TEMSCO Helicopters

TEMSCO Helicopters has provided helicopter services in Alaska since 1958. The company was founded in Ketchikan, where its corporate headquarters remains, and the name stands for Timber, Exploration, Mining, Survey, Cargo Operations. Founder Ken Eichner earned his commercial certificate in 1960 and a rotorcraft rating in 1962, and became company president in 1965. He also started the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue group. His grandson is now chief pilot.

Tours

TEMSCO runs helicopter tours from Denali, Juneau and Skagway, including glacier discovery, dog sledding, glacier walks and hikes. It operates by special permit in the Tongass National Forest from the U.S. Forest Service.

Charter and contract work

• Precision long-line and external load operations
• Logging support and forestry
• Air support for mineral exploration, including drill moves
• Fire control and support
• Animal survey and tagging
• Powerline construction, concrete pouring and pole setting
• Crew transport, aerial survey and photography, expedition drop-offs
• Search and rescue, including work in Juneau with the Alaska State Troopers, SEADOGS and Juneau Mountain Rescue

Aircraft

• MD 500D: three to four passengers, 600 to 900 lb external load
• Airbus AS350B2: five to six passengers, 1,400 to 1,800 lb external load
• Airbus AS350B3: five to six passengers, 2,000 to 2,800 lb external load
• Bell 212: nine to twelve passengers, 3,000 lb external load
• Bell 214B1: nine passengers, 6,000 lb external load

Company facts

• Founded 1958 in Ketchikan
• Bases in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Petersburg, plus Denali for tours
• Charter inquiries: (907) 225-5141