Blue River Aviation
About
Blue River Aviation is based at Palmer Airport (PAAQ) in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, founded by veteran flight instructor Jamie Hastings who has been instructing since 2009. The school embodies the Alaska flying ethos — preparing students for everything from airline careers to off-airport backcountry operations in the state's vast wilderness. Blue River caters to pilots at all levels and takes students from zero hours to commercial multi-engine and CFI certificates.
The fleet is one of the most comprehensive of any school in southcentral Alaska. Fixed-wing trainers include multiple Cessna 172 variants (equipped for IFR with TAA avionics), a Cessna 150, Cessna 185 Skywagon, and a high-performance Cessna 206, plus a Redbird FMX full-motion simulator for instrument and procedural training. The school's specialty offerings set it apart: three Super Cub variants — on bush wheels, floats (Aerocet 2200), and skis — bring tailwheel, seaplane, and ski-plane training to life in Alaska's authentic environment. Multi-engine instruction is conducted in a Piper Twin Comanche equipped with Garmin G5 and GTN 650.
Blue River Aviation also provides scenic flightseeing tours and air charter services throughout the region, giving students and visitors alike a chance to experience Alaska's spectacular terrain from the air. Contact the school at [email protected] or (907) 414-0371.