William Peterson, TKC Shareholder & DGKEF Scholarship recipient, earns commercial pilot license, lands flight in hometown of Kalskag, AK.

William Peterson, 22, recently earned his commercial pilot’s license and began his career as a professional pilot with Ryan Air on December 28, 2023. William is a TKC Shareholder and has Middle Kuskokwim family ties to both Kalskag and Chuathbaluk. His parents are Paul Littlefish and Natalia Peterson His paternal grandparents are Peter Pitka and Molly Littlefish and his maternal grandparents are Darlene and Jerry Peterson.

William attended the George Morgan Senior High School in Kalskag. As a Senior, he began studying “Intro to Aviation” through Alaska EXCEL’s career pathways program. William completed the Alaska EXCEL program and earned his private pilot’s license in 2019. After graduating, he began working toward his commercial pilot license and received mentorship and aviation career training from Jamie Klaes, owner of CKT Aviation. 

Earning a commercial pilot’s license is no easy feat. In order become a commercial pilot, William first had to complete a minimum of:

• 40 hours minimum for a private pilot license
• 35 hours minimum for Instrument Rating
• 250 hours of flight time
• 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 hours must be in Airplane

One of the main challenges William faced as he worked toward his education and career goals was securing funding. “While the saying, ‘What makes an airplane fly? Money!’ holds true, the support from The Kuskokwim Corporation, AVCP, and the Jeff Chen Scholarships played a crucial role in realizing my dream,” he said. William received scholarship funding from the Donlin Gold Kuskokwim Educational Foundation.

Whether you’re interested in following his footsteps in becoming a commercial pilot or you are on a educational and career path of your own, William has some advice, 

“Get your diploma, apply for scholarships, take your time, absorbing as much information as possible, ask for help when needed, and never give up.”

While William was already on the path to becoming a commercial pilot, he knew flying was the right career path for him when he worked as a cargo agent, he flew and delivered essential supplies to his community. “I love the idea of helping my community with what it needs, and that keeps me going,” said William.

On January 5, William successfully landed a commercial flight with Ryan Air in his hometown of Kalskag. His family and friends gathered at the runway and celebrated his arrival. “It was an awesome experience and a very proud moment to watch my son land that plane in his village,” said Paul Littlefish, William Peterson’s father. “I wasn’t the only one that was there to watch him land too, his siblings and other family and friends got to witness him land that plane in Kalskag.”

When asked about his experience flying into his hometown, William said, “I’m overjoyed with the accomplishment and joy I feel from flying. My dedication has paid off, especially with one of my first revenue flights to Kalskag – it’s pure happiness!”

William plans to work and progress in his position at Ryan Air. “I simply love flying for the community,” he said. His dad is proud of his achievements and excited to the start of his new career. “I told him to continue to do what he’s doing and make his family and community proud. He’s doing what he enjoys and worked his way to get there,” said Paul.

Congratulations, William for everything you’ve accomplished! At TKC, we are proud to have supported you on your journey in becoming a commercial pilot and are thrilled to watch you continue to soar!