Kind Reader, if you’re looking to explore Alaska from above, Era Helicopters Alaska is the perfect choice for you. With over 70 years of experience, Era Helicopters Alaska is one of the most trusted helicopter tour companies in the state. Their fleet of modern, well-maintained helicopters and experienced pilots will take you on a breathtaking adventure through Alaska’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re interested in glacier tours, wildlife viewing, or flightseeing, Era Helicopters Alaska has something to offer everyone.
The History of Era Helicopters Alaska
Era Helicopters Alaska has been providing exceptional aviation services in Alaska since 1948. The company was originally founded as Economy Helicopters and provided helicopter support for mining and exploration camps in the state. In 1964, the company changed its name to Era Aviation, and by 1980, the company had become the largest helicopter operator in the world. Since then, the company has continued to grow and expand, providing exceptional helicopter services to a variety of industries in Alaska and beyond.
The Early Years of Era Helicopters Alaska
Founded in the late 1940s, Era Helicopters Alaska was one of the first helicopter operators in the state. Originally founded as Economy Helicopters, the company provided support to remote mining and exploration camps throughout Alaska. The company quickly realized the unique potential of helicopter aviation in the state and began to expand its services.
Era Aviation
In 1964, the company changed its name to Era Aviation and continued to grow and expand throughout the state. The company’s fleet grew over the years, and by the 1980s, the company had become the largest helicopter operator in the world, providing support to oil and gas companies, construction projects, and a variety of other industries.
The Services Offered by Era Helicopters Alaska
Today, Era Helicopters Alaska continues to provide exceptional helicopter services to a variety of industries in Alaska and beyond. The company offers a wide range of services, including:
Oil and Gas Support
Era Helicopters Alaska provides exceptional support to the oil and gas industry in Alaska. The company’s helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, allowing for safe and efficient transportation of personnel and equipment to remote oil and gas sites.
Search and Rescue
Era Helicopters Alaska is a leader in search and rescue services in Alaska. The company’s highly trained pilots and crew can quickly respond to emergency situations, providing fast and efficient rescue services to those in need.
Remote Construction Support
Era Helicopters Alaska provides essential support to remote construction projects throughout Alaska. The company’s helicopters can transport personnel and equipment to even the most remote locations, allowing for efficient and timely completion of construction projects.
Firefighting
Era Helicopters Alaska’s fleet of helicopters is equipped with precision firefighting technology, allowing the company to quickly and efficiently respond to wildfires throughout Alaska.
Services Offered by Era Helicopters Alaska
Era Helicopters Alaska has been serving Alaska since 1948. The company offers a range of services including:
1. Charter Services
Era Helicopters Alaska provides charter services for various purposes such as transporting people, cargo, and equipment to and from remote locations. The company has a fleet of helicopters suitable for any kind of charter, including Bell 206L, Bell 407, and Astar 350B3e.
2. Oil and Gas Support
Era Helicopters Alaska provides comprehensive oil and gas support services for the entire development and production cycle. The company has experienced pilots and state-of-the-art helicopters suitable for transporting personnel and equipment, performing emergency medical evacuations, offering offshore helicopter support, and firefighting.
3. Tourism and Adventure
Era Helicopters Alaska also offers sightseeing tours and adventure activities such as fishing, hunting, glacier exploration, and hiking. The tours provide scenic views of the vast Alaskan wilderness, and the activities are guided by experienced professionals who ensure visitors have an enjoyable time.
4. Helicopter Maintenance and Repair
Era Helicopters Alaska also provides maintenance and repair services to its clients. The company has a team of experienced mechanics and engineers who can repair any type of helicopter, including airframe, avionics, and powerplant.
5. Search and Rescue Services
Era Helicopters Alaska is equipped with state-of-the-art helicopters and experienced pilots to help with search and rescue missions. The company works closely with the United States Coast Guard and other agencies to provide timely and efficient rescue services.
6. Aerial Firefighting Services
Era Helicopters Alaska provides aerial firefighting services to combat forest fires. The company has a fleet of helicopters equipped with buckets and other firefighting equipment to extinguish fires that cannot be reached on the ground or by fixed-wing aircraft.
7. Training Services
Era Helicopters Alaska offers training services to pilots ranging from basic flight instruction to advanced training courses such as mountain flying, external load operations, and emergency procedures.
| No | Important Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | ERA Helicopters Alaska is a subsidiary of the larger ERA Group, an international helicopter transportation company. |
| 2 | The company provides helicopter transportation for various industries including oil and gas, mining, tourism and medical services. |
| 3 | ERA Helicopters Alaska operates in a remote area with challenging weather conditions and terrain. |
| 4 | The company emphasizes safety as a top priority, with a safety management system in place and regular maintenance and inspections of their fleet. |
| 5 | ERA Helicopters Alaska has a diverse range of helicopters in their fleet, including the Sikorsky S-92, Eurocopter AS350 and Bell 212. |
| 6 | The company has been operating in Alaska for over 60 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and experience in the region. |
| 7 | ERA Helicopters Alaska is committed to environmental sustainability and takes measures to minimize their impact on the environment in their operations. |
The Safety Record of Era Helicopters Alaska
Era Helicopters Alaska has a great safety record. For instance, in 2015, they were awarded the HAI Sikorsky Award for their outstanding performance in safe flying hours. They have also won multiple Propeller Safety Awards, which are given to aircraft operators who have reached a certain amount of safe hours flown. Era also provides their pilots with multiple safety training programs. One such program was introduced in 2014, which shows pilots in training how to use enhanced vision technology (EVT), electronic flight bags (EFBs), and night vision goggles (NVGs). This training program is in addition to their already extensive flight training programs.
Alaskan Aviation Statistics of H2 Safety Record of Era Helicopters Alaska
According to FlyDENA, air travel is more frequent in Alaska than anywhere else in the United States. The state also has more aircraft per capita than any other state. However, Alaska has been dangerous for aviation. According to RAND Corporation, the fatal accident rate is higher in Alaska than the rest of the United States. Although aviation accidents are rare, when they do occur, they tend to be fatal. Nevertheless, Era Helicopters Alaska has an excellent safety record regarding fatal accidents and takes every precaution necessary to keep their employees and passengers safe during transportation.
Era Helicopters Alaska Services
Era Helicopters Alaska is known for its high-quality aviation services that cater to various industries. Their services include:
Oil and Gas Industry Support
Era Helicopters Alaska provides offshore transport services to some of the largest oil and gas companies in Alaska. Their offshore services include transportation to and from offshore drilling rigs and support for drilling and well operations. The company also offers emergency medical evacuation services and crew change support.
Wildlife Surveys and Counting
Alaska is home to some of the most unique and stunning wildlife in the world. Era Helicopters offers wildlife surveys and counting services to environmental organizations, government agencies, and wildlife management groups. The company has highly skilled staff, including pilots and biologists, who work together to provide invaluable insights to their clients.
Flightseeing Tours
For adventure seekers, Era Helicopters Alaska offers flightseeing tours of some of the most beautiful sights in Alaska. From glaciers to mountains to pristine lakes, the company provides a unique perspective of the Alaskan landscape that is truly breathtaking.
Charter Services
Era Helicopters Alaska also offers charter services to businesses, organizations, and government agencies. Their services include anything from executives transportation to cargo shipments. With highly skilled pilots and the latest technology, Era Helicopters Alaska provides reliable, safe, and efficient air transportation solutions.
Firefighting
Alaska is prone to large wildfires that can cause widespread damage and destruction. Era Helicopters provides firefighting services to help contain and extinguish large scale wildfires. The company uses advanced technology and a variety of techniques to manage and suppress the fires, keeping both people and property safe.
Search and Rescue
Era Helicopters Alaska provides search and rescue services to help find and extract people lost or stranded in remote areas. The company has some of the most experienced pilots and technicians in the industry, and they use state-of-the-art equipment to locate and rescue people in need.
Cargo and Logistics Support
Era Helicopters Alaska provides air cargo transportation and logistics support to a variety of industries, including oil and gas, mining, construction, and more. The company’s fleet of helicopters and experienced staff make them a reliable choice for any air transportation needs.
Experience the Breathtaking Alaska Scenery with Era Helicopters
One of the most unique things about Era Helicopters Alaska is their location. Alaska is known for its beautiful and breathtaking scenery, and one of the best ways to experience it is by helicopter. The company offers numerous tours that showcase the stunning landscape of Alaska, including glaciers, mountains, fjords, and wildlife.
Glacier Tours
Era Helicopters Alaska offers a variety of glacier tours where you can get up close and personal with these natural wonders. The tours take you over glaciers and through valleys, and you can even land on them and explore on foot. One of the most popular glacier tours is the Knik Glacier Tour, which takes you to Knik Glacier, one of Alaska’s largest glaciers.
Wildlife Tours
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, Era Helicopters has you covered. You can take a wildlife tour that takes you over the Chugach Mountains, Prince William Sound, and the Kenai Peninsula. During the tour, you’ll be able to see grizzly bears, black bears, moose, wolves, whales, sea lions, and more. The company also offers a glacier and wildlife tour, which combines the best of both worlds.
Special Events with Era Helicopters
Era Helicopters is not only a company for tours, but also for special events. They offer a variety of services for different occasions, including weddings, proposals, photoshoots, and corporate events.
Weddings and Proposals
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding or proposal experience, Era Helicopters can make it happen. They offer a variety of tours that can be customized to fit your needs, such as a glacier landing or a tour of the city skyline.
Photoshoots and Filming
If you’re a photographer or filmmaker, Era Helicopters can provide you with an aerial perspective for your project. You can hire them for aerial photoshoots or for filming movies, commercials, and documentaries. They have experienced pilots who can help you get the perfect shot.
Era Helicopters Alaska: Services Offered
Era Helicopters Alaska provides a range of services to its customers. Below are some of the popular services offered by Era Helicopters Alaska:
1. Air Medical Services
Era Helicopters Alaska provides air medical services to remote areas where access is limited to hospitals and health care facilities. Their helicopters are equipped with medical equipment necessary to transport critically ill and injured patients to hospitals. The service is available 24/7, and their pilots are experienced in day and night flying and adverse weather conditions.
2. Onshore and Offshore Oil and Gas Support
Era Helicopters Alaska provides onshore and offshore oil and gas support services to the oil and gas companies operating in Alaska. Their helicopters transport personnel, equipment, and supplies to and from the offshore rigs and onshore facilities. The pilots are trained to operate in the harsh weather conditions of Alaska.
3. Search and Rescue Operations
Era Helicopters Alaska provides search and rescue services to the government agencies and private companies operating in Alaska. They have a fleet of helicopters equipped with search and rescue equipment, and their pilots are experienced in flying in the Arctic wilderness of Alaska. They provide services to rescue stranded hikers, skiers, hunters, and fishermen.
4. Aerial Tours and Sightseeing
Era Helicopters Alaska provides aerial tours and sightseeing services to the tourists visiting Alaska. Their experienced pilots take visitors on a helicopter ride over the scenic glaciers, fjords, and mountains. Visitors can witness the beauty of Alaska from a bird’s eye view.
5. Cargo and Utility Operations
Era Helicopters Alaska provides cargo and utility operations services to the companies operating in remote areas of Alaska. Their helicopters transport supplies, equipment and cargo to and from the remote locations. They also provide utility services such as power line inspections and construction support.
6. Firefighting, Forestry, and Wildlife Management Services
Era Helicopters Alaska provides firefighting, forestry, and wildlife management services to the government agencies, private companies, and individuals operating in Alaska. Their helicopters are equipped with firefighting equipment, and their pilots are trained in aerial firefighting techniques. They also provide forestry and wildlife management services such as aerial surveys of forests and wildlife populations.
ERA Helicopters Alaska Fleet
ERA Helicopters Alaska has a diverse fleet of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to meet the transportation needs of customers throughout Alaska. They have large and small helicopters that can transport people and cargo, as well as fly over difficult terrain and remote regions. The ERA fleet includes Bell 212, Bell 205, Eurocopter AS350, and Sikorsky S-76.
Bell 212
The Bell 212 is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter used for passenger transportation, cargo transportation, and utility work. It has a range of up to 400 miles and can seat up to 12 passengers. With its twin engines, the Bell 212 is more reliable and can operate in harsh weather conditions and remote areas.
Bell 205
The Bell 205 is a five-bladed, single engine helicopter used for heavy-lift operations, including sling loads and external cargo transportation. It can carry a load of up to 3,000 pounds and has a range of up to 325 miles. The Bell 205 is ideal for carrying construction equipment and supplies to remote job sites in Alaska.
Eurocopter AS350
The Eurocopter AS350 is a light helicopter that is used for passenger transportation, aerial photography, and sightseeing tours. It is a fast and economical helicopter that is known for its comfort and safety. The AS350 can seat up to five passengers and has a range of up to 400 miles.
Sikorsky S-76
The Sikorsky S-76 is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter used for executive transportation, emergency medical services, and search and rescue operations. It has a range of up to 450 miles and can seat up to 12 passengers. The S-76 is known for its powerful engines and high reliability, making it an ideal helicopter for Alaska’s challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Era Helicopters Alaska FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Era Helicopters Alaska:
1. What destinations does Era Helicopters Alaska offer?
Era Helicopters Alaska offers transportation services to various locations in Alaska, including Anchorage, Deadhorse, Valdez, and Prudhoe Bay. They also offer sightseeing tours and glacier landings.
2. How experienced are the pilots at Era Helicopters Alaska?
All pilots at Era Helicopters Alaska have extensive experience and training, with many having over 10,000 hours of flight time. They are required to undergo ongoing training to maintain their skills.
3. Are Era Helicopters Alaska flights safe?
Era Helicopters Alaska is committed to safety and has a rigorous safety program. They regularly inspect and maintain their aircraft and equipment, and their pilots undergo regular training and safety checks.
4. What is the seating capacity of Era Helicopters Alaska helicopters?
The seating capacity of Era Helicopters Alaska helicopters varies depending on the aircraft model and configuration. However, most helicopters can accommodate up to six passengers.
5. What should I wear for a helicopter tour with Era Helicopters Alaska?
You should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, and closed-toe shoes. It’s also recommended to bring sunglasses, a hat, and a camera.
6. Can I bring a camera on a helicopter tour with Era Helicopters Alaska?
Yes, cameras are allowed on Era Helicopters Alaska tours. However, they must be securely fastened to the body and not interfere with the safety of the passengers or crew.
7. What is the cancellation policy for Era Helicopters Alaska?
The cancellation policy for Era Helicopters Alaska may vary depending on the type of booking. It’s best to review the specific terms and conditions before making a reservation.
8. Can I book a private flight with Era Helicopters Alaska?
Yes, Era Helicopters Alaska offers private flights for individuals or groups. Contact their reservation team for more information and pricing.
9. Are there age restrictions for Era Helicopters Alaska tours?
There may be age restrictions for certain tours, such as glacier landings. Children under five years old are not permitted on some tours. It’s best to review the tour details before booking.
10. What happens in case of bad weather?
If the weather is not suitable for flying, Era Helicopters Alaska may postpone or cancel the tour. Passengers will be offered a rescheduled tour or a full refund.
11. Can I bring food or drinks on Era Helicopters Alaska tours?
No, outside food or drinks are not allowed on Era Helicopters Alaska tours. However, water is provided on board.
12. Does Era Helicopters Alaska offer transportation to and from the airport?
Yes, Era Helicopters Alaska offers transportation services to and from the airport for their customers. Contact their reservation team for more information and pricing.
13. Are there weight restrictions for Era Helicopters Alaska flights?
Yes, there are weight restrictions for Era Helicopters Alaska flights, as they are based on the aircraft’s weight and balance requirements. Passengers exceeding the weight limit may need to purchase an additional seat or upgrade to a larger aircraft.
14. What type of payment does Era Helicopters Alaska accept?
Era Helicopters Alaska accepts all major credit cards, cash, and traveler’s checks. Payment is required at the time of booking.
15. Can I bring a pet on an Era Helicopters Alaska tour?
No, pets are not allowed on Era Helicopters Alaska tours, unless they are registered assistance animals. Contact their reservation team for more information.
Learn more about ERA Helicopters Alaska, a premier helicopter service provider in Alaska, known for its reliability and safety standards.
Thank You, Kind Reader!
We hope this article has given you an insight into the amazing world of Era Helicopters Alaska. With over 70 years of experience, the company has earned a reputation for providing the most reliable, safe, and efficient helicopter services. Whether you’re looking for a scenic tour or need transportation to remote locations, Era Helicopters Alaska has got you covered. Don’t forget to visit us again later for more exciting updates. Till then, keep exploring and enjoy your adventures in Alaska!
