Sheldon Air Service Aircrafts

The Heartbeat of Alaska

In Alaska, bush planes aren’t a luxury — they’re a way of life.
They connect remote cabins, mountain climbers, and tiny airstrips scattered across a land with few roads and endless horizons. They deliver supplies, bring families together, and make adventure possible.

For Alaskans, these airplanes are not just machines — they’re companions in survival and symbols of freedom.
Our fleet reflects that same spirit: rugged, capable, and full of heart.

At Sheldon Air Service, we proudly operate two of Alaska’s most loved workhorses — aircrafts that represent the very soul of backcountry flying – our beloved Dehavilland Beaver and the Cessna 185, our workhorse.

Why Bush Planes Matter

Here, bush planes are essential — the arteries of life across vast wilderness.

They carry stories, courage, and connection. Every flight is a handshake with nature and a reminder that adventure still exists in its purest form.

At Sheldon Air Service, we don’t just fly airplanes. We carry forward a legacy — the same grit and love for this land that defined Don Sheldon and all who pioneered before us.

Our aircraft are kept to the highest standards, flown by experienced pilots, and cared for with the same devotion we have for the mountains, glaciers, and skies that surround us.

Because in Alaska, a bush plane isn’t just transportation.
It’s freedom.

Tex – DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver (1959)

Few aircraft have earned the kind of reverence the Beaver commands. Known around the world as the bush plane of bush planes, this 1959 DeHavilland DHC-2 was built for short takeoffs, heavy loads, and pure adventure. Its deep rumble is unmistakable — a sound that turns heads in every Alaskan town.

Designed in Canada but adopted by Alaska, the Beaver is trusted by generations of pilots to land where few dare — from glacier snowfields to gravel bars and mountain ridges. It’s timeless, tough, and full of character.

Every flight in the Beaver is a step back into aviation’s golden era — a reminder that simplicity, strength, and skill never go out of style.

Specs:

Year: 1959

Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engine

Cruise Speed: ~120 mph

Range: 450 miles

Capacity: 6 passengers + pilot

Known for: Legendary reliability, heavy-lift performance, and glacier landings

Ed – Cessna 185 Skywagon

The Cessna 185 is our everyday hero — fast, reliable, and versatile enough to land almost anywhere.

It’s the airplane bush pilots trust for quick hops between towns, cargo runs to lodges, and scenic adventures above the Alaska Range. Its tailwheel design, powerful engine, and proven performance make it a true backcountry favorite. With the 185, you don’t just fly — you explore.

At Sheldon Air Service, our Cessna 185 is more than part of the fleet; it’s part of the team — always ready for the next mission, whether it’s a Denali glacier flight, a lodge supply run, or a spontaneous adventure when the mountains call.

Specs: