About Us
At Chemair Helicopters, our mission is to provide exceptional helicopter services with an unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. We prioritize the highest standards of operational safety while delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Our experienced team of pilots and mechanics is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships by consistently exceeding expectations and ensuring every mission is completed with professionalism and care.
Since 1986, We've Been Leading the Industry
Chemair Helicopters has been a trusted name in the aviation industry since 1986. Chemair was initially founded with a focus on chemical spraying services. The company quickly expanded its service offerings, evolving from a niche operation into a provider of essential aviation services across multiple industries.
Since 2004, Chemair Helicopters has been proudly owned and operated by Shellie and Jeff McDermott. When they acquired the company, Chemair had just one aircraft and employed a single pilot—Jeff himself. Over the past two decades, Shellie and Jeff have applied their expertise, vision, and passion for aviation to grow Chemair into a thriving business, expanding its fleet to six aircraft and its team to over 10 employees. Under their leadership, the company has not only preserved its strong reputation for exceptional service but has also adapted its focus to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s industries.
Pilot & Flight Experience
At Chemair Helicopters, our team of highly skilled pilots and staff is committed to meeting every flight requirement with a focus on safety, reliability, and mission success. With extensive experience in the aviation and helicopter industries, we uphold the highest standards of service, ensuring professionalism in every operation.
Our pilots are accident- and incident-free, collectively amassing over 55,000+ flight hours. In addition, our mechanics have over 135 years of combined experience. This vast experience speaks to our unwavering commitment to safety and excellence, allowing us to consistently deliver superior service for all of our clients.
Training & Continued Education
Chemair Helicopters holds an annual safety meeting, attended by all employees, to review safety procedures and assess operations from the previous year. All pilots receive mandatory annual 135/133 training, ensuring they are up-to-date on regulatory requirements. Additionally, Chemair conducts semiannual flight training sessions focused on mission-critical tasks. As part of its commitment to safety, Chemair also hosts the "Flying in the Wire and Obstruction Environment." This eight-hour course is attended by all Chemair pilots along with patrollers for our partner utilities.
Chemair Helicopters is certified for Federal Aviation Administration Regulations Part 133, 135, and 137 operations. The Department of Interior and US Forest Service inspect our pilots, aircraft, and equipment annually for aerial fire fighting carding.
Our helicopters are maintained in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration Regulations (FARs) and Bell Helicopter maintenance instructions by our qualified mechanics.
Safety Standards
We understand that safety is paramount when it comes to air travel, which is why we follow the most stringent safety protocols. Our fleet is regularly maintained by our in-house mechanics. Each of our pilots undergoes rigorous semiannual training to ensure that every flight is safe, smooth, and reliable. Our commitment to safety is more than just a policy—it’s a promise to you, our valued customer.
Certifications & Memberships
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Woman-Owned Small Business Certificate
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FAA Commercial Operator
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Vertical Aviation International Member
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Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce Member
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Part 135 Certificate - Air Taxi/Charter
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Part 133 Certificate - Rotorcraft External Load Operations
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OAS Pilot, Helicopter and Equipment Carded
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US Forest Service Pilot, Helicopter and Equipment Carded
