The People Behind Every Experience

Owner, Commercial Pilot

Steve Kamm, born and raised in Ketchikan, is a second-generation Alaskan pilot, inspired by his father, Cliff Kamm, who spent nearly 40 years flying seaplanes and helicopters in support of Southeast Alaska’s timber industry. Steve’s own aviation career, which began in 1988 with Ketchikan-based Temsco Airlines, included flying for and supervising other local air services until he and his wife, Lesley, started Seawind Aviation in 2003. Through his many years flying passengers, freight, and mail to and from Ketchikan’s waterfront, Steve developed an intricate knowledge of the area and dedication to customer service, which he brings to every Seawind flight.

Steve’s Ketchikan roots are deep, and his family’s presence on the Ketchikan historical waterfront extends beyond aviation. His great-grandfather, E.C. Phillips, arrived in Ketchikan in 1926 and founded a fish processing plant that continues to serve the community today- just a short walk down the waterfront from Seawind’s waterfront base, which is where Steve and Lesley operated their business from for many years.

For the past few years, they have now operated out of the building where Steve began his career, flying for Temsco Airlines.

Director of Operations,  Commercial Pilot, Aircraft Mechanic

Russ Smoot’s love for Alaska began early, working on his parents’ commercial fishing boat. While loading salmon throughout the summers, he was drawn to the seaplanes as they took off and landed along Ketchikan’s waterfront and other parts of Southeast Alaska. In 1985, he obtained an aircraft maintenance certificate and came to Ketchikan to work as a mechanic while building flight hours.

Within a couple of years, he began flying full-time with Ketchikan-based Temsco Airlines and other local carriers. Russ’s aviation experience includes supporting the Exxon Valdez oil spill clean-up and transporting fresh-caught salmon off Bristol Bay beaches in a Douglas DC-3.

Always in search of a new, challenging adventure, Russ took a break from flying to obtain a law degree and pursue a legal career in public service. Russ has now returned to his Alaskan fishing and aviation roots and has been flying with Seawind since 2022.

Commercial Pilot, Aircraft Mechanic

Eric Dippold is originally from Michigan, but has traveled and lived throughout the United States both before and after serving in the U.S. Army as a helicopter crew chief.

In 2008, Eric brought his experience as a certified aircraft mechanic and his piloting skills to Ketchikan to pursue his interest in flying seaplanes. After a few years with other local air services, Eric brought his local flying experience to Seawind Aviation, and he has not looked back. Since 2018, Eric has been a solid, dependable, integral part of Seawind’s growth, both on the flight line and in the shop, where he continues to hone his mechanical skills in maintaining Seawind’s airplanes during the off-season.

When he is not in the air or in the maintenance shop, Eric can be found sailing Ketchikan area waterways, fly fishing local lakes and streams, and spending time enjoying Alaska with his family.

Commercial Pilot

Sol Guthrie was born and raised in Metlakatla, Alaska, located on Annette Island, which was the original terminal for airline flights to the Ketchikan area. Growing up in Metlakatla, which is about an 8-minute seaplane flight from Ketchikan, Sol developed an early appreciation for the region’s unique landscape and the “old-timers” who flew between Ketchikan and Metlakatla, bringing mail, groceries, and medical supplies when the waterways were too rough for boat travel. Sol’s admiration for those pilots inspired him to continue the tradition of serving not only Metlakata’s aviation needs, but the community at large. Sol’s aviation career started with Jerry Scudero’s Taquan Air Service in 1988 and has included fish-spotting in Bristol Bay and operating his own air service based in Metlakatla. Sol has been flying for Seawind since 2023.

When not flying, Sol can often be found in the waters around Annette Island teaching his grandchildren how to catch king salmon.

Commercial Pilot, Safety Officer

Mike Osborn moved to Ketchikan at the age of 10 years old. Like many young men growing up in Ketchikan, he was bitten by the aviation bug. Mike obtained his pilot’s license in 1988, and like many other Seawind pilots, began flying for Ketchikan-based Temsco Airlines. Mike’s diverse aviation career has taken him throughout Alaska, including flying the bush areas of Western Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, and to Papua New Guinea, where he flew and managed a mission aviation operation. Coming full circle, Mike has brought his family home to Ketchikan. Mike has been in Ketchikan and flying for Seawind since 2024 and has also recently begun flying emergency medevac flights from the Ketchikan airport.

In Mike’s off time, he enjoys scuba diving as well as photography.

Dock Operations

Danny Hoggard plays an important role in supporting Seawind’s daily operations. He assists pilots with fueling, aircraft cleaning, and general maintenance around the facility.

Known for his reliability and willingness to help wherever needed, Danny keeps the dock running smoothly and ensures the aircraft are always ready for the next flight. Our pilots truly appreciate Danny’s help!

Dock & Ramp Assistant

Joseph Larson assists the Seawind team on the dock, supporting pilots with aircraft loading, dock operations, and day-to-day flight preparation.

Currently a senior in high school and an avid soccer player, Joseph plans to attend flight school in the near future and hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps in aviation.

Owner, Ground Operations Manager

Lesley Kamm manages Seawind Aviation’s ground operations, reservations, and marketing, helping ensure every guest experience runs smoothly from the very first inquiry.

As co-owner of Seawind and Steve’s partner in both business and life, Lesley plays a central role in coordinating tours, charter logistics, and guest transportation. You may even find Lesley personally greeting guests or providing pick-ups and drop-offs at the Ketchikan Visitors Information Center.

Customer Service, Driver, Dispatch Support

Jackie Crooker supports Seawind Aviation in many roles, assisting with reservations, dispatch, and passenger transportation.

After Jackie’s husband retired from the U.S. Air Force, they relocated back to Ketchikan, where they now enjoy boating and other outdoor activities. Around the holidays, you may also notice Jackie’s famous handmade Christmas ornaments decorating the Seawind lobby.

Aviation Consultant, Van Driver

A lifelong resident of Ketchikan, Jeff Carlin grew up around seaplanes and began working in aviation as a ramp assistant before starting his commercial flying career in 1988.

Over the years, Jeff flew for several regional operators, including Weber Air, SeaAir, Tyee, and Temsco, before founding Carlin Air in 2000. After retiring in 2023, Jeff continues to share his deep aviation experience with the Seawind team, offering valuable insight and mentorship.

Backcountry Guide, Ground Crew

Originally from North Carolina, Jensen made his way to Alaska in the summer of 2016 to work as a seasonal backcountry Jeep and canoe guide. Since the summer of 2018, Jensen has worked around aviation in Ketchikan, doing everything except flying the plane. In the off-season, he spent his winters in Colorado working at the Beaver Creek ski resort. Following the COVID pandemic, Jensen became a year-round Ketchikan resident. He is now a research technician and lab assistant at the University of SE Alaska’s Maritime Training Center in the off-season.

In the summer, Jensen can be seen using his many talents on the dock and around the aircraft, fueling, docking, loading planes, and transporting guests. He may also be seen in the back country guiding bear tours and sharing his love of the outdoors.

Bear Guide, Naturalist

Originally from England, Kim Kirby moved to Alaska in 1986 and quickly developed a passion for exploring the region’s wilderness. She first came north to kayak the Inside Passage from Juneau to Ketchikan and soon made Southeast Alaska her home. In 1995, Kim founded her own kayak company and later earned her pilot’s license, allowing her to fly throughout the region to explore remote fishing destinations. Kim has also worked in commercial fishing and continues to pursue adventure across Southeast Alaska.

Kim currently works with Seawind Aviation as a naturalist and bear guide, helping guests experience Traitors Cove, Anan Creek, and Polk Inlet while sharing her deep knowledge of the environment. She is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and enjoys inspiring visitors to appreciate Alaska’s unique ecosystems.