Hopes To Inspire Village Students To Pursue Careers In Aviation

A newly-founded flight training program focused on young people in rural Alaska has been set up by Tanalian Aviation, a small helicopter company in Anchorage and Port Alsworth, AK. The Tanalian Vertical Futures Program is designed to inspire local schoolchildren to complete their education, and perhaps set them on a course for a career in aviation.

The Alaska Dispatch reports that the program was created by company owner Joel Natwick, who grew up in Port Alsworth. He tasked 24-year-old flight instructor Abigail "Abby" Seaver with flying one of the company's Robinson R22 helicopters to several villages to introduce school kids to opportunities in the aviation field.

Seaver has been to four villages so far, according to the report. She's also a certified aviation mechanic, and while she's very comfortable flying the R22, she says she's found public speaking to be a challenge.

"The kids absolutely love her," said company chief pilot Mark Barker.

The program was initially funded through a grant from the Bristol Bay Native Corporation and the Pebble Partnership, but is now supported solely by Tanalian. Natwick said he hopes to expand the program to other areas, including the western interior of the state.

(Image provided by Tanalian Aviation. Seaver (center right) with student from Lake Iliamna community)

FMI: http://www.tanalianaviation.net