About Kenai Aviation Training Academy

Training At Kenai Aviation

In Alaska, flying isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of life.

At Kenai Aviation Training Academy, we embrace this ethos wholeheartedly, training in the spirit of Alaskan bush flying.

From navigating through mountain passes to landing on remote airstrips, our students learn to master the challenges of flying in one of the most demanding environments on Earth. Through our very dedicated KATA instructors and team, students not only gain the technical skills needed to navigate the skies but also develop the instincts and judgment necessary to excel in any aviation career path they seek, from Alaska bush piloting to progression to larger airline jobs.

Beyond learning to fly, our school is founded on the principles of good-fellowship and camaraderie that are synonymous with Alaska’s tight-knit aviation community.

Our Curriculum

At Kenai Aviationoffers flight training programs under both Part 141 and Part 61 curriculums.

The Part 141 curriculum is an FAA-approved systematic approach to flight training in standardized aircraft. With structured ground school sessions, comprehensive lesson plans, and rigorous proficiency standards, the Part 141 program is ideal for students seeking an accelerated path to certification.

For those who have prior training or already own their own aircraft, the Part 61 curriculum offers the freedom to tailor your training experience. With the ability to progress on your own path, Part 61 provides you the flexibility to achieve your goals on your terms. 

Information about financing and pricing

Financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of pursuing your passion for flight. We’ve partnered with reputable institutions like Meritize and Stratus Financial to offer flexible financing options tailored to your needs.

Through Meritize, students can access innovative financing solutions that consider academic achievements alongside credit history, providing competitive rates and flexible repayment terms.

Stratus Financial specializes in aviation-specific financing, offering personalized guidance and support for flight training, aircraft purchases, and other aviation-related expenses.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make your aviation dreams a reality at Kenai Aviation Training Academy.

What Every Student Pilot Needs

  1. Personalized Training Plan Setup: Schedule a meeting with one of our instructors to discuss future goals and needs and create a customized training plan tailored to your needs. 

  2. Financial Consultations: Discuss financing options with our team, including innovative solutions from partners like Meritize and Stratus Financial, to make flight training accessible and affordable.

  3. Gleim Aviation Training Kit: The Gleim Aviation Training Kit is a comprehensive study package designed to prepare you for the FAA written exam and checkride. It includes textbooks, online study materials, practice tests, and more. This kit serves as a valuable resource for self-study and review, helping you build a solid foundation of aviation knowledge. Contact us for more information

Fleet

Mission of Kenai Aviation Training Academy

Kenai Aviation Training Academy seeks to cultivate instinctual, skillful pilots who not only excel in professional piloting but also form lifelong connections and contribute meaningfully to our community.

Kenai Aviation Training Academy Team

Keith Ham // Chief Pilot, DPE

With his 25 year history in Alaskan bush aviation, as well as his tendency to “mentor the mentors” from his over 15,000 flight hours; Keith keeps our instructors on their toes. With over 5000 hours of instruction given since 1997, with much of that as a trainer in the demanding commercial environment, Keith is a deep well of knowledge. Every student performs stage checks with him and benefits from everything that Keith brings to the table.

 

Jacob Kay // Flight School Manager

Jake, our Flight School Manager, is passionate about aviation and wants to ensure that it is accessible to everybody. Armed with his commercial pilots license and attention to detail, he oversees operations with precision. He wants to make sure that both new and experienced pilots understand all the paths and potential resources to achieve their aviation goals. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Alaska in his Pacer and spending time with his wonderful wife, daughter, and dogs.

 

Marshall Paulson

Marshall is a CFI / CFII / MEI / ATP with over 2000 hours of flying in Alaska. In addition to his ratings, he brings lots of unique knowledge to the table with his extensive background in maintenance with his A&P. In his free time he enjoys all of the outdoor activities Alaska has to offer to include exploring beaches in his own bush plane.

Liam Barry // Assistant Chief

William “Liam” Barry is our training academy’s Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, with a wealth of experience in aviation and flight instruction. With his CFI, CFII, and multi engine ratings, he has logged over 1100 hours of flight time and over 800 hours of instruction given. His unique expertise in teaching has placed him as our training academy’s head instructor. In his spare time, he indulges in Alaska’s outdoor treasures, exploring the wilderness on a motorcycle or in an airplane.

Gabe Aburto

Gabe Aburto is a CFI, CFII, MEI as well as a check airmen and king air driver for Kenai Aviation Flight Service. His understanding and experience in aviation is invaluable and over his time teaching and flying for the training academy he has become one of our most talented CFI’s and pilots at Kenai aviation. With over 700 dual given and 2200 total time his passion for aviation continues to show through his flying and teaching. Outside of flying he plays for the Kenai peninsulas local hockey teams as an experienced player and goalie.

Training Fleet

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Aviation is a dance between man and machine, where skill, knowledge, and intuition intertwine.