Alaska’s Aviation Safety Crisis

Good morning! Sorry for the delay with this week’s newsletter. I just got back from a week-long trip to film and broker some airplanes—started in Montana, then flew to Pennsylvania, down to Virginia and then out to Hawaii. The aircraft sales arm of Flybuyer is really taking off and I’m excited for what lies ahead.

But that’s enough chit chat—here’s what’s going on this week in the world of aviation. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Fatal Flights Sparks Federal Pledge to Improve Alaska Safety

• Around the Skies: Archer’s Midnight takes flight: 55 miles in 31 minutes, Oregon tests pilotless helicopter for wildfires, Roswell hosts first National Air Races, ICON Aircraft Co-Founder dies in wingsuit crash, Business jet market to soar to $156B by 2032

• PilotTube: The Ultimate Backcountry Adventure: Flying a Super Cub Across Alaska

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Duffy Calls Alaska’s Aviation Accident Rate a National Priority

Alaska’s skies, as beautiful and vast as they are, carry a sobering statistic: the state’s aircraft accident rate is far higher than the national average. Recently, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called that reality “unacceptable,” pledging federal action to boost aviation safety across the Last Frontier. Speaking after a series of recent crashes—including the February tragedy of Bering Air Flight 445 that claimed 10 lives—Duffy said it was time for Washington to “hear the plea from Alaska” and deliver meaningful upgrades to the state’s aviation system.

With 82 percent of Alaska’s communities unreachable by road, aviation isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. Duffy underscored that for families, supplies and medical services, flying is the only way in and out, making safety improvements not only urgent but essential. “We see you. We hear you,” he told Alaskans, promising investments in new technologies and infrastructure designed to “radically improve” air safety across the state.

The numbers bear out the urgency. The National Transportation Safety Board reports that Alaska’s accident rate between 2008 and 2017 was more than twice that of the rest of the U.S., with fatal accidents 34 percent higher. Since 2016, Alaska has accounted for nearly half of all U.S. deaths from small commercial aircraft crashes, a disproportionate toll for a state with just 740,000 residents.

For Alaskans, flying will always carry an edge of adventure, threading through mountain passes, glaciers and unpredictable weather. But Duffy’s vow signals a push to make that adventure safer. With federal support, local expertise and a renewed focus on technology, the hope is that Alaska’s skies can be both thrilling and far less deadly—preserving aviation as the vital artery of the state’s rugged frontier.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL just flew 55 miles in 31 minutes, topping 126 mph in its longest piloted flight yet. Conducted conventionally in Salinas, California, the test marks a major step toward FAA certification and future air taxi service. United Airlines, already invested with a billion-dollar order, praised the aircraft’s quiet performance. Archer is positioning Midnight to be a key player in urban air mobility, with plans to launch routes in Los Angeles as early as 2026.

🛩️ Oregon is taking a bold step toward high-tech firefighting by teaming up with Yamaha to evaluate the FAZER SAR uncrewed helicopter for wildfire response. The rugged UAS can fly for up to two hours, carry more than 150 pounds and operate in risky or remote areas—potentially giving firefighters a critical edge in the early stages of a blaze. While the memorandum of understanding doesn’t authorize live deployment yet, it sets the stage for testing and regulatory groundwork.

🛩️ The National Championship Air Races are set to debut in Roswell, New Mexico this September, bringing a fresh chapter after six decades in Reno. Pilots across biplane, jet, STOL and T-6 classes will battle for glory at the Roswell Air Center. Beyond the races, fans can look forward to airshows, aircraft displays and a STEM Discovery Zone for kids. The countdown is on for a week of speed, spectacle and aviation history in the making.

🛩️ ICON Aircraft co-founder and former Air Force F-16 pilot Kirk Hawkins was killed in a wingsuit crash in Switzerland on August 19th. Hawkins, who helped launch the amphibious ICON A5 in 2008, collided with trees after jumping from a helicopter near the Eiger summit. Remembered as a visionary risk-taker, he remained involved in ICON’s ongoing bankruptcy case at the time of his death.

🛩️ A new MarketsandMarkets report projects the global business jet market will grow from $95.8B in 2024 to nearly $157B by 2032, driven largely by North America. Light jets are expected to see the fastest growth thanks to lower costs and rising demand for short regional flights, while OEMs will benefit from new model launches like the Dassault Falcon 10X, Bombardier Global 8000 and Gulfstream G800. The forecast calls for a 6.4% annual growth rate despite a cooling period in 2025.

PilotTube

Alaska is every bit as good as they say and Trent Palmer’s Super Cub adventure proves it. The video captures him weaving through towering glaciers and sweeping landscapes, with breathtaking views in every direction. Along the way, he touches down in remote backcountry spots that only a Cub can reach, turning each stop into a true bucket list moment. It’s raw, beautiful flying that shows off Alaska at its absolute best!

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