What we do.
We are a flight school that specializes in Sport Pilot / Weight Shift Control
instruction and Cross Country Training Adventure Treks. We have two
Certified Flight Instructors (CFI's) and a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
on site. We are Distrubutors / Dealers for AirBorne Australia aircraft
and are located in Fairbanks, Alaska.
What is a Sport Pilot?
A Sport Pilot license allows an individual to fly an economical 2 seat
N-numbered aircraft. It is an official FAA pilot's license that provides
great privileges and opportunities to fly at half the cost of a normal
pilot's license. Anyone with an open mind and normal levels of
physical fitness, valid driver's license and a thirst for adventure
can earn a Sport Pilot certificate.
The Sport Pilot certificate is a real FAA pilot's license
What is Weight Shift Control?
Weight Shift Control is one of the fastest growing segments in aviation today. A Weight Shift Control aircraft, or "trikes" as we like to call them, is a powered
aircraft that looks like and has similar flying characteristics to that of a hang
glider. They are very capable machines and have become quite popular
in the United States and around the world.
AirBorne Australia Edge X 582 Weight Shift Control aircraft on skis.
Sport Pilot Requirements.
*Minimum of 20 hrs. logged flight time.
*15 hrs. of dual flight time with a CFI.
*5 hrs. of solo flight time.
*2 hrs. of cross country training with a CFI.
*Solo cross country of at least 50 nautical miles.
*Ground school.
*Valid driver's license or medical.
Note: These are the minimum requirements.
Additional instruction may be necessary.
FAA Certified Flight Instructors.
We have two FAA Certified Flight Instructors (CFI's) and a Designated
Pilot Examiner (DPE) on site. We have over 25 years of experience in
Weight Shift Control aircraft and are qualified to teach you everything
you need to know to help you obtain your Sport Pilot / Weight Shift
Control license. If you need additional training for a specific
endorsement, we may be able to help you. We are mobile and can
travel to where Weight Shift Control instruction is needed.
FAA Certified Flight Instructors
What do we fly?
We fly N-numbered Weight Shift Control Aircraft, more commonly
known as Trikes. Our aircraft have been inspected by the FAA
and have met the required safety standards. We fly the reliable
AirBorne Australia XT912. Our aircraft are equipped with the
Rotax 912 80 horsepower 4 stroke engine.
Our AirBorne Australia XT912 Trainer.
Sport Pilot vs. Private Pilot.
Private Pilot
1. Minimum of 40 hours of logged flight time is required.
2. Medical certificate is mandatory.
3. New and used aircraft more expensive.
4. Operating/Maintanance more expensive.
5. Most General Aviation Aircraft require more costly AV-Gas.
Sport Pilot
1. Minimum of 20 hours of logged flight time is required.
2. Valid driver's license can be used in place of a medical.
3. New and used aircraft less expensive.
4. Operating/Maintenance less expensive.
5. Most Light Sport Aircraft can use less expensive auto fuel.
6. Weight Shift Control (Trikes) are way more fun to fly then
general aviation aircraft, not to mention, you get a much
better view.
Why fly with Airborne Alaska?
*Quality Weight Shift Control flight instruction.
*Knowledgeable and friendly instructors without egos.
*Complete Sport Pilot Weight Shift Control certification.
*Spectacular scenery in a wilderness setting.
*24 hours of daylight during Summer.
*Cross Country & Adventure flying at its best.
*Distributors / Dealers for AirBorne Australia.
Instructor Profiles.
Ben Deptula (standing)
*25 years of experience in Weight Shift Control aircraft.
*FAA Sport Pilot - Weight Shift Control 1 (wheels) & 2 (skis).
*FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Weight Shift Control 1 & 2.
*Advanced Rated Hang Glider / Aero Tow Tug Pilot
United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.
*Published free lance writer / Journalist specializing in
Sport Aviation.
*Professional Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, Water
Safety Officer and Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
Ryan Anderson (left)
*18 years of experience in Weight Shift Control aircraft.
*FAA Sport Pilot - Weight Shift Control 1 (wheels) & 2 (skis).
*FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Weight Shift Control 1 & 2.
*FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) - Weight Shift Control 1 & 2.
*FAA Sport Pilot Instructor Examiner (SPIE) - Weight Shift Control 1 & 2.
*Advanced Rated Hang Glider Pilot United States Hang
Gliding and Paragliding Association.
*Professional Civil Engineer.
At Airborne Alaska we don't just teach people how to fly . . . . we get them hooked on flying!
Directory 
Official Dealer
Contact
Ben Deptula
Weight Shift Control CFI
(907) 978-1271