Flying high: Alaska's passenger/air cargo service companies: span the great land.

• Author: Morgan, Barbara

Whether flying cargo, mail, passengers or parts, Alaska's air cargo and passenger service companies remain flexible, meeting the diverse needs of the people of Alaska. Many operate 24-7 and are available at a moment's notice. Here's a sampling of what a few companies offer.

F.S. AIR SERVICE

A Woman-Owned Small Alaska Business

Sandi Saltz-Butler owns F.S. Air Service, a business she began with her late husband Floyd Saltz in 1986. F.S. Air Service started its business in Alaska with one airplane and one pilot. It now has six aircraft: two Lear jets, one Fairchild Merlin III B (as a dedicated medevac aircraft for Alaska Regional Hospital), two Fairchild Metroliners and one CASA 212-200. F.S. Air also is working to expand its fleet by adding a Cessna Citation.

Awarded a Department of Defense contract to transport military and civilian contractors, including Air Force distinguished visitors to more than 22 remote sites throughout Alaska, F.S. Air Service recently provided services for the 11th Air Force staff to Eareckson Air Station located in Shemya and King Salmon Air Station.

F.S. Air Service flies cargo to Fair banks Tuesday through Friday for United Parcel Service. It flies to Kodiak Monday through Friday for FedEx.

F.S. Air Service provides an air ambulance for Alaska Regional Hospital. This service involves having a FAA approval process for medical equipment. The hospital plane contains all the equipment necessary for an emergency room.

In the summer months, F.S. Air Service flies to Good News River Lodge with the CASA. What is unique about this trip is that the CASA can fly 19 passengers and 2,000 pounds of gear in one trip instead of having to make a separate trip, or two trips.

A FAA-certified Part 145 Repair Station, F.S. Air Service can work on all types of aircraft. This involves specialized equipment and certified mechanics.

F.S. Air Service is a Star member of the Medallion Foundation, a nonprofit aviation safety organization whose mission is to promote higher standards of operation for participating Alaska air carriers through research, education, auditing and advocacy. A safety program with simulator training and risk management, the Medallion program performs an internal audit on companies to make sure they incorporate safety principals. Safety core values are promoted, as well as continuous development of all trained professionals, hazard identification and root-cause analysis.

Sen. Ted Stevens has endorsed the Medallion Foundation by advising travelers in Alaska...