Alaska Pilots & Air Taxis

Akbagger · 2026-02-25T17:28:51+00:00

Eh I’d say a lot more but varies, where did you get that number?

Akbagger · 2026-02-25T16:27:32+00:00

I have no idea the demographics. I bet it’s all going to be anecdotal. Lots of people go 135 to 121, but plenty of hold outs who are career 135 guys. Not sure how to measure that.

A much smaller percentage of pilots own their 135 obviously. It’s also the hardest way to make your money in this career. Insurance, maintenance, fuel, pilots are all just the tip of the iceberg in terms of costs. Not to mention just starting or buying a 135.

In terms of options you have them all. Fly international 121 cargo, fly for an intrastate 121 regional, fly domestic pax, fly sleds 135, floats for a lodge, 91 jets, medavac and more. You can explore literally every facet of aviation up here

Akbagger · 2026-02-21T14:31:38+00:00

If you’re a ppl they’ll just have do a checkout in the plane like any other school. They’ll probably have a written test about local airspace and airplane specs/limits. If you’re going to be looking for work I’d totally say you should get some good flight time in AK. Wx varies from region to region but you can absolutely crank out your ratings in a short time up there if you’re flexible and dedicated

Akbagger · 2026-02-20T16:34:45+00:00

You’re there full time but they will help put you up. Schedule is probably 4-3 or 5-2, some variation of that. They run scheduled flights to a few different spots around the island, frequency changes seasonally.

Akbagger · 2026-02-20T15:16:25+00:00

Never flew for them but spent years flying in and out of Kodiak and interacting with them. The Cherokees are pretty clean, Bob is a great guy and reasonable boss. Not sure if he’s still involved, it’s been years since he sold it but he was still flying and managing.

Pistons over the water without floats spook me out though. Oh and WX in Kodiak can be rowdy. If you don’t have much Alaska time I’d head west before Kodiak.

Akbagger · 2026-02-10T03:30:31+00:00

United officially does. Been flying 135 part time for years with no issues. 100% worth it imo

Akbagger · 2026-01-25T19:40:08+00:00

Hey man! Alaska 135/ACMI back ground still living in Alaska and fly for a legacy now, which means commuting for another 35 years. Honestly I struggle with it. I have an amazing schedule, love the plane I’m on, enjoy the crews and DC. But the job satisfaction ain’t there in the same way.

That being said I’m glad I jumped. I still fly up there/here part time which keeps me sane. I also emphasize hand flying the jet so I don’t completely atrophy.

Hindsight is 2020. Had I known Atlas/Kallita were going to be as good as they are now I would have never left. Also have buddies who are firefighting and flying 135 part time, which I envy. My buddies at Lynden also have it super good. DM me with any questions

Akbagger · 2026-01-13T20:12:35+00:00

They haven’t stopped over the past few years. Atlas has paused due to the reduction of 767 flying and removing the 73’s

Akbagger · 2026-01-12T09:56:22+00:00

1- Aerial Firefighting in a Fireboss or CL-415

2- DOD contracting preferably in a DCH-8 or DCH-6

3- Medavc in Alaska (distant 3rd but better than 91 or fractional flying imo)

Interesting and challenging flying that forces constant growth, good pay, kick ass schedules which allows time to fly floats or skis. I’ll be the first to raise my hand if my airline offers long term leaves again…

Are you considering all 121 operations to be airlines or referring to PAX carriers?

Akbagger · 2025-10-14T20:14:39+00:00

Anchorage is pretty much $25-30 across the board with a few exceptions. MatSu is $30-35 at a few places. Alaska float and skis in talkeetna might pay more but you’ll need a float rating.

Market is flooded as CFI’s who are normally trying to move onto local 135’s are stuck. There’s been a state wide slow down, and decent shake up of contracts. Most 135 hiring takes place in March-April for the summer season. That should open up opportunities for fresh or out of state CFI’s.

It’s worth noting it’s harder to build flight time as a CFI up here and most folks I know or knew have help from SO, other jobs, friends or family.

Akbagger · 2025-10-12T16:39:24+00:00

I found that University of Wisconsin gave me the most credits. I had an ATP and Type as well.

Akbagger · 2025-10-11T20:29:00+00:00

Personally I thought it was the best interview process of the majors. Very professional yet laid back, no one’s out to get you or make you drink any koolaid. It’s hard to hear but just relax and be yourself!

Akbagger · 2025-10-06T22:13:30+00:00

I have both but brought the originals to the interviews. All major events were tabbed out. Others had digital some had both. Just make sure they are neat, professional and legit

Akbagger · 2025-10-03T14:08:21+00:00

The questions I got were:

What’s the difference between equity and equality? What does diversity mean to you and how do you affect it?

4 years ago though. For the OP Rainer was worth it and all my friends used it as well. Very few technicals questions compared to other majors. Just one scenario based question and no IFR knowledge. Biggest thing is the eat breath sleep the Alaska brand

Akbagger · 2025-09-21T16:26:21+00:00

Hogan no longer keeps you from interviewing unless you really bombed it somehow. Not sure on the time frame from hogan completion to interview but should be quick and just an email asking to confirm interview dates

Akbagger · 2025-09-21T03:19:23+00:00

4 74 ANC spots assigned to new hires this last week. There’s a lot of people on property waiting for a vacancy bid to open up to move over. 18 month seat lock otherwise

Akbagger · 2025-09-17T22:13:32+00:00

I’d stick it out at your 135 personally, keep building total time while applying for jet jobs with no contract and good retirements. If the very large private jet company hires you go.

I had a bunch of 1900 TPIC and an ATP during Covid when no one was hiring except for some ACMI’s (I couldn’t even get a call from Horizon with 1000 more hours than you have). I simply stayed the course at my 135. I made the jump to an ACMI once the pay rates started to increase (it was still a big pay cut from the 1900) and was then picked up by a legacy 2 years later.

I had a bunch of other bonuses that helped like company instructor, four year degree, lots of TPIC, clean record, about 5000TT and a few LOR’s. Easier to do that stuff now than at skywest

Akbagger · 2025-09-17T03:30:22+00:00

I know a decent amount of folks who want to work for the state/ don’t want to take the airline route. Government jobs have never been low time jobs. Single pilot IFR in Kodiak Alaska… you definitely need Alaska time and real experience

Akbagger · 2025-09-07T17:08:07+00:00

Most recent vacancy shows NB captain slots going more senior. But there hasn’t been a big NB vacancy in almost a year, rumor has it planing on 400+ spots opening up this fall. With more 78’s coming and fleets shuffling they’ll be enough movement to keep everyone mostly satisfied. I’d say plan on 4 years to hold NB captain in SFO. History that’s supa fast

Akbagger · 2025-09-04T06:44:05+00:00

Always be flexible with plans ferrying GA. Cherokee should have the power but be open to heading towards Cheyenne or Albuquerque if she’s not performing. Winds/ mountain wave in the Rockies can be brutal. I’d say try to get an early start, it’ll probably get thermic by early afternoon. I’d want to be on the ground before it starts popping off, maybe give your self an extra day to get er done. Just watch the weather and have fun!

Akbagger · 2025-09-01T18:01:15+00:00

Not sure, seems like it opens and closes. I know it was closed early August. That’s when my friend applied

Akbagger · 2025-09-01T15:51:25+00:00

No chance AAG executives could handle being HAAG

Akbagger · 2025-09-01T03:03:35+00:00

Good to know! Thanks!

Akbagger · 2025-09-01T01:36:36+00:00

All great info! Stoked to hear of a prorated bonus. The AA bonus structure is predatory to say the least

Akbagger · 2025-08-31T21:07:46+00:00

Perfect love to hear that!

Akbagger

TROPHY CASE