The Gold Standard in Flight Safety: FAA Part 135
At Heli Alaska, safety is the absolute foundation of everything we do. We operate under a strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Operating Certificate. While many flightseeing operators in Alaska run under loose scenic flight exemptions, we choose to maintain the rigorous, professional-grade standards of a commercial Part 135 certificate. This means our aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and operational protocols are held to the exact same safety benchmarks as commercial passenger airlines.
What is FAA Part 135 Certification?
The FAA Part 135 certificate is a rigorous operational license that governs commercial air charters, on-demand flights, and premium tour operations.
Maintaining this certificate requires our hangar to undergo continuous, unannounced FAA audits and maintain absolute compliance across several operational columns:
- Rigorous Pilot Training: Our pilots undergo continuous recurrent flight training, simulator testing, and checkrides under the direct supervision of FAA examiners.
- Continuous Hangar Audits: All helicopter maintenance is tracked down to the hour, with scheduled inspections conducted by FAA-certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanics with Inspection Authorization (IA).
- Strict Weather Minimums: As a Part 135 operator, our flights are governed by strict legal minimums for visibility and cloud ceilings, ensuring we never take off unless weather conditions are completely safe for flight.
Elite Pilot Training & Qualifications
Our pilots are seasoned professionals who have spent years navigating the unique, challenging wind gradients and localized weather patterns of the Alaskan backcountry.
Our flight deck requirements exceed standard FAA guidelines:
- Mountain Flying Mastery: Every pilot must complete comprehensive, localized high-altitude training in the Hatcher Pass and Chugach Mountain ranges before flying passengers.
- Dynamic Weight & Balance: Strict calculations are completed for every single flight, ensuring that passengers and fuel are balanced perfectly within the R44’s Center of Gravity (CG) envelope.
- FAA Drug and Alcohol Testing: Complete compliance with the Department of Transportation’s rigorous random drug and alcohol screening program, ensuring 100% pilot readiness on every flight.
State-of-the-Art Operations & Maintenance
Our fleet of Robinson R44 Raven II helicopters is maintained to the highest mechanical standards in the aviation industry:
- OEM Parts Exclusively: We only use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts from Robinson Helicopter Company, ensuring total reliability.
- Real-Time GPS Satellite Tracking: Every flight is monitored in real-time by our ground dispatch team using dual Iridium satellite tracking matrix units.
- Continuous Inspection Cycles: Helicopters are inspected every 50 and 100 flight hours, with preventive maintenance completed long before FAA safety limits are reached.
Fly with Peace of Mind on Your Alaska Adventure
Are you ready to book your flight with an operator that puts safety first, last, and always? Reserve your flight online today!
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For detailed commercial safety profiles, industrial certificates of insurance, or cargo charter safety plans, please coordinate directly with our safety director.