Who to fly with

[AKBEE]

Hey guys- a very smart, outdoorsy, ambitious 13 year old girl I know dreams of becoming a Coast Guard pilot. I would like to arrange for her to get some time in the air. She has been doing some ground school studying, but I just want her to be up and enjoy the experience with a pilot who wants to encourage her endeavor (even if it is more flight seeing than anything) I would greatly appreciate any recommendations. She is a wonderful girl very mature for her age, and from a great family and I would like to see her have the opportunity.
Thank you in advance.
akbee (Brian)

 

[Putzpilot]

Where are you located?

 

[Float Pilot]

The best student pilot I ever had was a 13 year old girl from a village. She is now a commercial pilot and CFI.

 

[AKBEE]

The family lives in Talkeetna and she comes to Anchorage frequently.

 

[AKBEE]

I heard some nice things about Legends Aviation out of Willow. Any thoughts or recommendations by those of you who fly are much appreciated.

 

[boneguy]

Floats and Skis AK https://www.alaskafloats.com right next door. Don has a daughter that is a professional pilot and has female flight instructors. I could think of no better place to find a mentor/great flying experience!
DENNY

 

[AKBEE]

Denny- Thank you for the recommendation. Much appreciated.

 

[stid2677]

Floats and Skis AK https://www.alaskafloats.com right next door. Don has a daughter that is a professional pilot and has female flight instructors. I could think of no better place to find a mentor/great flying experience!
DENNY

I 2nd this and also recommend Blue River Aviation in Palmer, Jamie is awesome and has some great aircraft and instructors.

 

[pipercub]

Coast Guard flying is very high risk!!! I would steer her towards something where you are not hanging it all out there to save lives...

 

[AKBEE]

Stid- Thank you! Pipercub- those words coming from you hold a lot of weight. I appreciate all pilots, but the ones flying to find lost or doomed souls hold a special place. This kid is a very special person who is athletic, smart, a horsewoman, lives on a farm, and really wants to be a search and rescue pilot. I figure she will find out if it is really for her by spending time in the air with folks like you who can share stories (good and scary).
thank you all for responding- much appreciated.

 

[AKDoug]

Don at Alaska Floats and Skis would be a great choice. If you want, I can also put her in contact with a local lady that went through the Talkeetna Build a Plane program and went on to be an A&P, AI, CFI and commercial multi-engine and DC6 captain for Everts... all by the age of 24 !! Just send me a PM and we can work out a meet with her. If your friend's daughter is from Talkeetna it will be easy.

 

[boneguy]

Both my wife and I are retired military. I think the Coast Guard or any military experience is one of the best things anyone can do in their life.
DENNY

 

[AKBEE]

Doug: That would be great- thank you!
Denny: I agree completely. My father was a Lt Col and I was in the Marine Corps platoon leader program while in college but was bounced for hearing loss in left ear from stupidly shooting with no ear protection.

 

[downeast]

Just adding here, if you haven’t found someone for the young lady - Sarah @ AK Floats & Skis/Don Lee’s is now the chief pilot. As the professional pilot daughter of two Naval aviators, she has her head on straight and is a great role model, excellent CFI and all around nice person. Also, Don sold the business to his daughter, who now runs the show.

 

[AKBEE]

Downeast:
that is who we are aiming for. Just trying to find time in the girl’s busy farm-life schedule. Thank you.
B