When a downed aircraft is inaccessible by ground, HiLine Helicopters delivers the precision flight operations and external load expertise to bring it out — safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the site.
Call Us Now: 770-727-2727 Get a Free Aircraft Recovery QuoteRemote terrain, dense wilderness, steep elevation, or post-incident site conditions can make conventional ground recovery impossible or cost-prohibitive. A helicopter changes the equation entirely.
Advantages Over Ground Recovery:
Speed: Reach remote sites in hours, not days.
Precision: Lift and transport downed aircraft with longline and vertical reference operations.
Access Anywhere: Mountains, forests, swamps, and rugged backcountry — no road required.
Reduced Secondary Damage: Proper rigging and controlled lifts protect the airframe from further damage during extraction.
FAA Part 133 External Load Operations for Aircraft Recovery
Our crews are FAA Part 133-certified and trained in precision longline and vertical reference operations — the same skill set that makes our team uniquely qualified to recover downed aircraft in the most challenging environments.
We Handle:
Downed helicopter recovery, fixed-wing aircraft recovery, remote and wilderness site extractions, post-incident scene support, and recovery coordination for insurance investigations.
Operational Range:
Operations across the contiguous U.S. and Alaska, with experience in remote Cascade Mountain terrain and nationwide deployment for time-sensitive recovery missions.
We work directly with:
Aircraft Owners & Operators: Get your aircraft extracted quickly and with the care it deserves — whether insured or self-pay.
Aviation Insurance Companies: We coordinate directly with adjusters and investigators to support post-incident recovery and documentation needs.
Government & Federal Agencies: City, state, and federal agencies trust HiLine for sensitive and time-critical recovery operations.
Search & Rescue Organizations: Our emergency shorthaul and mountain rescue experience makes us a natural partner for multi-agency recovery efforts.
With over 40 years of flight experience, HiLine Helicopters has built a reputation for safe, precise operations in conditions that would ground other operators. Every aircraft recovery is approached with the same rigorous planning and safety standards that define all of our external load work.
Our team manages every phase: site assessment, rigging and load calculations, FAA coordination, ground safety crew, and post-lift transport logistics.
From First Call to Full Recovery in 3 Steps
Request a Recovery Quote: Share the aircraft type, incident location, site conditions, and your timeline. We’ll assess feasibility and respond quickly.
Site Assessment & Mission Planning: Our team evaluates the recovery site, calculates load requirements, coordinates FAA permits, and plans the safest extraction approach.
Recovery Day: Our experienced crew executes the lift and transport with precision — protecting your aircraft and the surrounding environment throughout.
