by Greg Lincoln
Michael Charlie of Bethel and Tununak is a Yup’ik pilot that now flies for Alaska Airlines. He has been a lifelong pilot flying in his native homeland – the YK delta region. Through hard work and determination he has expanded his wings and now flies nationwide, which is a dream come true. Congratulations to you and your family for your success!
We were proud to ask Michael a few questions about his new career.
When did you start flying with Alaska Airlines?
I had my in-person interview August 25 and I received a job offer immediately following the interview. After 2.5-3 months of training, I passed my checkride and had my first flight February 2 flying from Seattle to Phoenix, then to Paine Field with a layover. Next morning was Paine Field to Las Vegas.
Do you have an official pilot title?
I’m a First Officer at the moment with a hope, dream and goal of becoming a captain hopefully in 3-4 years.
Where else in the world have you flown already with your new career?
I’ve flown to Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago, Columbus, Ontario, Burbank, Kona, Lihue, Kotzebue, Nome, Bethel, Kodiak, Fairbanks, Cordova, Yakutat, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Phoenix, Paine Field, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and a couple other California cities.
What do you enjoy most about flying for your airline?
What I enjoy most about flying for Alaska Airlines is flying to destinations I’ve never been to before, the layovers where I can go out and explore and try different kinds of cuisine.
Where are you originally from?
I grew up in the small native community of Tununak, Alaska, which I’m proud and honored to represent wholeheartedly.
How was your first flight to Bethel? Was your family with you on the flight?
I flew my first Bethel flight flying for Alaska Airlines on June 21th. My father flew in from Bethel that morning, my sister Tonya and her kids were on board flying home to help mom work on salmon, and my fiancée Anna and baby Ryder flew round trip to be on it, and there were many other family and friends that were excited to be a part of history. I made a public announcement (PA) in our Yup’ik language, assuming that’s never been done before, and I received some claps and woo-hoo’s. Haha.
Do you have any encouraging thoughts to send to others who may want to pursue a flying career?
Pursuing a career with Alaska Airlines, to me, seemed like an impossible challenge, like I would never get there. Now that I’m there, my advice to others, and doesn’t have to be about aviation, is if you take that first step towards something, don’t stop until you achieve your goal. The worst part about not achieving something, is having regret wishing you should’ve done something.
Do you have anyone you’d like to thank publicly?
My list is lengthy where I would like to send my thanks to. Rachel Berry, Bev Turner, Steven Aluska, Barbara Fancyboy and Calista and CVRF are the entities that helped fund my flight training from Private to ATP and later my Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University. My grandparents and parents Mark and Anna Charlie for instilling in me the integrity, the meaning of hard work, and to do it out of respect for others. All my children for being my reason for my dedication to achieving my goals, because it was priceless when they told me, “You’ve always pushed us to work hard if we want to get somewhere, and you proved that to us. I’m so proud of you, and proud to call you My Dad.” To my fiancée Anna. Even through our ups and downs, she continues to support and love me.
What is next for you in the near future?
I am happy where I’m at now, and I want to make Alaska Airlines my forever home as far as my career goes. The work atmosphere here is none like I’ve experienced. I feel appreciated and valued, respected as an individual and a minority. I look forward to serving you all in a future Alaska Airlines flight. Quyana!
Thank you Michael and we wish you the best in all you do!
