Samuel is an adventurer at heart, with a love for the wild and a passion for aviation. Born with a wanderlust spirit, Samuel embarked on his journey of exploration from a young age. At the age of 18, he made the bold decision to move to the rugged terrain of Alaska, seeking the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier.  Working in aerial firefighting is deeply motivating to protect the creation he loves. 

After settling in Anchorage and pursuing his education, Samuel found his calling in the skies. He honed his skills as a bush pilot, navigating through the challenging landscapes of Alaska for over a decade. From remote villages to vast wilderness expanses, Samuel's flying adventures took him to the farthest corners of the state, where he forged unforgettable memories and stories to share.

Despite his love for the thrill of bush flying, Samuel's career path eventually led him to transition into managing private jets. Drawing upon his extensive experience in aviation, he now ensures smooth operations and impeccable service for discerning clients, catering to their every travel need with precision and care.

Outside of work, Samuel continues to embrace his passion for the outdoors. Whether he's soaring through the skies, casting his line into pristine Alaskan rivers, conquering mountain trails, or cycling along scenic routes, he finds solace and exhilaration in nature's embrace. Along the way, he collects tales of adventure and discovery, eager to share the wonders he's encountered with anyone willing to listen.

From the vast wilderness of Alaska to the heights of the clouds, Samuel Gurel's life is a testament to the joy of exploration and the thrill of discovery. Each adventure is not just a journey, but a story waiting to be told, and he invites you to join him on his next unforgettable expedition. Working in aerial firefighting is deeply motivating to protect the creation he loves. 

Growing up in North Idaho Shawn didn't realize how fortunate he was to be surrounded by mountains, lakes and thick pine forests full of abundant wildlife.

After beginning his professional flying career in 1999, he was exposed to much more of the country that lacked these characteristics and gained more appreciation for his childhood home.

After a short tenure flying in Southern California he returned to the beautiful Pacific Northwest flying for a UPS feeder out of Portland International.

While flying air freight was a great experience, Shawn desired to be involved in flying that directly helped his community. He began flying "Air Attack," in 2006. He spent his first 3 seasons flying out of Washington State, next 4 in Alaska, and next 2 in a split contract between Arizona and Oregon.

In continuing with his employment history of serving his community, Shawn began flying "medivac" in a PC-12 for 8 years. While he loved the crews he flew with and the service he was performing, Shawn was once again drawn back to aerial firefighting.

Shawn serves as the Director of Operations, and when not engaged in the protection of our natural resources, he can be found camping with his family, trolling for Kokanee or fly fishing with his oldest daughter, or screaming down mountain bikes trails and dodging trees with his youngest, or working his way through the forest looking for wildlife with his wife of 20+ years.

Chandra Gurel is owner and the backbone of our finance team.  She was proudly born and raised in Alaska. In her growing up years, she had the blessing and opportunity to explore the beauty of Alaska's oceans, mountains, streams and towns. This fed her love and respect for the beauty of nature that surrounds her.  She is still in awe every time she flies over Alaska, admiring its stunning attributes. She loves getting outdoors even if it’s a bike ride to the supermarket.

With over 30 years of aviation experience and a deep passion for flying, Cesar Piñeros is a Colombian pilot and retired Air Force officer with an unwavering commitment to aviation safety and service excellence. During his 25 years in the Air Force, he developed unique skills in both military and civil aviation, becoming an expert in continuous safety management and standing out for his professionalism and empathy with colleagues.

As a husband and father of three, he deeply values teamwork and dedication to those around him. His love for nature and outdoor activities drives him to explore new horizons and share his adventurous spirit with those who travel with him. His combination of flying skills and dedication to service allows him to offer a unique, trustworthy experience, making every journey a safe and memorable adventure.

Cesar is committed to providing exceptional service founded on safety, respect, and a passion for discovering the world from above.

Dana, born and raised in Alaska, developed a passion for aviation early on, taking to the skies at just 14. With a love for the outdoors, she combines her passions for flying, fishing, hiking, and camping by exploring Alaska’s rugged landscapes from the cockpit. As a seasoned Pilot, Dana, our Assistant Chief Pilot, has held a variety of flying positions across Alaska, providing her with a rich and diverse range of experience. Known for her commitment to safety, Dana has maintained a spotless record with no accidents or incidents.

Aligned with our company’s deep-rooted mission to protect the outdoors, Dana shares our dedication to preserving the landscapes that inspire our adventures. Even when she’s off the clock, you’ll often find Dana piloting flights to Alaska’s remote beaches and secluded spots, continuing her journey through the skies she calls home.

Daniel, hailing from Venezuela, is a passionate and highly skilled pilot with a deep love for aviation. Born into a family of aviators, he learned to fly from his father and developed an early proficiency in navigating Venezuela’s remote and stunning landscapes.

At 19, driven by his passion for flying, Daniel moved to the United States to pursue his dream of becoming a professional pilot. Through hard work and dedication, he advanced to flying private jets, continually striving to hone his skills and expertise.

Daniel’s love for nature and adventure eventually led him to Alaska, where he now serves as a bush pilot for the Golden Horn Lodge. He guides guests on unforgettable fishing trips and bear-watching tours, expertly managing the rugged terrain and challenging weather with a steady hand and keen eye.

His unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of his passengers ensures they return safely to relax by the fire and share stories of their experiences.

Daniel’s passion and dedication to his craft make him a respected and dependable pilot.

With a lifelong passion for aviation, Tennyson moved to the U.S. at 19 to pursue his dreams in the skies. After completing his flight training in Florida, he became a flight instructor, overcoming challenges and forming lasting connections along the way. He went on to fly for a regional airline, which allowed him to explore the Midwest and Northeast and gain invaluable experience.

After four years, Tennyson transitioned into the world of corporate aviation, flying jets across the country out of the West Coast. Now based in Colorado, he balances his love for the outdoors with hiking, biking, and off-roading in the state’s stunning landscapes. Currently flying with VAS Air, Tennyson finds fulfillment in providing exceptional customer service and embracing new adventures. He looks forward to expanding his horizons further with flights in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.