About Us
Backcountry Aviation is an air charter company which is locally owned and operated. We are located at the Grangeville County Airport in the small town of Grangeville, Idaho, and specialize in Idaho’s backcountry destinations and flight seeing tours over some of the most awe inspiring country in America. We offer hunters, fisherman, sightseers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to get into the heart of Idaho and enjoy a mountain flying adventure like no other.
Another key component of Backcountry Aviation during the summer months is our role in fighting forest fires in the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests. We are contracted out by the U.S. Forest Service as “spotter” planes in search of fires and for recon and re-supply missions into back country airstrips for the hosts of firefighters and other Forest Service employees.
Whatever the reason for your flight, we have the experience, skill, and desire to help you accomplish it.
Backcountry Aviation, Inc.
We'll take you where few have ever been !!
About Our Pilots
Rick Tidwell - Owner, Operator, and Pilot: Rick was born and raised on a ranch outside of Cottonwood, Idaho, 12 miles north of Grangeville. After graduating high school he became a Warrant Officer flying Cobra Helicopters in the U.S. Army and earned an aeronautical degree from Embry Riddle. He then transitioned to Fixed Wing Aircraft and flew for Era Aviation based in Anchorage, Alaska. Most of his 8 years at Era was spent flying in the Alaskan bush, based in Bethel, under some of the most extreme and hazardous weather conditions anywhere. Eventually the call of home influenced him to give up Alaska and take a job flying out of Grangeville where he continues to fly the “Jump Ship” for the U.S. Forest Service Smoke Jumpers aside from flying for his own company, Backcountry Aviation. Dropping the smoke jumpers and their supplies onto the wilderness fires entails low level flying in unpredictable winds, poor visibility due to smoke, and dealing with lots of air fire traffic. Rick has earned a great reputation for his skill, experience, and safety record.
Jim Kopczynski – Chief Pilot and Director of Maintenance: Jim was born and raised in Idaho and then spent 14 years in the United States Air Force. After his years of service in the military, he flew in the Alaskan bush for several years before coming home to Idaho where he worked as an aircraft mechanic and pilot for a backcountry operator around the Middle Fork of the Salmon River country before coming to work for Backcountry Aviation.
*Safety is always our main priority. We will get you where you want to go but only when and if we can get you there safely.
Backcountry Aviation operates two aircraft – a Cessna 205 and a Cessna 206. Both aircraft have six seats and can haul up to five passengers depending on the weight restrictions for the flight.
Our aircraft undergo rigorous maintenance and safety inspections on a routine basis. Safety is always our main priority!
Our Airplanes
