• Staff

Our Staff

Hiring the most competent, professional, and friendly staff is the utmost priority for us here at Alaska Floats and Skis @ AK8. We believe that “who” is even more important than the “what.” Our staff takes pride in their work, they have fun, and do an amazing job! We are very thankful to have such a great group of people who are passionate about what they do everyday. Don Lee always says, “You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do.” It is our pleasure to work with you and offer the best customer service in the industry!

Melissa Lee

Owner/CEO

Melissa was born in Talkeetna and calls both Alaska and Colorado home. Melissa’s background is in Education. She taught English in South Korea, was a public school teacher for 7 years, and has also worked as an instructor and instructional coach for teachers in southwest Colorado. Having her Master’s Degree in Leadership, she is so thrilled for the opportunity to be working with the Alaska Floats and Skis @AK8, LLC family. As an avid adventurer, Melissa has summited both Denali and Mt. Aconcagua and traveled to 20 countries. She loves spending time with her family including her 12-year-old son, Avitt, and her boyfriend, Jayson. She also enjoys flying airplanes and was raised exploring Alaska from the sky. Life on Christensen Lake is a small slice of heaven and sharing that with others from around the globe is such a privilege!

Max

Chief Pilot

I am originally from Los Angeles where I learned to fly. I attended Embry-Riddle in Prescott Arizona where I majored in aeronautics and minored in air traffic management. I have been in Talkeetna for the past 4 summers getting to experience all that Alaska has to offer and falling in love with the Alaska Range. In my free time I like to be outside doing things like hiking, climbing, camping, and fishing.

AJ

Office Manager

I grew up in Minnesota and have owned horses for 21 years. I worked retail at a feed mill for almost 10 years. It was time for a change, so I upped the horsepower and moved to Alaska with my dog named Gus and cat named Tinycat. I’m learning quickly about the aviation world. I love the people and how excited everyone is to share their passion.

Shane

I.A./Director of Maintenance

I grew up in Wyoming and started my career as a heavy equipment mechanic. I moved to Alaska in 2011 and shortly after gained an interest in aviation. I acquired my private pilot certificate in 2013 and then decided to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks to pursue the A&P mechanic certificate and have been working on airplanes ever since. In my spare time I enjoy going on walks with my two dogs and riding my bike.

Jayson

CFI/Fixed Wing + Helicopter

Over 25 years of piloting everything from light airplanes, jets, turboprops, sailplanes, single & multiengine BIG tires and floats to many different types of rotorcraft helicopters and a few gyrocopters. Spent 10 years active USN doing everything from aviation survival training to in flight medicine in a Search & Rescue capacity.  Have spent the better half of my career providing safe and efficient transportation in airplanes & helicopters right here across the entire state of Alaska. I truly enjoy teaching flying no matter what type of flying machine when I can.  Flight instruction has always been a passion and I feel blessed being able to do it with Alaska Floats & Skis this up & coming season.

Scott

CFI/Fixed Wing + Helicopter

Born and raised in northwest Indiana (Bear Down!) but have lived in New York, Alabama, Texas and now Alaska. I graduated from West Point in 2015 and have been an aviation officer and AH-64D Apache pilot throughout my time in the Army. I earned my helicopter and fixed wing ratings while serving in the military and added my commercial ASEL rating at AKFS in 2021. I enjoy exploring Alaska in my Citabria 7GCBC, fishing, hunting, and spending time with my fiancé and our two cats (Kitty and Walt). I’m looking forward to a great summer in Talkeetna where the only thing more uniquely amazing than the group of people at AKFS is the flying.

Tim

CFI

I grew up wild and free and broke every bone in my body… except my femur(s). My calling has always been outdoors. I’ve lived Oceanside and in the mountains and the mountains are my true home. I grew up water skiing with dreams of being a pilot and landing on waterways. Now here I am today doing exactly what I’ve dreamed of and sharing my passion by teaching others to do the same. I’m an avid adventure seeker and survivalist. I love to randomly find a point on the map and backpack/hike to that point with no trails while hunting and fishing along the way. I have experience in a myriad of plane makes & models, but seaplanes are by far my favorite. I am looking forward to the 2023 season and assisting you with your seaplane adventures.

Mac

CFI

I was born and raised in Steamboat Springs Colorado where I skied in the the winters, fished in the summer and got my private certificate in high school. I have completed the majority of my flight training in Minnesota, Montana and Alaska. My hobbies (besides airplanes) still primarily include skiing/mountaineering, fishing and additionally riding my motorcycle.

Megan

CFI

Hello! I’m from Tucson, Arizona. I Graduated from Arizona State University, forks up! Been obsessed with airplanes since I was 13 years old, after going on a discovery flight. When I’m not flying, I love to hike and paint!

J.C.

CFI

Hello! I’m J.C. I love people and all things out doors. I can’t wait to fly with you!

Dani

CFI

As an outdoor enthusiast, it is only natural that my dream in life is to move to Alaska to fly float and bush planes. I have taught college university courses, yoga classes and retreats, as well as have been an outdoor guide for several different activities. The act of teaching is a passion of mine. I am an optimistic, creative, and ambitious person who loves sharing aviation with others!

Sara

Office Staff

Hello! I am so excited to be working at Alaska Floats and Skis this season. I am a 3rd generation pilot, and the 6th pilot in my family. I am currently an Instrument rated pilot, and hope to have commercial, multi engine and sea plane done by the end of the season. If things work out I also hope to become a flight instructor. My dream is to one day work in aerial firefighting! In my free time I enjoy being outdoors, exploring, camping and hiking. I own my own airplane and hope to start flying it more and more!

Josie

Office Staff

Born and Raised in Vail, Colorado. Was a hairstylist for 6 years in San Diego. Decided to switch things up and become a student pilot in Alaska!

Davis

Dockhand

Hi! My name is Davis Parker. I am 19 years old and I have grown up and currently live in a small town called Pagosa Springs, Colorado. I just completed my freshman year at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot.

Hailey

Housekeeping

I was born in Lakeland, Florida. I just graduated high school. I’m coming to Alaska for the summer to live with my sister and have fun Alaskan adventures. I’ve only ever lived in Lakeland. In my free time I love to read and go on walks. I also love spending time with my family.

Anna

Housekeeping/Office/Dockhand

I moved to Talkeetna about five years ago after living in multiple places across the country. I love the tightly knit community, and all the available options for outdoor activities. If I’m not outside working or playing, I’m probably inside my cabin reading yet another murder mystery. I recently became interested in aviation, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work around planes!

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