About

Our mission is to provide quality aircraft charter and support with exceptional safety and service.
 
Based in Cordova, Alaska at the Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport, our location provides access to the northern Gulf of Alaska, Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, and eastward down Alaska’s Lost Coast and beyond. With daily jet service from Alaska Airlines, as well as freight, lodging, fuel, supplies and more, Cordova is the easy choice to move your project forward.
 
Ridgeline Aviation is an FAA certified Part 135 Air Carrier and Part 133 External Load Operator with HAZMAT authorization for both 135/133. We are carded for DOI and USFS. All employees undergo yearly recurrent training, are required to participate in a FAA/DOT supervised drug program, and put safety at the front of every flight.

FLEET

Eurocopter AS350SD

The Astar AS350 is a five-passenger utility helicopter well suited for Alaska. The Honeywell engine powered AS350 has excellent high and hot performance, with the best fuel economy in its class. It can accommodate loads up to 1800 lbs on the cargo hook. Removable pop-out floats and ski baskets, extended internal expanded cargo compartments, and a quickly convertible flat floor interior make it an extremely versatile helicopter capable of different roles. As a comfortable passenger charter helicopter or utility workhorse, our Astar shines.

Robinson R66

The Robinson helicopter line is known for reliability, efficiency, and comfort. They have an outstanding reputation in Alaska performing light utility work, tours, photography, and general charter. The Robinson R66 is a turbine-powered helicopter with passenger seating for up to four passengers and a large internal cargo area, accommodating loads up to 1100 lbs. Industry recognized reliability makes it an ideal choice for remote field work, external load work, and for all types of survey. The R66 works comfortably in higher altitude environments, even more so than helicopters at a substantially higher price point. Versatile, powerful, and reliable are the hallmarks of the R66.

Cessna

The Cessna 170B is equipped with heavy-duty gear, big tires, and a fuel injected 200 HP motor. It is well suited for improved and unimproved landing areas. The Cessna has three passenger seats and is suitable for light charter as well as being a great survey platform. Nearly as fast as a 180 and as slow as a Super Cub, it is an excellent combination of performance and utility.

your pilot

Stephen Richards

Steve is the owner and operator of Ridgeline Aviation 

He started flying airplanes in the early nineties and helicopters a few years later. With over 30 years of flight experience, he has a combined flight time of over 17,000 hours.

Steve is fortunate to have a diverse background in aviation as a pilot and mechanic. His flying career has taken him from Alaska to overseas, years as a corporate charter pilot, as well as flying for the US Government and NGOs performing relief and development work. He started Ridgeline Aviation in 2008 and lives in and is based out of Cordova, Alaska.