Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have 2 locations?
Yes! We are located in Anchorage on Lake Hood flying a Piper Pacer. We are also located in Vinsaw Lake in Wasilla flying Supercubs, Beaver, and Twinbee. Both places have accommodations. The accommodations in Anchorage are not far from the airport in a neighborhood in Government Hill Area. The accommodations in Wasilla are in a hangar home right on the lake. The courses are different prices depending on which one you choose.
Can a friend fit in the plane during my training?
This decision is made by your instructor. Typically, your training flights have a lot of take offs and landings, which are not very fun for the person in the back. Later in your training it might be possible, but the decision is completely based on your instructor’s recommendations (weight and balance, aircraft type, weather, etc.). In Anchorage, we fly a piper pacer, which may be able to hold a 3rd person. In Wasilla we fly supercubs that can only hold the flight instructor and the client. If you want beaver instruction, chances are good we can take more people.
Can I bring a friend for free?
If you both are taking a course and sharing a room, lodging is only charged for one of you. Bringing an extra non-flying person is totally fine. It is a very family friendly atmosphere.
Can I get more time in the airplanes?
It is not uncommon for pilots to come and fly more than their course hours. It is $425 per hour for additional flight instruction in the pacer, $475 per hour for the supercub, and $1200 per hour for the beaver. See hourly pricing on the home page for more information. Getting more flight hours after the course is common and we are happy to help you reach your goals!
Can I instruct in seaplanes after I receive my seaplane rating?
Yes. If you are a current CFI, you can also instruct in a seaplane once you obtain your seaplane rating.
Can I stay extra nights at the lodge?
Yes, if lodging is available. Advance notice is highly recommended if you know you want to stay longer. Once your flight training is complete, the cost per additional night is on the Pricing Page.
To ensure there are accommodations for pilots, there is a 3 hour flight minimum for each extra day that you stay in base lodging since this space is only reserved for our clients who are there to fly.
Do I need a car?
You do need a car. The seaplane base in Wasilla is about 15 minutes from downtown. Wasilla is 1 hour north of Anchorage, so you do need transportation. We have company cars available that can be picked up at the Anchorage airport. Please contact us for car rental information at 907-414-3930. The vehicles are $150/day.
Do I need a U.S. certificate to fly with you?
You do not need a U.S. certificate if you are taking the bush course or not getting a rating.
IF YOU ARE GETTING A SEAPLANE RATING – THEN YES!
You can get a U.S PPL based on foreign license.
Do I need to bring my own headset?
Bringing your own headset is recommended, but we do have David Clark loaners if you do not have yours.
Do you have any additional fees?
Yes, the ASES checkride if $850, cash only.
Do you provide food?
No, you must go grocery shopping before you arrive or plan to go out to eat for your meals. Each lodging option has a kitchenette (no oven) so that you are able to store food and cook. When you leave, be sure to bring your food out of the kitchen, so we know that it is no longer being used. There may be catering options available. If you are interested in these services, please ask.
Do you rent your planes solo?
No. We do not rent the aircrafts without an instructor onboard.
How do I get to your place from the airport in Anchorage by car?
click here for map quest directions>
From Anchorage International Airport to 4645 N. Gunflint Trail Drive:
Head toward Postmark Dr on W International Airport Rd. Go for 0.2 mi.
Then 0.2 miles
Make a U-Turn at Postmark Dr onto W International Airport Rd. Go for 2.8 mi.
Then 2.8 miles
Turn left onto C St. Go for 0.8 mi.
Then 0.8 miles
Continue on A St. Go for 2.2 mi.
Then 2.2 miles
Turn right onto E 6th Ave. Go for 34.9 mi.
Then 34.9 miles
Continue on I-A4 N (E Parks Hwy) toward AK-3 N/Wasilla. Go for 6.9 mi.
Then 6.9 miles
Continue on E Parks Hwy (I-A4). Go for 7.6 mi.
Then 7.6 miles
Turn right onto N Pittman Rd. Go for 1.9 mi.
Then 1.9 miles
Turn left onto N Meadow Lakes Loop. Go for 2.1 mi.
Then 2.1 miles
Turn right onto N Meadow Lakes Dr. Go for 0.5 mi.
Then 0.5 miles
Turn left onto W Skyview Dr. Go for 0.6 mi.
Then 0.6 miles
4645 N Gunflint Trl
Wasilla, AK 99623-9218
How much experience should I have to take your courses?
Even if you just received your private certificate you will benefit greatly from our courses. The seaplane rating is a blast and the bush and mountain flying courses are also an amazing experience.
Anyone, even if they do not have their PPL, can take a discovery flight lesson or a course. If you have your commercial license, then your seaplane add-on will be a commercial ASES.
If two pilots want to share a room, how would that work?
We would take the room rate off of one of the pilot’s invoices or split the rate between both pilots. We only charge for the room, not the number of pilots in it.
Is the checkride extra?
Yes. You pay the DPE $850 cash.
What clothes should I bring?
Please look at weather for Wasilla or Anchorage before you travel. Layers are always recommended as temperatures can range from 50*-90*F.
What else do you have there in addition to flying?
We usually have canoes or other water crafts free for use. If you want to do custom fishing, flightseeing, etc. we do have close connections and are happy to point you in the right direction. We are a part 91 flight school and only focus on flight instruction.
What if I need more time to train for the check ride?
We want you to be confident and competent for your check ride. Visit our Courses Page. If you have the flexibility, we are happy to spend more time flying with you until you feel confident. Our flight instructors are very good and they will not sign you off unless you are ready. Typically, in a 5 day course, it is enough time to be properly prepared. If you want to prepare ahead of time for the oral exam, that is always recommended. You can read the book “Notes of a Seaplane Instructor” by Burke Mees and the FAA Seaplane Flying Handbook (for free online).
What is the best way to pay?
We accept credit cards, checks or U.S. dollars. There is a 3% discount for cash or check payments. There is a $500 deposit via “clover invoice” to your email to confirm your booking. The rest of the fee will be paid on your last day of training when you check out.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards, checks or U.S. dollars. There is a 3% discount for cash or check payments.
What should I bring for flight training?
You must have a US-issued pilot certificate, current medical and current photo ID (driver license or passport). A passport or birth certificate is required for identification if you lack a valid signoff. All foreign applicants must have a passport and a stand alone US certificate based on a foreign license certificate.
What type of planes do you fly?
We have a Piper Pacer (PA-20) airplane located on Lake Hood in Anchorage.
We have Piper Supercubs (PA-18), a beaver, a twin seabee, and a 180 located on Vinsaw Lake in Wasilla.
When does billable flight time begin?
Flight time here starts when the master switch is turned on.
In some countries they only count “wheels up” time or airspeed above 20 knots, but that is not the case here.
Where can I find information on local conditions?
Where can I find the local train schedule?
Check out the Alaska Railroad schedule (for travel from Anchorage or sightseeing).
Did you used to be located in Talkeetna?
Yes, we used to be located at Christiansen Lake Seaplane Base in Talkeetna. However, we have moved locations and now have a vast variety of aircrafts to choose from. For repeat clients, I think they will find the new location to be very similar in the atmosphere, customer service, and quality of instruction. We now do advanced instruction and have much more to offer as we have merged with APEX Aviation.
