Knik Fireside

About Us

The Blue River Story

Head in the Clouds

Blue River’s History

Jamie Hastings, the founder of Blue River Aviation, began his aviation career as a pilot for Peninsula Airways. He began flight instructing as a part-time gig in 2009. After a decade of working as a flight instructor on the side, Jamie decided to pursue his flight school full-time. With his own fleet of aircraft at the ready, Blue River Aviation was born and has become one of the best Alaska aviation companies!

Glacier Tour Jamie
Producing Top-Notch Pilots

Alaska’s Premier Flight School

Blue River Aviation’s reputation, as one of the leading aviation companies in Alaska, attracts students worldwide to our top-notch flight training instruction and unique Alaskan flying experience. Led by our founder Jamie Hastings and his skilled team, students receive personalized training, mastering diverse flying conditions. Our flight school’s commitment to excellence and safety makes it a beacon for aviation enthusiasts seeking high-quality education in Alaska’s captivating skies.

 

If you’re interested in earning your pilot’s license at Blue River Aviation, contact us.

Instructor and student in the REDBIRD flight simulator, discussing tactics in front of the pilot training flight simulator. Instrument Rating
Blue River’s Future

Always Growing

At Blue River Aviation, our mission is to support a wide range of aviation needs centered around training, aircraft access, and safety. In addition to comprehensive flight instruction, we provide detailed aircraft maintenance services to ensure every airplane is operating at its best. Our fleet is available for qualified pilots seeking reliable aircraft rental, whether for building time or exploring Alaska from a new perspective. We’re committed to delivering high-quality services that strengthen and support our aviation community. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue growing, expanding opportunities for pilots, and finding new ways to serve the ever-evolving world of aviation.

Close-up of Blue River Aviation's fleet on the tarmac at their Palmer Alaska location. Cessnas

Jamie Hastings

Flight Instructor, Maintenance, Operations

Owner, 135 Chief Pilot, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, RW, A&P, IA

Maggie Chiolero

Maintenance, Operations

General Manager, Maintenance Manager, A&P, PPL

Melissa Heller

Operations

Flight Training Advisor & Office Lead, PPL

Mary Creighton

Operations

Development Coordinator, PPL, TW, SES

Alana Morgan

Operations

Flight Training Advisor, PPL

John Hess

CFI/I, TW, SES

Johndavid Ahlberg (JD)

Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Benjamin Loss

Flight Instructor

CFI,CFII,MEI

Sebastian Lichtenthal

Flight Instructor

CFI, SES

Kylie Austin

Flight Instructor

CFI/I, AGI, IGI

Lydia Koehler

Flight Instructor

CFI/I, SES

Brett Akin

Flight Instructor

CFI/I, SES

Lily Paul

Flight Instructor

CFI/I

Ashlyn Murphy

Flight Instructor

CFI/I

Eric Ulery

Flight Instructor

CFI/I, 135 Pilot

Josh Trouy

Flight Instructor

Will Harris

Flight Instructor

Jacqualynn Watson

Flight Instructor

Rex Gray

DPE, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, TW, SES

Dennis Cooley

Maintenance

135 Director of Maintenance

Wyatt Crump

Maintenance

A&P Mechanic, PPL

Caleb Carlton

Maintenance

Apprentice A&P, PPL

Ethan Messick

Maintenance

Apprentice A&P

Jackson Charton

Maintenance

A/C Detailer, Student Pilot

Hans Colberg

135 Pilot

Mr. Goose

Operations

Head Of Security

Donna the Llama

Mascot

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Summer 2026

Float Training

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