JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) was recognized on Tuesday by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after earning the second of two certifications for its helicopter program.

According to a news release from TCSAR, two FAA officials — Denver Flight Standards District Office Manager Dale Ogden and Principal Operations Inspector Derek Smith — presented the TCSAR team with a Part 135 Air Carrier certificate at the TCSAR headquarters on July 14.

“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,” TCSAR Director of Aviation Operations Jon Bourke said in a statement. “We wanted independent oversight from the FAA to demonstrate our commitment to safety, professionalism and operational excellence.”

TCSAR completed the Part 133 External Load Operator certification over two years ago, which allows the agency to conduct external load operations safely and legally under FAA oversight. That capability ensures that the program performs under the same regulations as a commercial helicopter operator. TCSAR sought the two certifications voluntarily to demonstrate aviation safety and accountability, as public aircraft operators are not required to obtain these certifications

“Together these certifications signify that TCSAR meets rigorous federal requirements for pilot training, aircraft maintenance, safety management, operational procedures, and organizational oversight,” reads the press release.

TCSAR stated that this new certification required years of developing operating manuals, maintenance programs, pilot training, safety procedures and organizational systems. Comprehensive inspections of personnel, aircraft and facilities were also required. With the completed certifications, the search and rescue aviation program will be subject to ongoing FAA surveillance and oversight to ensure that the highest recognized federal safety standards are maintained.

These credentials seek to strengthen TCSAR’s ability to support federal partners with whom the agency has existing cooperative agreements, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and Bridger-Teton National Forest. TCSAR clarified that it is not entering the commercial aviation business.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.