About Us

Coyote Air

Dirk Nickisch, Danielle Tirrell & family

After three generation in aviation on both sides of our family, you could say that flying is truly in our blood. We are a family owned business and prefer the personal connection with our clients. Our work becomes our life in the heart of Alaska’s busy summer and autumn seasons. Our company is a fully insured, FAA part 135 Air Taxi Service and we operates Bush-proven de Havilland Beavers that have been specially modified for the demanding flying in Alaska.  We are able to accommodate any size group from an individual to a van loads, safely and comfortably.

A little bit of history

People often ask me how long we have been flying.  We are both third generation pilots, and have been flying our whole lives. Dirk’s story starts  with his Grandfather, Elmo Nickisch.  Elmo received his pilots license in June 1947 and bought a N577C, a Stinson 108-3 pictured below, later that year.

Elmo was know for delivering mail during the winter, when the roads drifted shut, by throwing mail out the aircraft as he flew over the farms.

Dirk’s dad, Willard Nickisch, began flying in 1969. He has owned several aircraft over the years including N8LP a Piper Seneca I. This is the first aircraft that Dirk was able to put his hands on the controls.

Dirk’s Dad has always found a way to incorporate flying into his work. He spent one year flying for us, as a pilot for Coyote Air. 

Both Danielle’s Dad and Grandfather were Northwest Airlines pilots; as well as here Grandmother, Lola, who was also a pilot.