Helicopters do the job that no one else will do, and Erickson does the job that no other helicopter would do.
December 17, 2021 marked 50 years of operation for Erickson Incorporated. In honor of this milestone, we have curated this page to highlight our employees, successes, and innovations.
From Legacy to Legendary – Corporate Video Trailer
Building the Future of Aerospace
Erickson’s 50th Anniversary Video by RotorcraftPro
Why We Love Working at Erickson
Being surrounded by highly qualified and experienced coworkers. The drive and shared desire to be part of a winning team.
– Aaron (Jess) Stolp, Avionics and Electrical Design/Engineering
I enjoy the people I work with and having the ability to expand and learn more.
– Steve Derry, senior manager of airworthiness compliance and CASS
The relationships built in the industry from a personal and professional level – I pride myself on those relationships. Maintaining those is a big part of the sales world. I have developed great personal friendships from this professional role. I wouldn’t have met these folks and had these opportunities – Erickson has given me exposure in all kinds of industries.
– Steve Reavis, commercial sales manager
The long-term employee relationships and that it is always our ability to innovate. There is a tremendous opportunity. The aircraft is a Swiss Army utility knife; it has the opportunity to be used in many applications.
– Ralph Sembach, customer tech support manager
The feeling of success for the company for the projects that I work on. I feel successful in my position, and I feel it helps the company overall.
– Chris Erickson, senior quality manager
Helping to keep a legendary helicopter flying.
– Mark Wiltrout, senior tech for fuel control/aircraft mechanic
Defining Moments
Take a look at some of our defining moments. Select a milestone to learn more.
“Erickson Air-Crane” founded
On December 17, 1971, Jack Erickson founded Erickson Air-Crane. He pioneered heli-logging techniques and expanded into powerline construction and firefighting. Over the next couple of years, he purchased three S-64E from Sikorsky Aircraft Co.
Anti-Rotation Device Invented
Erickson invented this device to stabilize loads, improving the HVAC service performance, and granting finesse which allowed the company to enter into building powerline towers.
Erickson Becomes S-64 OEM & IP-Holder
Erickson purchased the rights to the S-64 from Sikorsky Aircraft, became the sole manufacturer and type certificate holder, and dubbed it the S-64 Air Crane® aircraft. The first production F-model rolled off the production line at the Erickson facility in Central Point, Oregon.
Water Cannon Invented
Another innovation in aerial firefighting, Erickson developed a way to get water to the fires in a more precise way without disturbing the balance of the helicopter.
Sea Snorkel & Hydraulic Grapple Invented
This “Sea Snorkel” allowed for dynamic filling of the fire suppression tank with salt water from oceans and other water sources, great for conserving fuel and reaching more remote fires. Meanwhile, the hydraulic grapple eliminated the need for ground crew in logging operations, now entirely operable by the pilot, greatly increasing safety.
Implemented Night Vision Goggles
The first S-64 to include a night Vision goggle capabilities was developed by Erickson, meaning aerial rescues and firefighting were now much more feasible at night.
Launched Composite Main Rotor Blade Program
One of Erickson’s most recent innovations, these new rotor blades improve the performance and extend the life of helicopters equipped with them.
ACQUIRED TYPE CERTIFICATES FOR THE BELL 214ST AND B/B1 HELICOPTERS
Erickson and Bell Textron Inc. announced signed agreements to initiate the transfer of Type Certificates for the Bell 214ST and B/B1 Helicopters.
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