MEET THE FACES BEHIND DANCHINI AERO
Danchini Aero wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of passionate aviation professionals. Each team member brings a unique blend of expertise, craftsmanship, and a shared love for aviation in Alaska.
Junior Daniel – Owner / A&P IA, PPL, ASES
At the heart of our team is Junior, our owner, test pilot, head mechanic, and Purple Heart Recipient. His personal brand is safety and it’s a value that he instills in everything we do. With thousands of hours of backcountry Alaskan aviation experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Junior is the backbone of Danchini Aero.
Dr. Amy Paul – Business Manager / CPL, IR, AMEL
Amy joined the Danch team in September 2023 after stepping away from a successful career in healthcare as a pharmacist and educator to pursue a career in aviation. (We think she made the right choice!) When she isn’t busy helping us keep the lights on, running parts, mixing paint, and many of the other odds and ends that make the hangar tick, she enjoys spending time flying her Pacer right out of her backyard here at Wolf Lake. If you’re lucky, you might stop by the hangar on a day she has made some of her famous chocolate chip cookies.
meet our mechanics
Jud – Mechanic / A&P, PPL
Jud came to Danchini Aero with an incredible amount of experience in the Alaskan aviation industry. When he’s not working on planes, he is either spending time with his family, or working on his own full Aeronca Champ restoration. Jud is well rounded in all aspects of aircraft maintenance, and has beautiful fabric skills which are showcased on the 2024 Alaska Airmen Raffle Cub.
Kiva – Shop Manager / CPL, IR
Kiva joined our team 2 years ago. She is an incredible off-airport pilot and is very knowledgeable in cub type aircraft. Kiva has time in many different types of aircraft, but her favorite is her silver Cessna 140. As a life-long Alaskan her experiences have brought her from the sea to the air, as she grew up in Kodiak where she spent her childhood commercial fishing. During the fall she leaves us for a few brief months to fly a cub for a caribou hunting transporter in the Arctic.
Jeremiah – Master Fabricator / A&P
For the past three years Danchini Aero has been privileged to have Jeremiah as a team member. From building cub wings, to running the Iron Dog, Jeremiah can do it all. Jeremiah is a huge asset to not only us, but also to the Alaska Veteran Community. Through working with many organizations such as Battle Dawgs Racing and Alaska Warrior Partnership Jeremiah has helped many individuals across the state of Alaska to live better lives.
Cody – Painting Technician / A&P
Cody grew up in Wasilla and worked with Junior to receive his A&P. Cody is knowledgeable in Stewart Systems and is the in-house painting technician – his work can be seen on the 2024 Alaska Airmen Raffle Cub.
Simon – Mechanic / A&P
Bio coming soon . . .
Eska – Mechanic / Hangar Mascot, Emotional Support Team Lead
Eska came to Danchini Aero in August of 2023 when Kiva picked her up randomly one day from the Matsu Animal Shelter. She has been the perfect addition ever since. Eska loves cub rides, remote beachcombing expeditions, and stealthily stealing AN6 nuts from you while you are working on a project.
