November 21

Donald Sheldon was a pioneering Alaskan bush pilot renowned for his daring flights over Denali (Mount McKinley). He founded Talkeetna Air Service in 1953, offering climbers and tourists unique access to the mountain’s slopes. Sheldon developed specialized techniques for glacier landings and air rescues in extreme conditions. His expertise and courage saved many climbers stranded on Denali’s glaciers. He also worked as a flight instructor and mentored a generation of Alaskan pilots. Sheldon’s contributions helped open Alaska’s wilderness to exploration and adventure tourism. His legacy endures in the mountain flight community and among those he rescued.