HNZ Group is constantly making news as we continue to grow and deliver world-class service. Learn more about what we’ve been up to lately by reviewing the following news stories and articles.
CHL Terrace Hosts a Mess Dinner for Local Cadets
Canadian Helicopters’ Terrace base recently hosted a formal Mess Dinner for cadets from the local region. The cadets and officers in attendance were from Prince Rupert (7 Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps/ 7 RCSCC), Kitimat (2556 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps / 2556 RCACC), and Terrace (747 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron / 747 RCACS). A Mess Dinner is a military gathering to enjoy a meal and a speech from a guest of honour while observing mess etiquette and military protocol. The guest of honour for this event was Staff Sergeant Michael Bourguignon, City of Terrace Detachment Commander.
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.
‘Edson Heavies’ Battle Wildfires East of Edson
Canadian Helicopters currently has three heavy-lift Sikorsky S61N helicopters combatting forest fires for the Province of Alberta. All three aircraft are equipped with enhanced firefighting capabilities including underbelly tanks capable of carrying 3.41 metric tons of water and Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) to allow for operations at night. At present, one aircraft is operating at night while the other two are involved with daytime tanking operations.
Canadian Helicopters adds an Airbus H135 to its Fleet
The H135 aircraft has been added to our fleet as a modern, versatile light twin-engine helicopter, capable of performing a full range of missions to meet diverse operational needs from our Terrace Base facility. While its primary focus will be power line maintenance and support missions in Terrace, the H135 will also provide essential services across British Columbia.
The H135 helicopter is well-suited for challenging missions requiring precision and safety. Its single-engine Category A performance makes it ideal for Human External Cargo (HEC) operations, such as power line construction and maintenance tasks, where reliability and stability are critical. Additionally, the H135’s design and capabilities support rescue activities, offering the performance and flexibility needed for efficient and secure operations in demanding environments.
The aircraft will be operational early January 2025.
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.
Antarctic Support Contracts are Back in Action
Summer has arrived in Antarctica and Canadian Helicopters’ support contracts are back in full swing. We have been providing helicopter service in support of scientific research activities in Antarctica for over 30 years. Activities take place during Antarctica’s summer months and may include ship-to-shore shuttles, radar and LIDAR surveys, meteorite hunting, ice reconnaissance, aerial filming/photography, and slinging cargo for camp deployments. Pictured here are members of the French Polar Institute Paul-Émile Victor (IPEV).
Topflight Assists with Rescue of Hiker Cornered by a Wildfire
When a hiker was trapped by the Crater Creek wildfire in Cathedral Park, BC, Canadian Helicopters’ sister company Topflight Elite Training and Charters was called upon to assist. Topflight Instructor Adam Sloan and two members of Penticton Search and Rescue took approximately four hours to complete the rescue using an Airbus AS350B3e. The rescue took place in late August.
Details of the challenging rescue can be found in an article released by Helicopters Magazine: Heroic fire rescue in the face of flames – Helicopters Magazine.
Congratulations to the SkyAlyne Team!
It was recently announced that SkyAlyne was selected as the preferred bidder to deliver the Government of Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program. The FAcT Program is mandated to provide military pilot and aircrew training for the Royal Canadian Airforce and will replace and expand on two existing training programs: The NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) Program and the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) Program.
SkyAlyne is an alliance of Canadian companies and was formed for the purpose of bidding on the FAcT program. Canadian Helicopters is a sub-contractor to SkyAlyne and worked with the bidding group to present a collaborative training solution.
Under the FAcT program, Canadian Helicopters would be responsible for supplying aircraft maintenance and ground handling, material and supply chain management, and flight instruction (in-flight, classroom and simulator). Canadian Helicopters currently provides similar service to the CFTS Program in Southport, Manitoba.
Contract award is anticipated in 2024 for a 26-year term and will result in approximately 75 full-time positions for Canadian Helicopters’ staff. Canadian Helicopters is excited to be a part of a team of professionals dedicated to providing world-class training to RCAF aircrew.
View the SkyAlyne press release here.
Fleet Updates
Canadian Helicopters’ engineers have been hard at work this past winter working on upgrades to the company’s fleet. Pictured above is GOKL (Bell 212) after undergoing some major aircraft and avionics upgrades. The fleet is looking good and is ready for a busy summer season ahead.