Ariel Tweto is an Alaskan pilot, TV personality, and motivational speaker, best known for starring in the Discovery Channel series *Flying Wild Alaska* (2011–2012).
Ariel tweto
Ariel Tweto is an American pilot, television personality, and motivational speaker, widely recognized for her role in the Discovery Channel series *Flying Wild Alaska*, which aired from 2011 to 2012 and documented her family’s aviation business in Alaska.
Ariel Tweto was born on November 14, 1989, in Anchorage, Alaska, and grew up in a family deeply rooted in aviation, with her parents founding Era Alaska, an aviation company. She began flying at the age of 13 and earned her commercial pilot’s license at 17, making her one of the youngest pilots in Alaska at the time. Beyond piloting, Tweto has leveraged her fame to advocate for aviation safety, STEM education, and women in aviation, frequently speaking at schools and industry events. As of 2026, she remains active in aviation and continues to inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM and piloting.
What is Ariel Tweto known for?
Ariel Tweto is best known for starring in the Discovery Channel reality series *Flying Wild Alaska* (2011–2012), which showcased her family’s aviation business and her role as a commercial pilot in Alaska, as well as her advocacy for women in aviation and STEM education.
During *Flying Wild Alaska*, Tweto and her family operated Era Alaska, one of the largest aviation companies in the state, providing services like flightseeing, cargo transport, and medevac flights. The show highlighted the challenges and adventures of living and working in Alaska’s rugged environment, including extreme weather conditions and remote locations. Tweto’s role on the series brought national attention to her piloting skills and her family’s legacy in aviation, which dates back to her grandfather, Noel Wien, a pioneer in Alaskan aviation. Beyond television, she has made appearances on other networks, including *Deadliest Catch* and *Alaska State Troopers*, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in Alaskan culture.
How did Ariel Tweto get into aviation?
Ariel Tweto began her aviation career at age 13, inspired by her family’s deep roots in Alaskan aviation, and earned her commercial pilot’s license at 17, becoming one of the youngest pilots in Alaska.
Tweto grew up in the family aviation business, Era Aviation (later Era Alaska), founded by her parents, Sig and Fern Tweto. Her grandfather, Noel Wien, was a legendary figure in Alaskan aviation, having founded Wien Air Alaska in the 1920s. Tweto’s passion for flying was nurtured early, and she soloed an aircraft for the first time at 16. By 17, she had earned her commercial pilot’s license, defying the stereotype that aviation is a male-dominated field. Her early experiences included flying in harsh Alaskan conditions, such as snowstorms and icy runways, which honed her skills as a pilot. Tweto has often cited her family’s support and her love for adventure as key drivers in her aviation career.
Is Ariel Tweto still a pilot?
As of 2026, Ariel Tweto is still an active commercial pilot, though she has shifted her focus toward advocacy, speaking engagements, and entrepreneurial ventures in Alaska.
While Tweto no longer flies full-time for Era Alaska (now part of Ravn Alaska), she continues to maintain her pilot’s license and occasionally flies for personal and professional purposes. Her role in *Flying Wild Alaska* and her public appearances have expanded her career beyond aviation, leading her to become a motivational speaker and advocate for STEM education. She frequently emphasizes the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in aviation and technology. Tweto has also explored opportunities in other industries, including real estate and media, but she remains closely tied to Alaska and its aviation community. Check her official social media profiles for updates on her current activities.
What are Ariel Tweto’s major achievements?
Ariel Tweto’s major achievements include starring in *Flying Wild Alaska*, becoming one of Alaska’s youngest commercial pilots, and advocating for women in aviation and STEM education, as well as her family’s legacy in Alaskan aviation.
One of her most notable accomplishments is her role in *Flying Wild Alaska*, which aired for two seasons and brought national attention to her family’s aviation business. Tweto’s piloting skills and adaptability in Alaska’s challenging environment have earned her respect in the aviation community. She has also been recognized for her efforts to promote diversity in aviation, speaking at events like the Women in Aviation International Conference. Additionally, Tweto has been featured in various media outlets, including *National Geographic*, *The Alaska Dispatch News*, and *Alaska Magazine*, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon in Alaska. Her work has inspired countless young women to pursue careers in aviation and other STEM fields.
Where does Ariel Tweto live now?
As of 2026, Ariel Tweto primarily resides in Wasilla, Alaska, where she maintains strong ties to her family and aviation roots.
Wasilla, located about 40 miles north of Anchorage, is where Tweto grew up and where her family’s aviation business, Era Aviation, was based. While she spends much of her time traveling for speaking engagements and media appearances, Alaska remains her home base. Tweto has expressed a deep connection to the state and its communities, often highlighting the beauty and challenges of living in such a remote and rugged environment. She has also explored opportunities in other parts of the U.S., but Alaska remains central to her identity and career. For the most up-to-date information on her whereabouts, follow her on Instagram or her official website.
How can I follow Ariel Tweto’s career and updates?
You can follow Ariel Tweto’s career and updates through her official social media profiles, including Instagram (@arieltweto) and LinkedIn, as well as her personal website.
Tweto is active on social media, where she shares insights into her aviation work, advocacy efforts, and personal life. Her Instagram account, @arieltweto, features photos and videos from her travels, piloting adventures, and speaking engagements. She also uses LinkedIn to connect with professionals in aviation, STEM, and business, often sharing articles and resources related to her areas of interest. Additionally, she occasionally appears on podcasts and in interviews with Alaskan media outlets, such as *Alaska Public Media* and *KTVA News*. For a more curated look at her work, her official website (if available) may feature updates on her projects, speaking schedule, and other professional endeavors. Always verify the authenticity of accounts or websites by checking for verified badges or official links provided by Tweto herself.
