The aviation industry plays a crucial role in Alaska due to its vast size and remoteness. There are many opportunities to pursue a career in aviation and become involved in this important sector of Alaska’s economy. Some key ways to do this include pursuing flight training and obtaining the necessary licenses and ratings, finding employment with airlines or charter companies, working for the transportation department, or starting your own aviation business.
The first step for many is to obtain a private pilot’s license. Flight lessons and training can be pursued through various flight schools located around Alaska. Some larger schools include Ultrawings Aviation in Anchorage, Wings of Alaska Flying Club in Fairbanks, and Salmon Field in Juneau. Obtaining a private pilot’s license will allow you to rent and fly small aircraft for personal use, but commercial aviation roles will require additional ratings. From there, pilots can work towards instrument ratings, commercial pilot certificates, certified flight instructor licenses, and type ratings for specific aircraft. Flight training can take 1-2 years of consistent lessons and practice to obtain all necessary certifications and ratings.
Private pilot licenses open the door, but achieving commercial pilot certifications for airlines is a major way to become directly involved in Alaska’s aviation industry. The major air carriers operating throughout the state include Alaska Airlines, Ravn Alaska (formerly RavnAir Group), and PenAir. All three airlines hire commercial pilots to fly passengers and cargo on scheduled routes throughout rural Alaska on everything from small commuter planes to larger regional jets. Pilots start out typically flying smaller aircraft and building flight hours before moving up to captain larger planes. The airlines also employ mechanics, customer service agents, dispatchers and other operational support roles. Both Ravn and PenAir are based in Alaska and offer direct ways to start an aviation career locally.
For those interested in flying but who don’t want to pursue a career as a pilot, becoming an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is another major option. Controllers are responsible for guiding aircraft safely and efficiently through the nation’s airspace system. The FAA has air traffic control facilities located in Anchorage, Fairbanks and other parts of the state. Obtaining an air traffic control certificate requires passing an FAA entrance exam as well as completing extensive FAA-sponsored training programs that can take several years.
Charter companies and air taxi operators like Northern Air Cargo, Era Aviation, and Grant Aviation offer both flying opportunities as well as other jobs for those with aviation skills and licensure. Charter and freight companies transport passengers, mail, cargo and goods to remote villages and bush communities not served by major airlines. Flying with these operators builds experience flying smaller planes to treacherous bush airstrips throughout the state. Mechanics, dispatchers and customer service roles are also available. Some charter operators are even amenable to trainees obtaining flight time by observing pilots.
The Alaska Department of Transportation maintains around 175 aviation facilities like airports, seaplane bases and heliports across the state for use by both commercial and general aviation. This makes DOT&PF a major aviation employer in Alaska. Pilots are hired to transport passengers and inspect remote facilities, while aviation technicians keep facilities in working order. Administrative assistants, engineers and project managers also help coordinate aviation infrastructure statewide. Both pilots and support staff are crucial to the DOT’s mission of connecting disparate Alaskan communities.
For those interested in entrepreneurship, starting your own aviation business is another path. From flightseeing operations catering to tourists in places like Denali and Ketchikan, to emergency medevac companies, to airplane mechanics shops and avionics installation firms – all contribute to Alaska’s aviation economy. Many independent operators work under FAR Part 135 serving remote villages, mining camps and others in the bush. With hard work and dedication, an aspiring entrepreneur can gain experience and save funds to purchase aircraft and launch their own operation. Partnering with an existing operator as an equity partner can help gain hands-on training and experience.
Between the flight training and certification process, major commercial carriers, air charter companies, government agencies and opportunity for entrepreneurial ventures, Alaska’s aviation industry offers diverse ways to build a career in this vital transportation sector. With the state’s heavy reliance on air travel both for commercial and public needs, careers in Alaska aviation are likely to remain in high demand for the long term as well. Perseverance, gaining experience through a variety of entry level roles, and continually advancing one’s skills and credentials can open many doors to becoming directly involved in this important industry within the state.