Jackson, Wyo. — On July 14, Teton County Search & Rescue was formally recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration after earning its second of two certifications that place its helicopter program among the highest operational standards in the United States.
At the TCSAR headquarters on Tuesday, Dale Ogden, manager of the FAA’s Denver Flight Standards District Office, and Derek Smith, Principal Operations Inspector, presented the team with a Part 135 Air Carrier certificate, its second certification to be issued by the FAA.
The FAA’s Dale Ogden presents Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr and TCSAR’s aviation team with the Part 135 Air Carrier certificate. Also pictured are TCSAR Chief Pilot Steve Wilson (left), TCSAR Director of Aviation Operations Jon Bourke (second from right), and TCSAR Director of Aviation Maintenance Cole Deines (right). Photo: Sam Pope
TCSAR first completed its Part 133 External Load Operator certification more than two years ago, allowing the organization to safely and legally conduct external load operations under FAA oversight. Those capabilities support work for partners such as the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort while ensuring the program operates under the same regulatory framework as commercial helicopter operators. Together these certifications signify that TCSAR meets rigorous federal requirements for pilot training, aircraft maintenance, safety management, operational procedures, and organizational oversight.
TCSAR’s helicopter program has grown steadily since the red H125 arrived in Jackson in October 2023, now performing roughly 60 rescue missions per year. Photo: Anthony Pecchi
While commercial aviation companies must obtain these certifications to transport passengers or conduct external load operations for hire, public aircraft operators such as TCSAR are not required to do so. TCSAR voluntarily pursued the certifications to demonstrate its commitment to the highest level of aviation safety and accountability.
“Our goal was to build trust by ensuring our aviation program is held to the same standards expected of commercial operators working for federal agencies,” said Jon Bourke, TCSAR Director Of Aviation Operations. “We wanted independent oversight from the FAA to demonstrate our commitment to safety, professionalism and operational excellence.”
The newly awarded Part 135 Air Carrier certification marks the completion of an even more extensive process. The certification required years of developing and gaining FAA approval for operating manuals, maintenance programs, pilot training, safety procedures, and organizational systems, followed by comprehensive inspections of personnel, aircraft, and facilities.
Left to right: GTNP Jenny Lake Deputy Chief Ranger Matt Wilbur, TCSAR Volunteer Tim Ciocarlan, Bernie Little, Flight Standards District Office Manager Derek Smith, Sheriff Matt Carr, TCSAR Dir. of Aviation Ops Jon Bourke, TCSAR Chief Advisor Anthony Stevens, TCSAR Chief Pilot Steve Wilson, TCSAR Dir. of Aviation Maintenance Cole Deines, GTNP Jenny Lake Acting District Ranger Nick Armitage, TCSAR Volunteer Alex Norton, TCSO SAR Coordinator Mike Estes. Photo: Sam Pope
Achieving both certifications means TCSAR’s aviation program is now subject to ongoing FAA surveillance and oversight, providing continued assurance that it maintains the highest recognized federal safety standards.
The certifications also strengthen TCSAR’s ability to support federal partners, including Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Bridger-Teton National Forest, under existing cooperative agreements. By meeting the same standards required of commercial contractors, TCSAR can continue providing critical aviation support while giving federal agencies confidence that its operations meet the same level of safety expected throughout the aviation industry.
The TCSAR helicopter is an invaluable emergency response public service for the entire region. Photo: Griffin Kerwin
Although TCSAR now holds certifications that would allow commercial operations under FAA regulations, the organization is not entering the commercial aviation business. Its mission remains unchanged: providing emergency search and rescue to those in need, as well as fire-fighting initial attack for agencies who need their assistance.
About TCSAR: Teton County Search & Rescue is a volunteer-led organization based in Jackson, Wyoming, that provides search and rescue services throughout Teton County and surrounding areas. In October 2023, the team acquired an Airbus H125 helicopter after completing a community-funded campaign to establish a dedicated, year-round aviation program. The program is staffed by a pilot, director of operations, and director of maintenance employed by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, and supports approximately 60 helicopter rescue missions each year. All TCSAR rescue services are provided free of charge to the general public.
Media contact: Matt Hansen, TCSAR Foundation Communications Director, matt@tetoncountysar.org, (970) 846-7766