Temsco Helicopters, Inc

Temsco Helicopters, Inc., operating from its base at 1650 Maplesden Way in Juneau, has established itself as a significant tour operator for those seeking aerial views and glacier access in Alaska. With decades of experience, the company specializes in high-demand Alaska excursions, primarily focusing on helicopter flights to the vast Juneau Icefield and the iconic Mendenhall Glacier. While the company garners overwhelmingly positive feedback for its spectacular experiences, potential customers should weigh the premium cost and operational realities inherent in Alaskan aviation.

The Core Offerings: Glaciers and Beyond

The primary draw for customers is the direct access to environments that are otherwise unreachable. Temsco's fleet provides several key experiences that define them as a specialized travel agency for adventure tourism. The most popular tours include a glacier landing on the Mendenhall Glacier, where passengers can disembark and walk on the ancient ice. This is often described by patrons as a highlight of their Alaskan trip. The process is highly structured, beginning with a mandatory safety briefing and outfitting guests with specialized glacier boots that fit over their own shoes, ensuring stability and safety on the ice.

Another prominent offering is the combined helicopter tours and dog sledding experience. This tour flies guests to a remote dog camp on the glacier, offering a chance to ride a sled pulled by a team of huskies. This unique combination of flightseeing and a classic Alaskan activity is a major selling point, though it comes at a significant price. For those seeking a more exclusive adventure, Temsco offers a "Pilot's Choice" tour. This option is particularly valued by visitors because of its flexibility; the pilot selects two different landing spots on the Juneau Icefield based on the day's weather and ice conditions. This adaptability not only increases the likelihood of a successful flight in Alaska's notoriously fickle weather but also provides a more personalized and less crowded experience, potentially landing on lesser-known glaciers like the Taku, Herbert, or Norris.

The Customer Experience: A Look at the Pros

Across hundreds of reviews, a consistent theme is the high level of professionalism and safety demonstrated by the Temsco team. Customers frequently praise the entire operation as smooth, systematic, and safe. The staff, from the ground crew to the pilots, are noted for being friendly and helpful. The helicopters are consistently described as clean and well-maintained, featuring large windows that are crucial for the primary purpose of the trip: sightseeing. The company states it is part of the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) and that its pilots exceed minimum FAA requirements, adding a layer of assurance for travelers.

The on-glacier portion of the tours is also highly rated. Guides lead guests on a designated path, sharing information about the glacial environment and pointing out features like crevasses from a safe distance. A small but memorable detail often mentioned by patrons is the opportunity to taste pure glacier water directly from the source. This structured approach ensures safety, as wandering freely on a glacier is extremely hazardous due to hidden cracks and unstable terrain.

Critical Considerations: The Cons and Caveats

The most significant barrier for many potential customers is the cost. Phrases like "very pricey" and "hefty price" are common in reviews, even from those who ultimately felt the experience was worthwhile. These are premium adventure travel experiences with a price tag to match. Prospective clients should be prepared for a substantial financial commitment. Some visitors have suggested that booking directly with Temsco might offer better value compared to purchasing the tour as a shore excursion through a cruise line, where the price may be higher and the duration on the glacier feels shorter for the money spent.

The second major factor is the weather. All flightseeing tours in Alaska are entirely weather-dependent. Cancellations can and do happen, sometimes at the last minute. While disappointing, this is an unavoidable reality for safety reasons. Some negative feedback stems from frustration over cancelled tours, though most understand it is a necessary precaution. The "Pilot's Choice" tour is often recommended as a way to mitigate this risk, as its flexible itinerary provides more options for the pilot to find clear weather and safe landing zones.

Finally, it is crucial for customers to have realistic expectations about the on-glacier experience. Due to safety protocols, the time on the ice is limited (often around 15-20 minutes per landing) and restricted to a small, secured area. This is not an extensive hiking trip but rather a controlled landing to witness the environment up close. Additionally, there are strict rules about what can be brought on the helicopter; items like purses, backpacks, and even selfie sticks are generally not permitted to ensure safety and comfort within the aircraft's cabin.

Safety Record and Company History

Founded in 1958, Temsco (an acronym for Timber, Exploration, Mining, Survey, Cargo Operations) has a long history in Alaska, evolving from an industrial support company to a leading tour operator. This extensive operational history in challenging terrain is a significant asset. However, like any long-standing aviation company operating in difficult conditions, it is not without incident. Public records from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) show past accidents, including a fatal crash near Skagway in 2016 attributed to the pilot's decision to fly in poor weather and a non-fatal incident in 1999 near Juneau where a helicopter was destroyed during a landing on the ice field in flat light and snowy conditions. While such events are rare relative to the vast number of flights conducted, they underscore the inherent risks of Alaska travel and the critical importance of the strict weather-related safety protocols the company now enforces.

Conclusion

Temsco Helicopters, Inc. offers a highly sought-after and professionally executed service for tourists in Juneau. The opportunity to land on a glacier and experience dog sledding tours is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime event. The company's strengths lie in its structured safety procedures, professional staff, and unique tour options like the "Pilot's Choice." However, the high cost is a major consideration, and customers must be prepared for the possibility of weather-related cancellations. For travelers who understand the price point and the operational constraints, Temsco provides a memorable and highly-rated way to experience the immense scale and beauty of Alaska's glaciers.