We are a seasoned team of professionals energized by challenge and motivated to excel.
Since inception we have been engaged in all facets of helicopter operations, offering nationwide operation capabilities including but not limited to:
- Aerial Crane Services
- Aerial Firefighting
- Aircraft Recovery
- Christmas Tree Harvest
- Aerial Seeding and Mulch
- Fire Rehabilitation Work
- Frost Control
- Power Line Construction
- HVAC
- Pipe Line Construction
- Ski Lift Construction
- Zip Line Construction
- Search and Rescue
Rugged Mountain Aviation is certificated by the FAA for Part 133 and Part 137 operations.
We are a small business owned and operated by Curt Kelsey and Mario Nickl, whose combined flight experience spans over 60 years and 30,000 accident and incident free flight hours. Both have extensive mountain and external load experience, including many years of technical high angle rescue operations at some of the highest altitudes in the Continental US. Mario is a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner for the FAA) and Curt’s resume includes having been the FAR 133 Chief Pilot for an Aeromedical Rescue Operation with hoist capabilities.
Great service speaks for itself
“I have been in the powerline business for well over 40 years and I have to say that Mario of Rugged Mountain Aviation is the best pilot I have flown with. Not only can he work the helicopter, but he ensures the absolute safety of every detail relating to the mission.”
Jay Johnson - Rocky Mountain Power
“I have known and worked with Mario from Rugged Mountain Aviation for the last 26 years. He has conducted the most challenging projects with efficiency, precision, and utmost safety. Due to his vast experience, he has been able to guide and give us technical advice when needed. It is a great pleasure to work with such professionals.”
Andy Tanner - Tooele County Emergency Management
“Mario, Jeff, and Curt are some of the best pilots I’ve had the honor to fly with. We are always in the most rugged terrain and poor weather conditions.[While] being on the end of a 150-foot-long line in these conditions…I trust these pilots 100%. They have unbelievable skills, knowledge, and experience for our challenging missions!”
Josh Tatro - Tip Top Search and Rescue
“Both Curt Kelsey and Mario Nickl have flown myself and other team members into the rugged and unforgiving Wind River mountain range on some very technical rescues. They are without a doubt two of the very best! I would fly with and do missions with either of them any day.”
Lesta Erickson - TTSAR Member/EMT
“We have subcontracted with Rugged Mountain aviation several times and have been extremely pleased with their professionalism and efficiency.”
Ben Schumacher - Timberland Helicopters
There's no substitute for experience
We are a seasoned team of professionals energized by challenge and motivated to excel. Driven by a creative, solution-oriented mindset, we approach every relationship with the same diligence and drive to exceed our customer’s needs. We believe that no challenge is too great and no detail too small. That our customer’s success is our own. And that at the end of the day, our safety culture is the guiding principle of everything we do.
Our pilots, maintenance engineers and administrative staff are the reason for the success of our organization. Each pilot is trained to the highest standards and carded with the USFS (United States Forest Service) and DOI (Department of the Interior).
Curt Kelsey
President
