Taquan Air

Taquan Air has operated in Southeast Alaska's challenging and scenic environment for nearly half a century, establishing itself as a key player in the region's aviation sector. Based in Ketchikan, this travel agency specializes in both scheduled passenger service and the kind of stunning flightseeing excursions that define many visitors' Alaskan experience. The company primarily operates a fleet of classic, refurbished DeHavilland Beaver and Otter floatplanes, offering a unique perspective on the vast wilderness, most notably the Misty Fjords National Monument. However, a comprehensive look at Taquan Air reveals a company with a celebrated service record and a deeply concerning safety history, presenting a complex picture for potential customers.

The Premier Flightseeing Experience

For many travelers, particularly those arriving on Alaskan cruises, a floatplane tour is a bucket-list item. Taquan Air has built its reputation on delivering this quintessential Alaskan adventure. Customer feedback consistently praises the core experience: the unparalleled aerial views of granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes that are largely inaccessible by other means. The thrill of taking off from and landing on the water is a frequently cited highlight, offering a novel experience even for seasoned travelers.

The company appears to excel in operational logistics. Reviewers, including those who booked through major cruise lines, describe the process as well-organized and smooth. This efficiency is crucial for the many passengers who are on the tight schedules of Ketchikan shore excursions. Taquan Air's private, state-of-the-art facility near the Ketchikan waterfront, complete with a passenger lounge and gift shop, further enhances the customer experience from check-in to departure. The aircraft themselves are a point of pride; the company notes its fleet has been overhauled to ensure every passenger has a window seat, a critical detail for a sightseeing business.

Pilots and Personnel

A significant strength highlighted in numerous positive reviews is the quality of the pilots. They are frequently described not just as skilled aviators but as professional, friendly, and knowledgeable commentators. These pilots provide context to the immense landscapes below, enriching the flight with details about the region's geography and history. The characterization of Taquan Air as a well-run, family-owned business with happy and helpful staff suggests a positive company culture that translates into a welcoming atmosphere for its clients.

Critical Considerations and Drawbacks

While the scenic rewards are high, prospective customers must weigh several significant factors. The most immediate consideration is cost; seaplane tours are a premium product with a price tag to match. For those on a tight budget, this can be a prohibitive expense. Furthermore, all flights are subject to Alaska's notoriously fickle weather. Cancellations or altered flight paths due to fog, rain, or low clouds are a real possibility, which can be a major disappointment for travelers with a limited time in port.

An Unavoidable Look at Safety

The most serious consideration for any potential Taquan Air customer is the company's safety record. While aviation in Alaska is inherently riskier than in other regions due to challenging terrain and weather, Taquan Air's history includes multiple serious and fatal accidents. In May 2019, the company was involved in two separate fatal crashes within a week, prompting it to temporarily suspend all operations. One of these was a catastrophic mid-air collision with another operator's aircraft during a sightseeing tour, and the other involved a commuter flight that overturned on landing. These followed another serious, though non-fatal, accident in 2018.

Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into the 2019 incidents pointed to several contributing factors. The mid-air collision highlighted the limitations of the "see-and-avoid" principle in high-traffic tour areas and issues with the aircraft's collision-avoidance technology. The NTSB found that a system on the Taquan plane was not broadcasting its altitude, and the pilot's view was obstructed. The landing accident was attributed to the pilot's inexperience with the specific crosswind conditions at the destination. NTSB reports also raised concerns about inadequate FAA oversight of operators in the region during that period.

Safety Enhancements and Current Status

In the aftermath of these tragedies, significant scrutiny was placed on Taquan Air and regional aviation practices. The company has since taken steps to overhaul its safety protocols, becoming one of the few Part 135 operators in Alaska to implement an FAA-approved Safety Management System (SMS). An SMS is a formal, proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks. Taquan Air now publicly emphasizes its commitment to safety, detailing its rigorous, phased inspection programs and adherence to the highest maintenance standards on its website. Following the incidents, the company has also voiced support for stricter federal regulations for the Ketchikan air tour industry to enhance overall safety in the region.

Conclusion: A Calculated Decision

Choosing to fly with Taquan Air involves weighing a premier, highly-rated sightseeing experience against a documented and concerning safety history. The company offers what is, by many accounts, a spectacular and well-managed tourist attraction, providing a unique form of adventure travel that for many is the highlight of their Alaska vacation packages. The positive customer reviews regarding the pilots, staff, and overall organization are compelling.

However, the incidents of 2018 and 2019 cannot be overlooked. While the company has since implemented a formal safety management system and resumed full operations, the past events remain a critical part of its story. Potential flyers must decide if these subsequent safety enhancements are sufficient to mitigate the inherent risks of flying in the Alaskan wilderness. The decision is a personal one, balancing the allure of an unforgettable aerial journey with the gravity of the company's past.