Safety and Compliance
Safety-Driven Helicopter Operations
At Lohman Helicopter, safety is fundamental to every mission. From precision external-load lifting and powerline construction to wildland firefighting, agricultural aviation, and passenger transportation, our operations demand careful planning, experienced personnel, and adherence to applicable aviation regulations.
Our pilots, maintenance technicians, and ground support crews work together to manage the challenges of remote terrain, complex lifting operations, changing weather conditions, and specialized aviation assignments. Through our Safety Management System (SMS), regulatory authorizations, and industry qualifications, we maintain a structured approach to identifying hazards, managing operational risks, and supporting safe, reliable helicopter services.
Aviation Certifications, Qualifications & Approvals
FAA Part 133, 135 & 137
Lohman Helicopter maintains Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorizations for specialized commercial helicopter operations under Parts 133, 135, and 137.
FAA Part 133 — Rotorcraft External-Load Operations: Supports qualifying external-load missions, including precision lifting, utility construction, and transportation of suspended cargo.
FAA Part 135 — Commuter and On-Demand Operations: Governs applicable commercial passenger and cargo transportation services.
FAA Part 137 — Agricultural Aircraft Operations: Covers qualifying agricultural aviation activities, including aerial application operations.
These authorizations support our ability to provide specialized helicopter services for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and government clients.
BARS Qualified Vendor
Lohman Helicopter is identified as a BARS Qualified Vendor. The Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) provides an aviation risk-management framework developed for organizations operating in demanding environments, particularly remote and resource-sector operations.
BARS qualification reflects our participation in an industry-recognized aviation safety framework relevant to clients seeking specialized helicopter services for challenging operational conditions.
Department of Defense CARB Approval
Lohman Helicopter identifies Department of Defense Commercial Airlift Review Board (DoD CARB) approval among its aviation qualifications.
The CARB process evaluates commercial air carriers against Department of Defense requirements for applicable contracted aviation services. This approval supports our qualifications for eligible government aviation assignments, subject to mission-specific requirements and authorizations.
USFS & DOI Qualifications
Lohman Helicopter maintains qualifications associated with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), supporting specialized aviation operations for federal land-management and emergency-response agencies.
Our experience includes wildland firefighting, utility helicopter operations, remote logistics, and other missions in challenging terrain. Our pilots and maintenance personnel work within applicable agency requirements, including interagency qualification and carding procedures.
Human External Cargo (HEC) Capabilities
Lohman Helicopter provides Human External Cargo (HEC) capabilities for qualifying utility helicopter operations.
HEC missions involve specialized aircraft equipment, trained personnel, operational procedures, and careful coordination between pilots and ground crews. These capabilities support certain powerline construction and maintenance operations where conventional access methods may be limited.
Our team evaluates each mission according to applicable regulatory requirements, aircraft capabilities, personnel qualifications, and site-specific conditions.
Aviation Safety Management System (SMS)
Our Aviation Safety Management System provides a structured framework for identifying hazards, evaluating operational risks, and improving safety performance.
Lohman Helicopter’s SMS supports communication, accountability, and risk awareness across flight operations, maintenance, and ground support activities. By incorporating safety considerations into mission planning and everyday operations, we work to reduce risk and support consistent operational standards.
Experienced Pilots, Maintenance & Ground Support Crews
Specialized helicopter operations require more than capable aircraft. Lohman Helicopter brings together experienced utility pilots, FAA-certificated maintenance professionals, and ground support personnel to coordinate demanding aviation missions.
Our flight operations emphasize regulatory compliance, aircraft performance planning, crew qualifications, and communication. Maintenance personnel perform inspections, repairs, and servicing in accordance with applicable FAA requirements and manufacturer standards.
Our organizational structure includes dedicated leadership for flight operations, safety and quality assurance, and aircraft maintenance, reinforcing accountability throughout the company.
Safety Across Specialized Helicopter Missions
Every operation presents different challenges, requiring safety planning appropriate to the aircraft, environment, and assignment.
Powerline Construction & Precision Lifting: External-load operations require careful evaluation of load weights, rigging, aircraft performance, ground personnel coordination, and site conditions.
Wildland Firefighting: Fire suppression missions involve rapidly changing environments, specialized equipment, agency coordination, and demanding flight conditions.
Passenger & Cargo Transportation: Commercial transportation operations require appropriate aircraft, qualified flight crews, and compliance with applicable operating requirements.
Agricultural Aviation: Aerial application, cherry drying, and other agricultural missions require careful consideration of terrain, weather, equipment, and operating conditions.
Remote & Mountain Operations: Missions in difficult-to-access areas require attention to elevation, aircraft performance, weather, terrain, and logistical support.
Learn more about our specialized helicopter services and aircraft fleet.
Partner With a Safety-Focused Helicopter Operator
Lohman Helicopter supports utility companies, construction contractors, government agencies, agricultural operators, and other organizations requiring specialized aviation services.
From our operations in northern Idaho, we support projects throughout the Pacific Northwest, Western United States, Alaska, and other locations. Our team works with clients to evaluate project requirements, aircraft capabilities, operational considerations, and applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
Contact Lohman Helicopter to discuss your project and learn more about our qualifications, safety practices, and aviation capabilities.