Sierra Pacific Airlines
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Chris Condon, Allan Silliphant |
| Headquarters | Tucson, Arizona , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Passenger charter services, sub-charters for commercial carriers, US Forest Service, military units, law enforcement agencies |
Sierra Pacific Airlines is a charter airline based in the United States, with its main office located in Tucson, Arizona. It specializes in providing passenger charter services and sub-charters for commercial carriers, the United States Forest Service, military units, and law enforcement agencies utilizing jet aircraft. In the past, the airline offered scheduled passenger flights within the western United States using propeller-driven and turboprop airplanes.
History
Established in 1970 as Trans Sierra Airlines by business partners Chris Condon and Allan Silliphant, the airline was initially funded through earnings from their film projects. Following approval from the FAA to operate larger planes, it was rebranded as Sierra Pacific Airlines in 1971. The airline’s early operations were inspired by Aspen Airways, featuring aircraft such as Piper Aztecs, Cessna 402s, and eventually a 44-seat Convair 440. Its routes originated from Hollywood Burbank Airport and included cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Fresno, Mammoth Lakes, and San Jose.
In 1973, ownership transferred to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, which expanded winter service offerings using Convair 580 and Handley Page Jetstream turboprop planes on flights connecting Mammoth Lakes to major urban centers. The ski resort later sold its stake in the airline.
Sierra Pacific also operated de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters under authority from California’s Public Utilities Commission and maintained interstate exemptions granted by the CAB. By 1976, the company had transitioned to Mountain West Aviation and became wholly owned by the Sierra Pacific Group.
From 1986 through 1988, Sierra Pacific flew two Convair 580 aircraft on behalf of Trans-Colorado Airlines under the Continental Express brand. These planes served regional routes out of Denver and briefly Albuquerque, displaying full Continental Airlines branding.
Garfield Thorsrud served as President for many years until his death in 2014. As the founder of Mountain West Aviation, Thorsrud provided strategic direction drawing on his experience as a smokejumper and CIA operative, enhancing the airline’s operational capabilities.
Fleet
As of December 2022, Sierra Pacific Airlines operates a fleet that includes the Boeing 737-500. Throughout its history, the airline has utilized various aircraft types such as the Cessna 402, Convair 440, Convair 580, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, Handley Page Jetstream (HP.137), and the Boeing 737-200. This assortment of aircraft reflects shifts in its business approach and operational focus over time.
Destinations in 1976
In November 1976, Sierra Pacific Airlines maintained scheduled passenger services to several regional destinations using Convair 580 and Handley Page Jetstream turboprop aircraft. These included:
- Bishop, CA (BIH)
- Fresno, CA (FAT)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Mammoth Lakes, CA (MMH)
- Reno, NV (RNO)
Earlier that year, flights also operated to Burbank, CA (BUR) and Las Vegas, NV (LAS), highlighting its regional coverage.
Incidents
On March 13, 1974, a Sierra Pacific Airlines Convair 440 tragically crashed near the White Mountains shortly after taking off from Eastern Sierra Regional Airport. All 36 individuals on board, including a film crew working for Wolper Productions, lost their lives. This accident is among the three unresolved investigations by the NTSB, as no conclusive cause has been determined despite the recovered footage being aired under the title Primal Man. This tragedy represents a notable element in the airline's operational history and risk considerations.