Stacia Joyce Chief Flight Instructor
Stacia has over 25 years of experience flying helicopters, with most of that time in Alaska. She has instructed in R22, R44 and AStars helicopters in high altitude and mountainous terrain. She has flown offshore oil platforms; flying geologists and utility workers to remote sites; tours in Southeast Alaska and Denali; and flew the local Helicopter Air Ambulance contract in Southcentral. Today she is doing aviation accident investigations for the NTSB.
Stacia started her career flying Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters and has flown a variety of helicopters over the years such as the Airbus AS350 B2/B3, Bell 212/412, 407 and the Agusta Westland AW139. She is an ATP rated helicopter pilot and is a commercially rated Single Engine Airplane Land and Sea pilot and owns a Piper PA-18 150 super cub which she flies recreationally.
Stacia brings real world experience to the table and can help guide you on the path to a career as a professional helicopter pilot. She knows and works in the industry, which is something other schools cannot always offer.
Matt Fernandez Flight Instructor
Matt’s passion for aviation came from over a decade of aircraft maintenance with the USAF. After making the decision to fly helicopters for a career, he wanted to challenge his flying skills, so he chose to come to Alaska for all the levels of flying this state has to offer. In his spare time he can be found fishing, snowboarding or flying with his daughter who is an aspiring pilot.
Renaye Lavin Flight Instructor
Renāye’s desire to fly started at a young age and her ride in a USAF “Huey” sealed the deal in wanting to become a professional helicopter pilot. She has done all of her training and obtained all of her ratings with Neacola Mountain Air. A mother of two energetic boys, spouse to a small business owner and fellow aviator, Renāye manages her full-time military career and flies the helicopter at every opportunity she gets. She is passionate about everything helicopters and is always looking for ways to improve.
Scott Pulliam Flight Instructor
Scott’s journey to become a professional helicopter pilot started when he saw helicopters in action in Nepal, which ignited a dream to fly there. He began his training in Nashville, TN, where he earned his private pilot certification at what is now AeroLuxe Aviation. From there he came to Alaska where he trained at both Alyeska Helicopters and Neacola Mountain Air and earned his Instrument, Commercial, CFI, and CFII ratings. He, his wonderful wife and four beautiful children enjoy embracing the adventurous spirit of flying over Alaska’s rugged landscapes, which remind him so much of Nepal.
Devon Wear Flight Instructor
Devon started flying helicopters to operate awesome machines and see the world from a new perspective. He finds enjoyment in every step of the journey and is passionate about teaching others how to fly. Born and raised on the Yukon River, Devon grew up surrounded by wilderness and aviation. He is now honored and amazed everyday he gets to spend exploring his beautiful home state from the sky.
