North Tahoe Aviation

North Tahoe Aviation offers unforgettable, memorable scenic flights aboard a classic Cessna 180 bush plane and is owned & operated by an experienced local mountain pilot with strict safety standards, 20 years of local mountain & weather experience, and over 10 years of local flying experience .

Departing from the Truckee Tahoe Airport, flights showcase Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, Mt. Tallac, Donner Summit, Castle Peak, and the Sierra Crest—delivering personalized, intimate experiences with stunning aerial views and strict safety standards.

With space for up to three passengers, every seat is a window seat. Come discover Tahoe from the air with pilots who know these mountains best.

The Airplane

Cessna 180 Bush Plane

At North Tahoe Aviation, safety drives every mountain flight we operate. Flying the Sierra Nevada demands specialized training, disciplined decision-making, and a deep respect for weather and terrain. Our experienced mountain pilots exceed FAA minimums with advanced recurrent training, conservative weather standards, and detailed performance planning specific to the high-elevation operations around Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

Our Cessna 180 bush plane—renowned for its versatility, climb performance, and backcountry capability—is ideally suited for this environment and outfitted with state of the art avionics for redundant navigation, communication and weather updates. We maintain our aircraft beyond the FAA required inspection intervals with a proactive, meticulous approach. Combined with extensive local experience and strict operating standards, we deliver an unforgettable Lake Tahoe scenic flight with safety and professionalism at the forefront.

KEITH DAVIS

Owner, Operator

Keith Davis, next to his 1953 Cessna 180 ski plane, with snow-covered mountains and a clear blue sky.

Keith Davis is the owner and operator of North Tahoe Aviation. A North Lake Tahoe resident since 2004 and over a decade of local mountain flying experience, Keith brings a deep understanding of the area’s topography, weather patterns, and unique mountain-flying conditions. His aviation expertise is complemented by years of guiding experience as a heli-ski guide in Alaska and as an avalanche safety instructor in the Tahoe area.

As an instrument-rated commercial pilot, Keith has explored some of the most remote and beautiful backcountry areas in North America; gaining his mountain flying experience, not only locally in the Sierra Nevada, but also around the remote mountains of Alaska. His dedication to safety, professionalism, and adventure ensures that every flight with North Tahoe Aviation is both secure and unforgettable.

Join us for a scenic aerial tour and experience Lake Tahoe’s breathtaking mountain and lake vistas from a perspective few ever get to see.

Ground Crew

ESHA

A man and a dog sitting in the cockpit of an airplane, with the man wearing a headset and the dog wearing a bandana, looking at the airplane instruments.