TEMSCO Helicopters

TEMSCO Helicopters has provided helicopter services in Alaska since 1958. The company was founded in Ketchikan. Its name is an acronym for Timber, Exploration, Mining, Survey and Cargo Operations, which reflects the early work it set out to do in the rugged terrain of Alaska.

The founder received his commercial certificate in 1960 and a rotorcraft rating in 1962. He became president of the company in 1965 and built it into one of the most successful helicopter companies in Alaska. He also initiated the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue group, which took part in many difficult rescues.

The company runs helicopter tours from Denali, Juneau and Skagway. Glacier discovery flights lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront. Juneau tours include dog sledding on Mendenhall Glacier and a guided walk on the glacier. In Denali, a heli hike takes guests into the mountains just outside Denali National Park.

Charter work has included mining support, forestry, radio repeater construction, powerline construction, crew transport and cargo flights. The company says its services now also cover tourism, hospital transport, firefighting, international work and other growing markets.

Since the founder's retirement in the early 1990s, the company has continued his vision of service and dedication to the community. His grandson is now Chief Pilot, helping to pass practical knowledge and safety habits on to new pilots and mechanics.

Tour prices on the website are listed from $449 for the Mendenhall glacier walk, $479 for the Skagway glacier discovery, $539 for the Denali hike and $649 for a Skagway glacier dog sledding demonstration. Tours are open to all ages, and guests can book online through FareHarbor for each location.

Services

• Denali helicopter tours
• Juneau helicopter tours
• Skagway helicopter tours
• Glacier discovery flights
• Dog sledding on glaciers by helicopter
• Denali heli hike
• Helicopter charters
• Hospital transport
• Firefighting support
• Mining and forestry support