
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Boost Your Aviation Career – Volunteer with the Alaska Airmen’s!
Dear NextGen Members, Are you looking to strengthen your aviation resume and stand out in the industry? Volunteering with the Alaska Airmen’s Association is more than just giving back — it’s a powerful way to grow your network, gain hands-on experience, and demonstrate your commitment to the aviation community. Here’s why volunteering matters: Ready to…
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Martha Stewart Thanksgiving Letter
Dear Friends, Martha Stewart will not be dining with us at my place this Thanksgiving. I’m telling you all in advance, so you won’t be surprised. Since Ms. Stewart won’t be coming, I’ve made a few small changes. Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided…
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The FAA’s New MOSAIC – What All Is In This Picture?
By John M. Dahlen I am frequently heard joking about how the FAA and I finally found something we totally agree on. After my stroke and three or four heart stoppages, we all agreed that I should probably no longer exercise my flight privileges as PIC. It’s one thing when your prop stops spinning at…
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Executive Director’s Report, Q4
As summer winds down, the Alaska Airmen’s has been buzzing with activity. From the weekend after the Gathering through the end of September, we’ve been part of 20 different events! Our outreach has stretched across the state, Fairbanks, the Mat-Su Valley, Kenai, and of course right here in Anchorage. A big thank-you to all the…
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Commemorative Air Force Alaska
By Regan Tunstall & Wella Marie Are you interested in learning more about the Alaska warbirds? The Commemorative Air Force Alaska Wing, founded by World War 2 Veteran Colonel Howard “Mike” Hunt, strives to uphold their mission of restoring and preserving combat aircraft in the US. Col. Hunt started the Alaska chapter in the late…
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Obvious and Logical- The Ice-Cold Case of N1812H
By Jim Gibertoni by Joan Skilbred On October 16, 1972, a Pan Alaska Airways, Ltd. flight from Anchorage to Juneau, Alaska failed to make its destination and was never seen or heard from again. The plane N1812H, a twin-engine Cessna 310C, was owned by Pan Alaska Airways LLC. The pilot was Don Jonz from Fairbanks,…
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A Role for Rules
By Bernie Willis A highly experienced, respected and accomplished European aviator said to me, “Rules are for fools, but a guide for wise men.” Contemplating his statement my mind bounced like a ball in a hand ball court. Try following these thoughts! Now, rules are for our safety. When followed we stay within safe guidelines.…
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Advocacy With Adam, Q4 Overview
Adam White, Alaska Airmen’s Association Government Affairs We continue to work with Federal, State, and local officials on behalf of our members, ensuring Alaska Aviation remains accessible and a viable means of transportation and recreation. The following issues are just a few examples of how we work towards those goals. Anchorage Class C Redesign The…
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What Most Pilots Get Wrong About Eating on the Go (and How to Fix It)
by Kylie Viens As a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, private pilot, and spouse to an airline transport pilot (ATP), I understand the unique challenges aviation professionals face when it comes to staying healthy on the road. Whether you’re flying back-to-back legs, navigating layovers, or prepping for a stint in bush Alaska, the unpredictable nature…
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WHY PEOPLE BECOME MEMBERS OF THE ALASKA AIRMEN’S ASSOCIATION
By John M. Dahlen Each of our approximately 2.000 Alaska Airmen’s Association members has one thing in common – an interest in knowing what is happening in general aviation in Alaska. Beyond that the reason(s) each member joins, and their expectations from their membership are quite varied. MEMBERS ONLY DISCOUNTS: The cost of your annual…
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Executive Director’s Report Priscilla Ribic – Alaska Airmen’s Association
The 2025 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering is in the books and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees who made this year’s event such a tremendous success. Your support continues to elevate the Gathering as one of the premier aviation events in the country. A special…
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An Aircraft of Wood
By Bernie Willis Where is the wood in your airplane? You may say, “Modern airplanes are made of aluminum and 4130 chromoly steel, there’s no wood!” But are you sure? If yours is a Cessna, 1960 or newer you’re probably right. But many Piper, Beechcraft, American Champion, Taylorcraft, and Bellanca aircraft have wooden parts. The…
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Advocacy With Adam
Adam White, Alaska Airmen’s Association Government Affairs We continue to work with Federal, State, and local officials on behalf of our members, ensuring Alaska Aviation remains accessible and a viable means of transportation and recreation. The following issues are just a few examples of how we work towards those goals. Anchorage Airspace Redesign The Anchorage…
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Gathering brings national speakers to Alaska
Tom George, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Seminars are a thread that runs through the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering. In addition to looking at the newest aviation equipment at the trade show, or admiring the aircraft in the static display, a series of seminars are scheduled that cover everything from Seaplane safety to an around-the-world…
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NextGen Spotlight
By Regan Tunstall As another successful scholarship season comes to an end, we want to thank all of our donors and applicants who participated for the 2025 scholarship program! We have been very fortunate to continue growing our scholarship funding every year, with the help of our valued contributors. This year we had a total…
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Landing Gear Works
Titanium Main Landing Gear, Titanium Tail Gear Springs, and all Landing Gear Works products now sold exclusively through McFarlane Aviation! The Landing Gear Works (TLGW) specializes in the manufacturing of titanium landing gear legs for Cessna 180 and 185 as well as tail gear springs, tailwheel assemblies and landing gear components for various Cessna aircraft.…
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3 Critical Mistakes Pilots Make About Snacking
By Kylie Viens Snacking is more than just a way to curb hunger—it’s a key strategy for pilots to maintain focus, energy, and overall health while in the air. Whether you’re flying for fun on a weekend adventure or managing long haul flights as a commercial pilot, the right snacks can help keep your energy…
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Executive Director Report
I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Alaska Airmen’s Association. Having officially stepped into this role in March, I want to begin by saying what an incredible honor it is to serve an organization that I’ve long admired—not just as a dedicated pilot, but as a longtime member who truly…
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HOW OUR BRAIN IS WIRED TO FOOL US!
By John M. Dahlen It’s not uncommon for us to get caught fooling ourselves from time to time. But did you know our brain is wired to fool us virtually all of the time? It’s been said that our brain is bombarded with millions of bits of data input every second of every day. When…
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Adventure and Catastrophe
By Bernie Willis Many of us are about to start flying a whole lot more than we did this past winter. Those upgrades are finished and the days are long and the temperature is quite nice. If your lake is still frozen or not you’re about ready to head out for adventure. Are you set…
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Advocacy With Adam
Adam White, Alaska Airmen’s Association Government Affairs Advocacy With Adam Adam White, Alaska Airmen’s Association Government Affairs We continue to work with Federal, State, and local officials on behalf of our members, ensuring Alaska Aviation remains accessible and a viable means of transportation and recreation. The following issues are limited examples of how we work…
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