Our Crew

Suzanne started her career in aviation by working at the National Transportation Safety Board’s Anchorage Regional Office while attending college. The three years she interned built a solid foundation for understanding aviation. When the Rust family purchased K2 in 1996, she focused on building a team that would put passenger and pilot safety first while sharing one of the most beautiful places on earth. She has three daughters and lives in Talkeetna where she can be found on the K2 Aviation deck visiting with guests or on the trail running or biking with her dog Charley. She relates that one night she and one of her daughters were ice skating and her daughter paused and said, ” you know Talkeena’s a really special place.”

Todd Rust, owner and Director of Operations, came to Alaska with his family in 1959. In 1963 his father, Hank, started Rust’s Flying Service, an Anchorage floatplane operation, where Todd grew up working as a dock hand and later as a pilot. After college, he worked as an aeronautical engineer for several years for aircraft manufacturers Northrop and Lockheed Martin. He returned to the family business in 1983 and has been overseeing operations of 23 airplanes and 40 pilots. He and Suzanne have three kids.

Colin Rust has worked as a dock hand during his high school years. In 1980 he got his Airframe and Power plant Certificate from Northrop University. He has worked for Continental Airlines and later, MarkAir Express, stationed in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. Colin received his Inspection Authorization Certificate, and began working as Director of Maintenance in 1996. With a Divemaster Certification in scuba diving, he enjoys teaching scuba, and dives regularly year-round in Alaskas’ waters. Colin has three wonderful children.

Erni has dedicated most of her career to the tourism industry, with 11 years of experience in Alaska. As Assistant Operations Manager, she thrives on the meaningful interactions she has with seasonal staff and guests. Her role as Assistant Operations Manager provides opportunities to work closely with pilots and contribute to creating life-changing experiences for visitors. During her summers, Erni enjoys spending time with her daughter, camping, fishing, and exploring the wonders of Alaska. She works throughout the year, taking well-deserved winter vacations to warm destinations and to reconnect with family.

Katie was born and raised in Alaska and is part of four generations of Alaskans. She lives in Talkeetna year-round with her husband and son and enjoys travelling the world as often as she can.

Cole Chambers joined the Rust’s Flying Service and K2 team in 2013. Cole spent 10 years of her career with a major cruise line where she got to know the Rust family very well. When a position came available, she jumped at the chance to join the team! Cole believes that flightseeing is the most incredible way to see Alaska. She and her husband, Spiff called Alaska home for over 20 years and now split their time between Alaska and the Midwest to be closer to family. When not at the Rust’s/K2 offices or on the road “selling” Alaska, Cole can be found cooking for friends, hiking with her dogs, or out enjoying Alaska’s incredible local music scene.

Chad Smith is a local resident of Talkeetna and has been flying in Alaska since 2005 with over 10k hours of experience, most of which has been remote. He’s flown all over this great land of Alaska, but this is BY FAR some of the coolest flying he’s ever done!

David is a 4th generation pilot but the first of the previous three to fly professionally. He’s a flatlander from Kansas but has been coming to Alaska since he was 8 years old to visit family. Previously, he’s enjoyed flying corporate charter all over the lower 48. However, the most fun he’s had flying was the time he spent teaching some beginner aerobatics and upset recovery to students at Kansas State University, but he has a feeling his time at K2 will top that. He’s an avid skier so in the winter you can catch him at Alyeska shredding some fresh pow.

Joe McAneney is a glacier pilot renowned for flying the radial-engine de Havilland Beaver in the heart of Denali National Park. With a deep understanding of Alaska’s extreme weather and rugged terrain, Joe expertly navigates his aircraft to remote glacier landing zones, supporting climbers and adventurers on their expeditions. His precision flying in the Alaska Range, particularly around Denali, has made him a trusted name for safe and reliable glacier landings, helping explorers reach some of the most remote and challenging locations in the park.

Chris is a Midwest transplant who’s called Alaska home for over a decade. In the summer, he keeps K2 Aviation’s flights running smoothly in Flight Operations. Off the clock, you’ll find Chris and his loyal sidekick Gracie exploring trails and bagging peaks across Alaska. When winter arrives, Chris grabs his passport, chasing new cultures, wild landscapes, and his next diving adventure around the globe.

Gracie, K2’s beloved Office Support Canine, is never far from Chris’s side. Whether she’s greeting guests with a wagging tail or napping under a desk, Gracie brings comfort, smiles, and a little extra charm to the K2 office.