Idaho Aviation Company Soars

At Hillcrest Aircraft Company, caring for the skies isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. This aviation ace not only offers air travel, it also helps protect forests from wildfires, and so much more.

The company took flight under the wings of Jerry Wilson in 1956, and has been soaring as a family-owned business ever since. The Lewiston, Idaho, company’s aircraft take to the skies in the 48 contiguous United States and Alaska. Their specialty aviation services include firefighting, forest management, power line maintenance, general construction, air taxi service, aerial photography and sightseeing tours.

Founded with four Stearman bi-wing crop dusters, the business soon added firefighting services using World War II aircraft, including six B-25s, five B26s, six Grumman TBMs and one B-24. In 1960, Hillcrest became a Cessna dealer and the following year sold the most single engine Cessna aircraft in the United States. They also added an outside maintenance facility for fixed-wing aircraft and by the end of the decade had a fleet of 10 Bell helicopters.

Each decade has brought more growth and advancement. In addition to fighting large wildfires, Hillcrest has been involved in high-profile missions and projects. They contracted with the U.S. Geological Survey during the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens and were selected by the Department of the Interior to provide 10 helicopters as security for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. They’ve provided helicopter services for TV commercials, movies and TV productions.

Today the company is managed by the next two generations: founder Jerry’s son Gale Wilson is president and Gale’s son Keith White is vice president. They oversee a massive fleet. In addition to the Lewiston headquarters, the company operates a satellite location in Orofino, Idaho.

We’ve been honored to serve Hillcrest as a client since 1996. To learn more about the business, visit the Hillcrest Aircraft website.