About Us
Built for Alaska. Trusted Since 1991.
A Legacy Built on Performance. A Future Focused on Safety.
Founded in 1991, Pollux Aviation is Alaska’s longest-running and largest Robinson helicopter operator. For more than three decades, we have supported communities, agencies, and industries across the state with safe, reliable helicopter operations built for Alaska’s demanding environment.
Pollux Aviation is FAA Part 135, 133, and 137 certified and OAS qualified. We provide charter services, external load operations, tours, and long-term contract work. Our team operates statewide.
Our fleet is selected for performance, efficiency, and versatility. Whether transporting personnel, moving cargo, or supporting specialized missions, we match the right aircraft and crew to each operation to ensure dependable results.
Pollux Maintenance is a Robinson Factory Authorized Service Center and FAA Part 145 Repair Station, maintaining the largest Robinson parts inventory in Alaska. Every mechanic is highly trained and certified, ensuring our aircraft are mission-ready and maintained immaculately.
Our Mission
To deliver safe, reliable, and efficient helicopter services across Alaska through thoughtful operations, well-maintained aircraft, passionate pilots, and a commitment to professional performance.
Meet Our Management Team
This is the space to introduce the business’s team and what makes it special.
Sam Maxwell
Owner/General Manager
Sam is a lifelong Alaskan, born in Anchorage in 1957, who grew up in South Anchorage and spent his teenage years working in his family’s gold mine in the Fortymile mining district. He has been involved in aviation since the late 1970s, logging thousands of flight hours across Alaska, and served as a volunteer pilot for the Iditarod Air Force from the late 1980s through the late 1990s.
Over the course of his career, he has worked as a mechanic, in sales, and in remote construction management before focusing on the helicopter industry.
With decades of experience operating in remote regions of the state, Sam is widely regarded as a trusted resource for solving complex logistical challenges.
Vera Holesapple
Accounting Manager
Vera Holesapple grew up in Homer, Alaska, where she spent much of her childhood commercial fishing with her family.
Encouraged to pursue a safer career path, she earned her Associate Degree in Accounting in 2007 while working full-time in banking.
In 2010, Vera transitioned into aviation and soon found her place in the accounting side of Alaska’s helicopter industry. After a brief time in Idaho, she and her husband returned to Alaska in 2017 and joined Pollux Aviation together.
She later completed her Bachelor’s
Degree in Accounting at the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2022 and is proud to support aviation operations across the state as part of the Pollux team.
David Holesapple
Director of Operations
David began his aviation career in 2004 after earning his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate in Durango, Colorado. He worked with a Bell 206 operator supporting U.S. Forest Service fire contracts and wildlife operations before expanding his experience across Alaska in research, mining, and remote support roles, building a strong foundation in mission-driven operations.
In 2013, David earned his Inspection Authorization (IA) and completed his pilot ratings through CFI and CFII while working full-time in maintenance. He returned to Alaska in 2016 as a mechanic and flight instructor for Pollux Aviation, transitioned onto the Part 135 certificate in 2019, and was appointed Director of Operations in 2022. David and his wife, Vera, are proud to help lead and support daily operations at Pollux Aviation.
Chris Timpano
Chief Pilot
Chris began his aviation career in the United States Marine Corps, where he trained as a helicopter mechanic. After his service, he spent time in New Zealand studying business before deciding to pursue flying professionally. Using his GI Bill benefits, he attended flight school at Southern Utah University and later worked as a Certified Flight Instructor.
In 2019, Chris moved to Alaska to gain tour flying experience, initially planning to stay for only a few months. After his first day flying in Alaska, he knew he had found his place. Now years later, he continues to build experience across some of the most challenging and rewarding flying environments in the world, proud to call Alaska home.
Amory Harris
Assistant Chief Pilot / Safety Manager
Amory grew up in Truckee, California, where a love of mountains and adventure shaped her early years. Her connection to Alaska began in 2020 while working as a guide at a remote backcountry lodge, where she quickly fell in love with both Alaska and aviation.
She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing, bringing a strong background in strategy and communication to her work in the aviation
industry.
Amory is passionate about safety and professional helicopter operations. She loves flying in Alaska and spending time operating in some of the most remote and rugged parts of the state.
