Canadian Helicopters Battles Wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador
With four wildfires burning out of control in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Helicopters has dispatched five aircraft (one heavy-lift Sikorsky S-61 and four Airbus AS350B2) to assist with the suppression efforts. At the time of posting, three aircraft were assigned to the Martin Lake fire, one was assigned to Paddy’s Pond, and one was assigned to the Kingston fire.
NVIS and Tank Equipped Sikorsky S-61N Aircraft Battling Fires in Western Canada (UPDATED)
UPDATE (August 23, 2024): BC Wildfire Service have produced a video showcasing Canadian Helicopters’ NVIS firefighting service. Watch: How we use night vision technology
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May 30, 2024: For the 2024 wildfire season, Canadian Helicopters has upgraded two of its Sikorsky S61N helicopters with enhanced firefighting capabilities.
Both aircraft are now equipped with a Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) and a belly tank with a carrying capacity of 900 US gallons, which enable the crew to operate at night wearing Night Vision Goggles (NVG). NVIS/NVG allows the aircraft and crew to continue fighting active wildfires into the overnight period. Prior to this technology, wildfire suppression activities would have been paused until the daylight hours.
NVGs can also detect heat sources thanks to their sensitivity in the near infrared spectrum which allows pilots to accurately focus their retardant drops at the source of the fire. Night operations offer enhanced conditions in terms of lighter winds, cooler temperatures, and higher relative humidity which decreases fire activity. Combined with the near absence of other air traffic, the operation proves effective in protecting critical assets.
Since early May, both aircraft have been working on fire suppression activities in the northern parts of British Columbia and Alberta.
Humanitarian Support for Families in Ukraine.
When Canadian Helicopters’ employees donated to the Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal Fund, the company matched the donation to make a total donation of $15,170.00 to help those affected by the war in Ukraine. As we head into winter, our thoughts remain with the families and communities impacted during these troubling times.
Celebrating 75 Years (1947-2022)
2022 is a monumental year in Canadian Helicopters’ history. On April 18th of this year, Canadian Helicopters celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its incorporation.
Our story began in 1947 when three Royal Canadian Air Force veterans (Barney Bent, Carl Agar, and Alf Stringer) purchased a Bell 47B3 helicopter, call sign CF-FZX, and founded Okanagan Air Services Ltd. Their vision was to provide orchards and farmland in British Columbia with an innovative form of pest control by way of aerial spraying and dusting. Little did they know, their modest concept would grow into a remarkable legacy.
From those humble beginnings, the company transformed and grew. A series of mergers, acquisitions (and at times disposals) involved some notable Canadian and international helicopter companies: Viking, Associated, Sealand, and Helicopters New Zealand, to name a few. The company also grew to include a maintenance, repair and support business which forms a substantial part of its activities today. Canadian Helicopters developed and mastered safe mountain flying techniques as well as advanced operational and Night Vision Goggle training, now delivered though its sister company, Topflight Elite Training and Charter. Ownership of Canadian Helicopters has changed throughout its history including both public and private ownership. Canadian Helicopters, in its recent form, has provided services in many parts of the world including Canada, Asia, Asia Pacific, Antarctica and the United States.
Today, Canadian Helicopters is privately owned and employs over 400 employees through its subsidiaries. The enduring success of the company can largely be attributed to the dedication of those employees, both past and present, and the support of our customers, some of whom have been with us since the very early years. Thank you for your ongoing support through the decades.
Please join me in celebrating a significant year in Canadian Helicopters’ history.
Don Wall
President and CEO
Canadian Helicopters Limited