Since 1996, Swanson Group Aviation has been providing safe, dependable vertical reference/external load helicopter services. We built our heavy lift platform around the K-1200 K-MAX because of its efficient and reliable heavy lift capabilities at high elevation with low rotor noise and low downwash. We are one of the industries most experienced owner/operators of that aircraft. We currently own and operate two K-MAX helicopters, based at our facility in Glendale, Oregon.

We staff our helicopter operations with pilots and mechanics working alternating two week on/two week off rotating schedules (12 days on 12 days off on fire contract). This allows us to offer our customers 7-days-a-week service while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

Our pilots and mechanics gain long line experience in industries such as logging, firefighting, power line construction and ski lift construction, to name a few. All aircraft are accompanied by a trained and dedicated mechanic, a service trailer with common spare parts and tools, and a fuel truck driver/helper. Our mechanics are trained to perform progressive maintenance so availability is not negatively affected.

All Swanson Pilots and Mechanics are USFS Fire Carded annually.