Pathfinder Aviation

04/10/2026

Glacier ice cocktails anyone?

03/16/2026

Little Diomede Island. Where tradition, subsistence, and survival intersect.

07/21/2025

We have had an incredibly active fire season in Alaska this year.

🔥 Priority Wildfire Roundup, Alaska DOF July 20, 2025 🔥

New starts and initial attack were light the past few days and primarily human-caused, including neglected and escaped campfires and vehicle fires. Last week, burn permit suspensions were lifted in all areas except Tok, resulting in an increase in people burning piles. Although there has been an uptick in smoke reports, most people remain in compliance.

Yesterday saw increased smoke in some areas of the state due to hot, dry conditions and fires getting more active. However, fire behavior was generally still limited to creeping and smoldering.

Starting today and continuing into Monday and Tuesday, widespread precipitation is expected as a southwesterly flow pulls moisture into the West Coast.

🔥 Nenana Ridge Complex – Alaska IMT2
Location: 20 miles southwest of Fairbanks, AK – Discovered: 06/19/2025
( #238) – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 12,576 – Containment: 14%
( #270) – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 20,530– Containment: 15%
⚠️ Level 1, 2 and 3 (READY, SET, GO!) evacuations in effect

🔥 Himalaya Road Group – Rocky Mountain IMT2
Location: Burning along the Elliott Highway corridor – Discovered: 06/19/2025
( #223) – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 6,194 – Containment: 12%
( #268) – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 35,146– Containment: 2% Obrien Fire ( #172) – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 8,125 – Containment: 0%
⚠️ Level 1 and 2 (READY, SET) evacuations in effect

🔥 Bear Creek Group
Location: 14 miles NW of Healy – Discovered: 06/19/2025
( #237) – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 30,988 – Containment: 37%
( #246 Combined with [ #208] and reported as one)– Cause: Lightning – Acres: 42,214– Containment: 0%

🔥 ( #222)
Location: Southwest of Tok – Discovered: 06/19/2025 – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 3969– Containment: 55%
⚠️ Level 1 and 2 (READY, SET) evacuations in effect

🔥 Twelvemile Lake Group
Location: Northeast of Delta Junction – Discovered: 06/19/2025
( #220) – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 23,865 – Containment: 0%
( #292) – Cause: Lightning – Acres: 6,322 – Containment: 5%

Other Active Fires

There are multiple fires currently being monitored but are unstaffed.

📢 Traveler & Public Safety Alerts

🚧 Firefighting operations could affect traffic along highways near active fire zones. Check 511.alaska.gov for real time road closures and conditions.

🛟 Stay safe: Register for alerts, keep a go-kit, prepare defensible space, and avoid travel in affected areas.

⚠️ Do not operate drones in fire areas! Flying drones or UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) within or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper their ability to protect lives, property, and resources. If you fly, we can’t!

📍 For live maps, alerts & updates visit akfireinfo.com

📞 Local authorities and borough emergency services are coordinating shelters and evacuations.

📸 Helicopters are used extensively in wildland fire. Whether they’re dropping water, inserting or extracting crews, hauling equipment and gear, or used for medical emergencies, they’re an important tool in the wildland fire arsenal. July 19, DOF.

03/31/2025

Soaring over the rugged, snow-capped peaks, where the air is crisp and the views are endless.

03/25/2025

Race you to the next ski line! ⛷️ 🏂 🚁

03/11/2025

And that’s a wrap on our first season in Antarctica!

From breathtaking icebergs to extreme weather, from long days of hard work to unforgettable moments with an incredible team—the experience has been nothing short of amazing. We came, we adapted, and we conquered the cold.

Antarctica, you’ve challenged us, inspired us, and left us in awe. Until next time season!🧡🖤🚁

02/28/2025

Today, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our helicopter mechanics. These skilled professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that every aircraft is safe, reliable, and mission-ready.

Their expertise keeps our helicopters flying in some of the toughest conditions. They tackle complex mechanical systems, troubleshoot issues under pressure, and often work long hours in challenging environments.

To all our helicopter mechanics out there: Thank you for your dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to safety. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and the lives of so many depend on what you do every single day.

02/19/2025

2025 Heliski season has officially kicked off! Have you ever been Heli-Skiing in a Pathfinder aircraft? Let us know in the comments below! 📸

02/08/2025

Pathfinder is honored to be featured in the latest issue of for the work our crew in Antarctica are providing for the Go give it a read and let us know what you think in the comments!

01/23/2025

Our Antarctica crew on a Dry Valleys science support mission.

10/09/2024

That’s a wrap! Another great season in the books at Red Dog Mine!