Tweto was the chief operating officer of the family-run airline Era Alaska, which flies people and cargo around Alaska. His family and other Era pilots around the state were featured in “Flying Wild Alaska.” The reality show aired on the Discovery Channel for three seasons in 2011 and 2012, showcasing the difficult flying conditions Tweto and the other pilots navigated in the harsh Alaskan landscape.
Memorable episodes had Tweto landing on frozen rivers, searching for missing mountain climbers, and helping a family who needed to transport the casket of a young person who died by suicide.
Tributes to Jim Tweto
I am devastated to hear the news of Jim Tweto’s passing. In my short time working on Flying Wild Alaska with the Twetos, Jim made a huge impression on me. Salt of the Earth guy that loved his family, flying and Alaska. He died doing what he loved. RIP, Jim. pic.twitter.com/iaP7lDZDWo
Very sad news from Shaktoolik, Alaska that legendary Unalakleet Bush pilot Jim Tweto has been killed in his beloved Cessna 180H. Generally soft spoken & unassuming, we always knew we were getting home when Jim picked us up. Damn. RIP. https://t.co/mhtrjQTLwdpic.twitter.com/BDFuOlf9SV
Legendary pilot Jim Tweto (Flying Wild Alaska) is thought to have been in a crash earlier today. Jim's impact on the aviation community is monumental and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tweto family. #JimTweto#Aviation#pilot#NTSBpic.twitter.com/sVH9g42EIJ
News editor, Legacy.com. Named 2017's Obituary Writer of the Year by the Society of Professional Obituary Writers. Quoted by CNN, the New York Times, and Macleans.
