Talkeetna Build A Plane
Talkeetna Build-A-Plane is a hands-on program designed for students to work with professional pilots and Talkeetna airport mechanics in rebuilding a donated airplane. The program uses the aircraft construction project to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and encourages students to learn more about pursuing careers in commercial aviation, aerospace engineering, aircraft maintenance, airport management, and air traffic control. National Build A Plane, working in formal partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, promotes aviation by donating aircraft projects to schools at no charge. To learn more about the national program, click here, or check out some recent coverage in the media about Talkeetna Build A Plane:
Instructors
Drew Haag has been flying for 16 years and been a mechanic for 10. He holds FAA Commercial, Instrument, and Flight Instructor Certificates with Land and Sea Ratings and FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate with an Inspection Authorization. He started Above Alaska Aviation in 2004, providing tail wheel flight training and aircraft maintenance. He loves to teach and share in a students excitement and accomplishment.
Dallas Haman, TBAP Instructor
Dallas Haman: I graduated from Emery Aviation College in 1993 as a CFII. Prior to K2, I worked for a FAA Repair Station in Greeley, Colorado – Beagles Aircraft Service. They have been in the business of sheet metal repairs to aircraft since 1946. I worked at Beagles for 10 years: 1995-2005. The great group of people that I worked with there were mentors to me, and I am using their techniques to teach the Build-A-Plane kids. I was able to get my A&P Mechanics license through practical experience at Beagles, by doing the very type of work that the kids are doing at TBAP. I have been an IA for 10 years. I followed my love of Aviation to Alaska in 2005 to become Director of Maintenance for K2 Aviation – 2011 is my 7th season.
Andy Magyar earned his A&P license in Broomfield, Colorado through a formal school and began his Alaska career working as a mechanic for Peninsula Airways, based out of King Salmon. A visit to Talkeetna convinced him to make a move in the spring of 2011, and he now works as a mechanic for K2 Aviation. He dabbles in Flamenco Dancing as well as plays the Mandolin and volunteers two nights a week for TBAP.
Support Team
Plotting the Course
From left, Joe Griffith (MEA general manager), Drew Haag and family, Catherine Jones (MEA board of directors), Lyn Freeman (President of Build-A-Plane), and Cheryll Heinze (MEA spokesperson).
Loading the Stinson.
From left, Joe Griffith, Rebecca Fisher, Drew’s brother, Drew Haag, and Jon Sutherland (an Alaska Airlines pilot).
Support for TBAP
If you’d like to make a donation to Talkeetna Build A Plane, click here.
The Talkeetna Build A Plane program is made possible in part by support from MEA, The Jessica Stevens Community Foundation, Talkeetna Community Council, Wolf Aviation Fund, The Rasmuson Foundation, and Alaska Airlines in addition to many other generous private and corporate donors.