SHERIDAN, Wyoming – Nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Bighorn Airways has evolved from an agricultural spraying service into a premier, multi-faceted aviation company at Sheridan County Airport (KSHR). With over 75 years of continuous service, the team has consistently delivered operational excellence and personal attention at its full-service FBO.
“Our staff and line personnel are dedicated to ensuring our customers’ needs are met. Trained with the highest standards, they demonstrate professionalism day in and day out,” says Dennis Keesling, Director of Operations.
The same commitment to excellence has driven Bighorn Airways to expand its fleet, diversify its services, increase its capabilities, and deepen its relationships across the aviation industry along the way.
A Culture Rooted in Genuine Hospitality is Creating the “Sheridan Experience”
While the sweeping views of the Bighorn Mountains capture attention from the sky, it’s what happens on the ground that visitors remember most. At Bighorn Airways, hospitality isn’t an afterthought; it’s a philosophy woven into every detail of the operation. The team has earned a reputation for genuine warmth and attentiveness, turning routine services into memorable moments.
“You know you’ve made a real connection when a customer feels like we genuinely care, not just about their aircraft, but about them,” reflects Customer Service Manager Amber Thomas. “That spirit of care is what defines the ‘Sheridan Experience’.”
It shows in small, thoughtful gestures: windshields cleaned before a pilot can ask, cars pre-warmed and waiting on cold winter mornings, or line crews moving with seamless precision to ensure a safe, rapid ramp service. But it also shows in the deeper commitment to treating every visitor like a valuable customer, anticipating needs before they’re voiced, and offering a level of attentiveness that feels personal rather than transactional.
For the Bighorn Airways team, these actions aren’t boxes to check. They’re an extension of who they are. Employees take pride in building trust, creating comfort, and making sure every arrival and departure ends on a high note.
Ultimately, the Sheridan Experience is less about a single interaction and more about the culture that inspires it: thoughtful, intentional hospitality that lingers long after takeoff and keeps people coming back to Bighorn Airways again and again.
Being Mission Ready Earns Trust and Valuable Partnerships
From wildland firefighting with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to critical air transport and logistics, Bighorn Airways has built a reputation for showing up where few others can.
Whether delivering rapid disaster relief or navigating some of the most remote and rugged terrain, its aircraft and crews are trusted to provide fast, safe, and reliable support when it matters most.
That record of performance has earned the company valuable, long-standing partnerships across government and emergency response operations. The team has delivered unmatched expertise and operational support across a wide range of missions throughout the Continental United States, Alaska, and Africa. For more than four decades, Bighorn Airways has been a go-to partner for federal and state agencies as well as private-sector clients who depend on proven mission readiness.
This legacy began in the 1980s, when Bighorn expanded into government contracting, allowing it to support vital smoke jumper programs. Now, Bighorn is proud to provide the critical air support needed to get these highly trained firefighters where they’re needed most.
The company has continually strengthened its capabilities through strategic advancements. For instance, the Commercial Airlift Review Board certification in 2015 allowed Bighorn to provide airlift services for the Department of Defense (DoD), including cargo and personnel transport. As a DoD-approved air carrier, Bighorn is equipped and authorized to support government, defense, and humanitarian missions—anytime, anywhere.
Another significant milestone was achieved in 2018 when Bighorn Airways acquired its first DeHavilland DHC-8, marking a leap forward in wildfire response efforts. Bighorn Airways’ fleet now specializes in smoke jumper missions, personnel recovery, and casualty evacuation operational versatility.
Today, Bighorn Airways continues to demonstrate why it is trusted in moments of urgency: by pairing decades of experience with a deep commitment to readiness, precision and safety.
A Full-Service FBO and Part 145 Maintenance Facility Meets Today’s Increasing Demands
As part of its expansive operations at Sheridan County Airport, Bighorn Airways offers full-service FBO capabilities, fueled by Phillips 66® Aviation and its longtime fuel marketer CityServiceValcon. Combined with its trusted FAA Part 145 Maintenance Facility, Bighorn Airways brings together convenience, precision, and reliability under one roof.
“We are delighted to have the best FBO operations team in the business,” said Penny Rader, Director of FBO Services. Penny added, “And with the confidence Phillips 66® Aviation and CityServiceValcon give us, our operational excellence is enhanced.”
Whether it’s a quick turn or an extended stay, the Bighorn team ensures every detail is handled with care. Pilots receive personalized, real-time support from pre-positioned GPU and lav services to seamless fueling and departure coordination, and aircraft up to the size of a Gulfstream G550 can be comfortably housed on-site, offering both protection and convenience.
Spanning more than 75,000 square feet, the facility is thoughtfully designed to support a wide range of aviation needs. The space includes 5,000 square feet dedicated to the FBO, over 43,300 square feet of hangar space, and 25,500 square feet allocated to maintenance operations. All visitors benefit from streamlined access to both concierge-level ground services and expert aircraft maintenance.
On the maintenance side, the Part 145 maintenance, also known as the FAA Part 145 Repair Station, delivers comprehensive inspections, repairs, and modifications for fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft under 12,550 lbs. Bighorn Airways serves general aviation, corporate operators, and transient customers with a commitment to safety, speed, and service excellence.
Since earning its Part 145 certificate in the 1960s, Bighorn has built a reputation for delivering meticulous care and mission-ready reliability. Today, that legacy continues with a team of highly trained, FAA-certified technicians dedicated to keeping aircraft flying safely and efficiently.
Growing with Purpose, Positioned for the Future
Growing from a strong foundation of people, performance, and mission readiness, Bighorn Airways is advancing with precision and passion for aviation. In just the past few years, the Sheridan County FBO has doubled its team and expanded its capabilities—strengthening its reach and positioning the company to meet rising demand and deliver lasting impact well into the future.
Looking ahead, Bighorn Airways is committed to deepening its role as a trusted partner in aviation. The company continues to adapt to shifting demand, anticipate customer needs, and serve on the front lines of defense, humanitarian support, and commercial operations. With every milestone, Bighorn Airways demonstrates its promise to grow with purpose, lead with excellence, and deliver when it matters most.
For more information about Bighorn Airways, visit https://www.bighornairways.com.