Taking Flight

Ketchikan's Commercial Aviation History by Don 'Bucky' Dawson

Aviation has been a way of life in Ketchikan for 100 years. In celebration of this historic milestone Baranof Fishing Excursions partnered with local aviation photojournalist, author, and historian Don 'Bucky' Dawson to document Ketchikan's commercial aviation history through extensive research and photographs. Companies are listed in chronological order with new pages, detailing the history of each company, released weekly.

We invite you to explore and contribute to the history of commercial aviation in Ketchikan. If you have objects, photos, or stories that might be a good fit for this exhibit or adds information about commercial aviation in Ketchikan, please fill out this form. Click Here to Share More about Aviation in Ketchikan

Special thanks to Don 'Bucky' Dawson for his thorough research and to Chuck and A.J. Slagle for funding and facilitating this important project.

Aviation Companies Available Now on Virtual Exhibit

• Northbird Aviation Company, 1922-1923
• Roy J. Davis Airplane Company, 1925
• Alaska-Oregon-Washington Airplane Company, 1926
• Baranof Mild Cure Company, 1928
• Alaska-Washington Airways, 1929-1932
• Gorst Air Transport, 1929-1935
• Pioneer Airways, 1930-1931
• Ketchikan Airways, 1931-1934
• Alaska Southern Airways, 1932-1934

Upcoming Aviation Companies

Click Here to Start the Exhibit.