Jul 2017 Brooke Roman (Alaska)
Brooke Roman is based at AK8, Christiansen Lake Seaplane Base and PATK, Talkeetna Airport, Alaska.
I grew up in Missouri. And one day when I was 17 I woke up and randomly said, “I think I’ll fly” ….and so I did! I went to college for flying. First starting at Oklahoma State University, staying 2 years there, but eventually transferring to Kansas State University where I received my Bachelors degree in Professional Pilot. While in school I completed two internships with Southwest Airlines working in flight ops at their headquarters in Dallas.
After graduation I found myself in Alaska flying for Don Lee at Alaska Floats & Skis. They offer speciality off-airport flight instruction in Talkeetna, AK on bush wheels, skis and floats. I was only supposed to spend 3 months flight instructing there…That was 3 years ago. Now I’m the Chief Flight Instructor and teach all 3 courses we have to offer. Glacier landings are always my favorite…until summer rolls around and then floats are my favorite!
While in Alaska, I never thought I would learn as much about flying as I have. The grandiose nature of its landscape adds an element of risk and challenge I didn’t quite expect. It has forever changed the way I think while flying. The mountains are beautiful and the glaciers are serene; however, it can be very unforgiving. Evaluating risk versus reward is a constant task. I’m always looking for my avenues of escape and not only my plan B, but C, D, E, F and maybe even G too!
Ratings: Commercial- ASEL, AMEL, ASES, CFII
Aircraft flown:
Cessna- 150, 152, 172, 180, 185, 206
Piper- 12, 18, 20, 22, 28
Beechcraft- Bonanza, Baron, Super KingAir
Experimental – Breezy
Favorite Taildragger: Landing a DC 3 in Antarctica
I love the places a taildragger allows me to go. I got into flying because I love to explore. Alaska is full of endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Flying tailwheel aircraft is a way of life in Alaska. I mean that quite literally. Life wouldn’t go on in many areas of Alaska if it weren’t for taildraggers. Landings on small strips, gravel bars, tundra and glaciers are all made possible with a dropped tail. Plus, it’s challenging and fun!
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