PHOTO: DAMIEN FOURNIER, CONAIR Q400
Hope Aero Canada’s Leading Aircraft Component Maintenance Specialist
Hope Aero is Canada’s leading aircraft component maintenance specialist, optimally located to serve Canadian operators best. We focus on propellers, wheels & brakes repair & overhaul, dynamic balancing and NDT. At Hope Aero, “Our Team Cares About Maintaining Flight Safety.”
We support the newest high tech composite propellers, military and vintage aircraft propellers. We consistently hold ourselves to higher standards & work to tighter tolerances than required by manufacturers’ specifications. We apply our own additional requirements based on experience to the standards we meet.
Hope Aero has broadened its skills and expertise to include aviation wheel & brake overhaul and service. With more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of wheel and brake manufacturers Hope Aero is now the country’s leading component overhaul specialist in this sector. Our shop can currently turn 80 wheels & brakes per day and has the capacity to increase to meet demand.
Hope Aero is an authorized distributor of the Honeywell-Chadwick Dynamic Balancing product line. Our Dynamic Balancing specialists can provide on-demand balancing services that provide a “snap shot” of propeller / rotor balance conditions. Our “snap shot”readings allow for immediate, actionable maintenance to be preformed to improve balance & performance.
The Aerial Firefighting Directory, presented by Wings, Helicopters and UAV Canada features key suppliers of aircraft, equipment and services for the aerial firefighting sector. The directory also includes a range of rotary- and fixed-wing operators involved in emergency forestry services, as well key North American agencies and associations for the sector. As many companies involved in aerial firefighting, such as Babcock, Conair and Coulson, provide a range of services from developing and modifying aircraft to also operating and maintaining both rotary-and fixed-wing fleets for fire suppression, as well as training, they have been included here in their primary operating category.
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
AIR TRACTOR
Olney, TX, airtractor.com
> Tracing its roots back to 1951 when founder Leland Snow designed his first ag airplane, Air Tractor today focuses its firefighting production around two aircraft, including: The AT-802F Initial Attack Firefighter, powered by powerful a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67AG turbine, and the AT-802F Fire Boss Amphibious Scooper Air Tanker designed to deliver up to 14,000 gallons per hour for extended attack or ground support.
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
Marignane, France, airbuscanada.ca
> Airbus Helicopters employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide. Its fleet in service includes nearly 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers across 150 countries. Its U.S. affiliate is headquartered in Grand Prairie, Texas, while Airbus Helicopters Canada operates out of a 138,000-square-foot facility in Fort Erie, ON. In addition to hundreds of older-generation platforms in use to fight fires, the company's full range of helicopters can be integrated for fire suppression.
BELL TEXTRON
Fort Worth, TX, bellflight.com
> Bell, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron, is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned verticallift aircraft. It serves Bell customers in more than 120 countries, with its Canadian facility in Mirabel, QC, serving as a key contributor to Bell’s 505 and 429 helicopter production chain. In addition to a large legacy fleet fighting fires, Bell in 2018 introduced its 407GXi as a new platform for potential fire suppression integration.
DART AEROSPACE
Montreal, Quebec, dartaerospace.com
> DART, in operation for more than 40 years, has become one of the world’s largest rotor-
craft accessories providers, offering a comprehensive and diversified product portfolio through regulator approved certifications. Major helicopters OEMs like Airbus, Bell, Leonardo and Sikorsky, have trusted DART to collaborate on systems such as flotation, life rafts, landing gear and cable cutters, equating to more than 1,500 STCs. In 2021, DART established a partnership with United Rotorcraft for the development of Fire Attack systems for the Firehawk helicopter. It also earned an STC for the SkyCannon on UH-60/S-70 aircraft.
DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT OF CANADA
Calgary, AB, dehavilland.com
> With more than 3,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada is well established across the globe with a near-100-year reputation for innovation. Its aircraft operate in some of the world’s harshest climates transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Its aircraft also support a variety of special missions including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance and coastal surveillance. De Havilland Canada’s portfolio of aerial firefighting aircraft includes the Canadair CL-215, CL-215T, CL-415 and CL-415EAF aircraft. Building on the pedigree of the CL-415, De Havilland Canada is currently working to launch the CL-515, a multi-mission amphibian and purpose-built aerial firefighting aircraft. In February 2022, De Havilland Canada became the operating brand for the companies that previously operated as Longview Aviation, Viking Air Ltd, Pacific Sky Training and De Havilland Canada.
ERICKSON
Portland, OR, ericksoninc.com
> Erickson, celebrating it 50-year annivesary
in 2022, has been a world leader in heavy lift and aerial firefighting for more than 20 years. This includes its S-64 Air Crane Helitankers, equipped with fire suppression systems, which can drop more than 95,000 liters every hour.
FIRE BOSS
South St. Paul, MN, firebossllc.com
> Fire Boss LLC is the manufacturer of the Fire Boss water scooping system exclusively installed on the Air Tractor AT-802. The Fire Boss system combines airframe modifications, performance enhancements and a pair of Wipline 10000 amphibious water-scooping floats that enable the AT-802 to scoop up to 800 gallons in 15 seconds.
HELITAK FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Noosaville, Australia, helitak.com.au
> Helitak develops a range of systems for aerial firefighting, including its underbelly Fire Tank featuring a new design to allow a flexible bladder to expand while being filled; and then retract within its housing when empty. These tanks are custom built with a carrying capacity from 1,000 to 10,000 litres.
KAMAN AIR VEHICLES
Bloomfield, CT, kaman.com
> Kaman Air Vehicles, a division of Kaman Corp., manufacturers the K-MAX helicopter platform, described as a rugged, low-maintenance aircraft with a counter-rotating rotor system that is optimized for cyclical, external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg).
KAWAK AVIATION
Bend, OR, kawakaviation.com
> Kawak Aviation engineers and produces aerial firefighting products focusing on tank-
Longview Aviation in early 2022 brought all of its operations, including the Canadair water bomber, under the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada brand.. (Photo: YK, Adobe Stock)
ing systems, related pumps and hydraulics. Its tank systems, refill pumps and hydraulic power solutions are leveraged by a range of platforms like Bell, Kaman and Firehawks.
ISOLAIR
Bend, OR, isolairinc.com
> Isolair has been manufacturing helicopter systems for aerial firefighting, agricultural, and forest industries for more than 30 years with a range of certified equipment, from torches and buckets to tanking systems. Its Eliminator II Fire Fighting Systems, integrating tank, pump, doors and control, can be found working throughout the world.
RECOIL AEROSPACE
Josephine, WI, recoil-usa.com
> Established in 2008, Recoil Suppression Systems, a division of Recoil Aerospace, designs and manufacturers lightweight, carbon fibre composite Tsunami Wildland Fire Suppression tanks.
SEI INDUSTRIES
Delta, BC, sei-ind.com
> SEI Industries first introduced the original Bambi Bucket to the firefighting community in 1982. This lightweight, strong, flexible firefighting bucket – with its relatively low-cost plug-and-play capability – promoted usage of helicopters on wildfires and saw immediate success as a firefighting tool. SEI today services more than 90 per cent of the world’s aerial firefighting water-bucket market. Globally, the Bambi is now used in more than 115 countries and by more than 1,000 helicopter operators.
SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT
Stratford, CT , lockheedmartin.com
> Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service, with longstanding Canadian ties through its operation in Ottawa. Its new-generation S-70i Firehawk helicopter, using United Rotorcraft’s aerial firefighting system, features a 1,000-gallon belly tank, extended landing gear, 600pound rescue hoist and NVG compatible digital cockpit. The multi-role Firehawk can carry up to 13 firefighters and their gear, drop 1,000 gallons of water with precision, and perform at a dash speed of up to 140 knots.
UNIVERSAL AVIONICS
Tucson, AZ, uasc.com
> Universal Avionics, an Elbit Systems
Company, develops commercial avionics systems offered as retrofit and forward-fit solutions for a range of aircraft. Its combined Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and Head-Wearable/ Helmet-Mounted Displays (HWD / HMD) provide enhanced situational awareness during the aerial fire suppression.
TRACKING AND IMAGING
CHURCHILL NAVIGATION
Boulder, CO, churchillnavigation.com
> Churchill manufactures systems to capture and record video, provide real-time augmented reality mapping, and to archive and index recorded video. Its systems are used by a range of operators in law enforcement, SAR, emergency management services, security, fire suppression, military agencies, and media.
FLIGHTCELL INTERNATIONAL
Nelson, New Zealand, flightcell.com
> Flightcell International is a global producer of airborne integrated-mobile communications and manufacturers the DZMx as an all-in-one Iridium and cellular solution for voice, data, and aircraft tracking. The DZMx is used by CAL FIRE, Erickson and Kestrel Aviation, among others, leveraging its built-in ATU and its broadband capabilities with fall-back to satellite. A range of
bucket/tank configurations and reporting options are available.
GUARDIAN MOBILITY
Ottawa, ON, guardianmobility.com
> Guardian Mobility develops technology to empower aircraft fleet managers and owner-operators with operational data for making timely decisions. Established in Ottawa in 2002, its flight tracking solutions include hardware, airtime, software and support. The technology is leveraged for mission critical environments like fire suppression, EMS, utilities and law enforcement. The Guardian Mobility ATU is an end-to-end system supporting ATU, AFF, text messaging and more in a single box. The company is backed by parent Metro Aviation, a world leader in aircraft modifications.
IQONBOARD
Squamish, BC, iqonboard.com
> IQonboard was founded by engineers and pilots aiming to add a new level of safety to the helicopter industry. It developed the IQtag and app as wearable technology to provide a real-time view of crew, cargo, and total payload, accessible through a web browser, including Fatigue Risk Management tools.
OVERWATCH IMAGING
Hood River, OR, overwatchimaging.com
> Overwatch Imaging designs and manufactures
thermal imaging systems with custom onboard AI software for both piloted and unmanned aircraft. Its systems can detect small spot fires, map large complex fire perimeters and provide decision makers with real-time situational awareness.
SKYTRAC SYSTEMS
Kelowna, BC, Skytrac.com
> SKYTRAC Systems is a leading provider of satellite communications and intelligent connectivity. It develops cost-effective technology to provide operators with real-time information for fast-moving wildfires. This includes SDL-350 and IMS-350 satellite communication terminals, working with recently launched Iridium Certus, allowing aircrews to send live video transmission, EO/IR imaging data, and more, directly to the ground.
SPIDERTRACKS
Auckland, New Zealand, spidertracks.com
> Spidertracks, a provider of satellite-based real-time flight tracking, active flight following and communication solutions, recently launched its next-generation Spider X to make flight data monitoring (FDM) accessible as a lightweight and affordable solution. Expanding on the power of Virtual FDR, it introduces an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) with data transmitted wirelessly over the air, providing information about an aircraft’s orientation and position.
TECHNISONIC INDUSTRIES
Mississauga, ON, til.ca
> Founded in 1990, Technisonic focuses on the development of aeronautical band VHF ground equipment and Special Mission Airborne RF and audio communications systems. Its tactical airborne VHF, UHF and multi-band communications systems are used for air ambulance, electronic news gathering, fire suppression, and law enforcement.
TRACPLUS
Dunedin, New Zealand, tracplus.com
> TracPlus is one of the world’s most versatile and adaptable tracking and communications providers, offering real-time tracking, event reporting and messaging. TracPlus is unique in that it enables multiple asset types to be tracked and integrated into one cohesive system, meaning contractors can use their own tracking systems but send their data to TracPlus when working alongside others. With more than 1,000 customers in 40-plus countries, TracPlus has more than 7.5 million recorded operational hours.
MRO AND MODIFICATIONS
CASCADE AEROSPACE
Abbottsford, BC, Cascadeaerospace.com
> Cascade Aerospace, an operating unit of
IMP Aerospace & Defence, supports a diverse range of airframe platforms and operational needs. This includes supporting military, government and commercial aircraft. Cascade is well-known for its aerospace engineering services for custom product design, manufacturing and certification. In mid-2019, De Havilland Canada announced Cascade would serve as a partner for its Canadair Avionics Upgrade Program.
SELECT HELICOPTER SERVICES
Kelowna, BC, selecthelicopter.com
> Select Helicopter Services specializes in the repair and overhaul of hydraulic components and cargo hooks. It offers support of hydraulic flight controls and components installed on light and medium Bell helicopters, as well as Airbus H125 (AS350) and AS355 aircraft.
HOPE AERO
Mississauga, ON, hopeaero.com
> Hope Aero is one of Canada’s leading aircraft component maintenance specialists with a location near Pearson International Airport to serve the country’s aviation industry. The company is focused on propellers, wheels and brakes for both repair and overhaul, dynamic balancing and NDT, as well as painting, machining, shot-peening, and anodizing. Based on its growth, Hope Aero in early 2018 expanded its operation to Winnipeg, MB, to better serve central and Western Canada.
TAE AEROSPACE
Queensland, Australia, taeaerospace.com
> TAE operates facilities throughout AsiaPacific and the Americas to service a worldwide customer base, providing a range of aerial firefighting products and services for both fixed- and rotary-wing applications. The company specializes in OEM-backed fuel controls, power turbine and overspeed governor and starter generator services.
UNITED ROTORCRAFT
Englewood, CO, unitedrotorcraft.com
> United Rotorcraft is the products division of Air Methods with more than 25 years of experience installing airframe accessories on rotor and fixed-wing aircraft. The company designs, integrates and installs medical equipment, avionics, and accessories for EMS, medevac, firefighting, airborne law enforcement, and SAR operators.
WINAIR
London, ON, winair.ca
> WinAir has more than 30 years of experience as a leader in aviation management software, including its sector leading work through AV-BASE Systems, with an emphasis on fleet maintenance programs and inventory control. This includes hundreds of installations at aviation-specific organizations worldwide, including airlines, helicopter operators
and MROs. WinAir has developed expertise for helicopter operators to ensure compliance and be mission-ready with WinAir Version 7, the latest and fully web browser-based edition of its aviation management software. WinAir’s Heliops Package is specifically geared toward the needs of rotary-wing operations.
FUEL SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE FLIGHT CENTRE
Calgary, AB, efcaviation.ca
> Executive Flight Centre’s core business has been aviation fuel for more than 40 years. It holds an established network, dedicated aviation trucks and long-term relationships with Canada’s primary fuel refiners to ensure a fuel supply of Jet A1 and Avgas (100LL) to customers throughout Western Canada. The company has been a provider of fuel to aerial firefighting operations for over 20 years.
PEAR CANADA
Mississauga, ON, pearcanada.com
> With a distribution centre in Richmond, BC, PEAR provides a range of aviation fuel handling needs, which includes filtration, fuel sampling/testing, aviation hose, filtration, single point and over-wing fueling nozzles, pressure/delta P gauges, hose reels, bonding reels, pumps, meters, filters and pipe fittings/valves, fueling cabinets and related products.
CANADIAN OPERATORS
49 NORTH HELICOPTERS
Campbell River, BC, 49northhelicopters.com
> Founded as a flight school in 2005, under the name of Coast Mountain, 49 North’s pilots hold years of in light and medium helicopters throughout western Canada providing a wide variety of services including, fire suppression, longlining, forestry operations, bird towing, surveying and patrols.
ABERDEEN HELICOPTERS
Prince George, BC, aberdeenheli.com
> Aberdeen is a multi-mission provider including fire suppression and a range of forestry applications, as well as missions for mountain climbing, back-country hiking, skiing, fishing, wilderness photography, mining exploration and powerline maintenance.
ADVANTAGE HELICOPTERS
Vernon, BC, advantageheli.com
> Founded in 1994, Advantage Helicopters is an owner-operator driven company holding Bell aircraft that are fire-suppression ready. The company primarily provides helicopter charter services, in addition to its aircraft maintenance organization status.
AHLSTROM AIR
Nordegg, AB, helinordegg.com
> Founded in 1997, Ahlstrom provides com-
mercial helicopter services with an emphasis on forestry, including fire suppression in addition to fish and wildlife survey, and animal tracking. In addition to seismic, oil and gas work, the operator provides support for remote access and SAR.
AIRSPAN HELICOPTERS
Sechelt, BC, airspanhelicopters.com
> A Transport Canada-approved maintenance facility, Airspan holds a fleet of six helicopters providing a range of services with an emphasis on forestry work, including aerial firefighting support.
ARROW HELICOPTERS
Revelstoke, BC, arrowhelicopters.com
> Founded in 2005, Arrow, which provides Vertical Reference Training for high- or lowtime pilots, specializes in SAR services. The Class D approved company also provides fire suppression in addition to mountain missions like avalanche control and heli-ski charters.
ASCENT HELICOPTERS
Parksville, BC, ascenthelicopters.ca
> Ascent is a Class D approved operator providing fire suppression in addition to a range of sectors like utilities, construction, film and television, heli-skiing, air ambulance and natural resources. With a second base in Fernie and a fleet or around eight helicopters, including NVG capabilities, Ascent holds a Transport Canada approved hoisting program.
AURORA HELICOPTERS
Vernon, BC, auroraheli.com
> Aurora Helicopters provides fire suppression and pre-suppression, which includes transporting firefighting personnel and equipment to pre-determined locations, as well as carrying out aerial smoke patrols to detect forest fires in high hazard areas. The company’s suppression activities include scene transport, airborne reconnaissance and communication, and water bucket drops.
BABCOCK CANADA
Ottawa, ON, Babcockcanada.com
> Babcock provides critical services, technology and support solutions for assets in the defence, emergency services, and civil nuclear domains. Babcock holds civil and defence, fixed and rotary wing, training, and operational aviation expertise and experience across several countries. The company has more than 30 years of providing aerial firefighting services, with more than 90 Babcock-owned aircraft in service, serving on more than 5,000 firefighting missions per year, accounting for more than 15,000 firefighting flight hours.
BAILEY HELICOPTERS
Fort St John, BC, baileyhelicopters.com
> Founded in 1989, Bailey provides a range of services across multiple industries and
sectors, including forestry support and fire suppression, from operations centres in Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Prince George, BC, along with Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.
BIGHORN HELICOPTERS
Cranbrook, BC, bighorn.ca
> Founded more than 30 years ago, Bighorn provides a range of services, including fire suppression, as an authorized operator for the provinces of Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The company is AOC and AMO certified and has access to a fully equipped SAR mobile treatment station.
BLACKCOMB HELICOPTERS
Whistler, BC, blackcombhelicopters.com
> Blackcomb has provided firefighting assistance across BC and Canada for more than 30 years with services such as human transport, water bucketing, Bird Dog flights, and equipment transportation. The company is built on the concept of the Multi-Mission Helicopter, with an emphasis on rescue and medevac.
BLACK SWAN HELICOPTERS
Berwyn, AB, blackswanhelicopters.com
> In addition to charter and maintenance services for Airbus, Bell and Robinson helicopters, Black Swan’s forestry focus includes surveying, longlining and fire suppression. The company was founded in 2003.
BLACK TUSK HELICOPTERS
Brackendale, BC, blacktuskhelicopter.com
> Black Tusk has provided fire suppression for various agency and centres from BC to Quebec, with experience in longlining and water drops. Its fleet is equipped with Bambi Buckets and automated flight following systems to meet requirements of both BC and Alberta Wildfire agencies. Its Bell 214B and AStar are equipped with foam-injection systems. Certified to transport dangerous goods and to use two 16,000 plus litre fuel trucks and two 18,000-litre tanks to transport aviation fuel in support of aircraft fighting fires.
CANADIAN HELICOPTERS
Les Cedres, QC, canadianhelicopters.com
> Tracing its roots back to 1947 in Penticton, BC, Canadian Helicopters specializes in the transport of personnel and cargo to remote locations, fire suppression, conducting seismic surveys, aerial lift for construction and high voltage transmission line projects. The company, with associated flight training and maintenance operations, including Heliwelders, is located in eight Canadian province and territories.
COLDSTREAM HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, coldstreamhelicopters.com
> With bases in BC and Alberta, Coldstream specializes in emergency helicopter services like fire suppression, mountain rescue and disaster support, as well as longlining.
CONAIR GROUP
Abbotsford, BC, conair.ca
> Founded in 1969, Conair is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating the largest privately-owned fixed-wing fleet of specialty aircraft in the world. It operates in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia and beyond. Conair’s fleet of around 70 aircraft includes Bird Dogs, Land-Based Airtankers and Amphibious Aircraft, including the Q400AT, CL215T, CL415 and AT802 Fire Boss. Flying up to 12,000 flight hours per year, the company has developed more than 15 new aircraft types and over 175 individual aircraft for the airtanker and firefighting markets.
COUGAR HELICOPTERS
St. John’s, NL, cougar.ca
> Cougar has been providing SAR services since 1991, primarily focusing on its core offshore oil and gas clients with Sikorsky aircraft. The company also holds a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization facility.
COULSON AVIATION
Port Alberni, BC, coulsonaviation.com
> With more than 36 years of experience in aerial fire suppression, Coulson is one of the world's largest players in the sector with operations in Canada, Australia, Chile and the United States. In addition to its leading modification of fixed-wing aircraft and heli-
The S-70 FIREHAWK helicopter can transport firefighters, drop water on wildfires from its 1,000-gallon belly tank, and perform hoist rescues. (Photo: Sikorsky, CAL FIRE)
copters for fire suppression, Coulson’s other rotary-wing operations include heli-logging, powerline construction, passenger transport and heavy lift. Its fleet is geared for mobility and self-sufficiency with support by mobile fuel tankers and aircraft maintenance service vehicles staffed with qualified engineers.
CUSTOM HELICOPTERS
St. Andrews, MB, customheli.com
> Founded in 1977, Custom holds a fleet of around 25 helicopters providing a range of services, including fire suppression, as well as applications for powerline, construction, mining exploration, oil and gas (utilities, including offshore), medevac, SAR, Class D external loads and wildlife surveys, among others.
DELTA HELICOPTERS
Sturgeon County, AB, deltahelicopters.com
> In addition to its Edmonton head office, Delta holds five other base locations and has more than 45 years of experience working with the forestry industry across Canada. For fire suppression support, Delta provides sling gear, longlines, nets, drip torch, water bucket, infrared and video scanning equipment.
DISCOVERY HELICOPTERS
Atlin, BC, discoveryheli.ca
> Founded in 1990 as a family-owned company, Discovery’s helicopters are fire suppression capable with satellite-based flight following systems, satellite phones, Bambi buckets, and longlines. Its crew members are trained in mountain flying and fire suppression.
EAST WEST HELICOPTERS
Salmon Arm, BC, eastwesthelicopters.com
> Founded in 1997 to focus on logging operations, East West Helicopters holds vast longline experience and work in aerial firefighting. The company specializes in precision lift work, holding a self-contained service facility and its own tanker for helicopter refueling.
ECLIPSE HELICOPTERS
Penticton, BC, eclipseheli.com
> With bases in Penticton and Cranbrook, BC, Eclipse provides a range of services
including aerial firefighting, as well as SAR and U.S.-based operating experience.
EDMONTON REGIONAL HELICOPTERS
Edmonton, AB, erhelicopters.com
> Edmonton Regional holds a main base at Edmonton International Airport (CYEG), with offices at Executive Flight Centre Terminal 1. The company provides a range of forestry services throughout central Alberta, including west to the Rocky Mountains.
FOREST HELICOPTERS
Kenora, ON, foresthelicopters.com
> Founded in 1997, holding an AS350focused fleet, Forest Helicopters supports all aspects of fire suppression. Its pilots’ proficiency extends beyond baseline requirements for crews to hold in-depth knowledge of fire behaviour, logistical support, and tactical applications like aerial ignition.
FRONTLINE HELICOPTERS
Williams Lake, BC, frontlinehelicopters.ca
> With its main base located just south of Williams Lake, Frontline provides wildfire suppression and related services like air taxi, infrared scanning and mapping, as well as wildlife capture and survey.
GREAT SLAVE HELICOPTERS
Yellowknife, NT, gsheli.com
> Great Slave operates a fleet of more than 30 single- and twin-engine helicopters, with more than 20 per cent being aboriginally owned, through partnerships with a range of operators. The group holds around 15 bases with a range of forestry services.
GRIZZLY HELICOPTERS
Campbell River, BC, grizzlyhelicopters.com
> Founded in 2008, Grizzly flies ASTAR350 B2 helicopters out of bases in Campbell River and Port McNeill, providing firefighting services in the region, as well as forestry applications like remote access, medevac, powerline patrols and wildlife management.
GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS
Calgary, AB, guardianhelicopters.com
> Guardian was founded in 1995 in Fort
Nelson, BC, before relocating its head office at Springbank Airport. Beyond its oil and gas work, Guardian provides a range of forestry services for management and protection, as well as fire suppression with expertise in aerial ignition, infrared scanning, cone collection, GPS and video mapping.
HELI SOURCE
Red Deer, AB, helisourceltd.com
> Heli Source provides a range of services for the forestry sector including fire suppression, aerial seeding and fertilizing, logging support, heli-torching and more. This includes mountain flying and vertical reference (longline) operations, while being equipped for water delivery and crew transport.
HÉLICOPTÈRES HÉLICARRIER
Royale, QC, helicarrier.com
> Founded in 2010, Hélicarrier holds heavy lift capabilities and provides a range of forestry services including firefighting by both bucketing or deploying retardant. The Sikorsky-equipped company provides fire suppression throughout North America.
HELIQWEST
AVIATION
Sturgeon County, AB, heliqwest.com
> With a second base near Duncan, BC, in addition to its Edmonton-area location and Colorado international headquarters, HeliQwest is a charter company specializing in external load and operations like fire suppression, as well as seismic, aerial harvesting, inspection and surveillance, mapping, photography, survey, and general transport.
HIGH TERRAIN HELICOPTERS
Nelson, BC, highterrainhelicopters.com
> Serving the Kootenays since 1992, High Terrain operates Bell and Airbus helicopters out of Nelson, Nakusp and Kaslo. Its capabilities include longline slinging, water bucketing, bird dogging, and crew transport.
HORIZON HELICOPTERS
Whitehorse, YT, horizonhelicopters.ca
> Based at Whitehorse Airport with a satellite base in Dawson City, Horizon since its founding has provided wildfire support within Alberta, BC and the Yukon, leveraging a fleet primarily comprised of AS350 helicopters.
HY-RIDGE HELICOPTERS
Coleman, BC, hyridge.ca
> Also flying out of Sparwood, BC, Hy-Ridge provides a range of mountain-focused services, including fire suppression, leveraging an AS 350 B3 throughout Western Canada.
MAG AEROSPACE CANADA
Dryden, ON, magaero.ca
> MAG operates, deploys and maintains fixed-wing and RPAS aircraft for fire surveillance (detection and mapping) and airspace
A Conair Group Air Tractor works in the Kootenays. Conair in 2022 expanded its industry leading Training + Tactics Centre and its new Mission Training System. (Photo: Tim Garris)
management services. It provides civilian operators with a range of aerial fire services: pilots and mission operators; maintenance for aircraft, sensors and equipment; logistics and support; and site and program management.
MONASHEE HELICOPTERS
Vernon, BC, monasheehelicopters.com
> With a new base in High Level, AB, to better serve the north, in addition to its existing Vernon home base, Monashee provides firefighting, construction, film and movies work, and passenger transport services.
MOUNTAIN VIEW HELICOPTERS
Calgary, AB, mvheli.com
> Based at Springbank Airport since 1995, and with a newer location at Drumheller, Mountain View provides a full time Commercial Helicopter Pilot training program, including a hangar that houses a stateof-the-art FLYIT simulator, in addition to its onsite AMO.
MUSTANG HELICOPTERS
Blackfalds, AB, mustanghelicopters.com
> With a multi-type fleet of around 30 helicopters, including lights, intermediates, mediums, heavy lift and twin-engine Cat A & Class 1 capabilities, Mustang provides a range of forestry services like transporting crew, water bucketing, belly tank, running an aerial ignition device or moving cargo.
PANORAMA HELICOPTERS
Alma, QC, helicopterespanorama.com
> Founded in 2000, Panorama provides a range of aerial firefighting services like detection, logistics, bucket watering (Bambi), IR imaging and related services like medevac.
PHOENIX HELI-FLIGHT
Fort McMurray, AB, phoenixheliflight.com
> Phoenix provides a range of light and intermediate helicopter firefighting services like initial attack, sustained action and heli-torching on fires of all sizes, as well as experience in using aerial ignition techniques.
PRAIRIE HELICOPTERS
Gimli, MB, prairiehelicopters.com
> In addition to its flight training, Prairie Helicopters offers a full range of helicopter charter services including fire suppression. The company operates Bell helicopters and was founded in 2000.
RANGE HELICOPTERS
Drayton Valley, AB, rangeheli.ca
> Range Helicopters provides fire suppression services including crew/camp moves, infrared scanning, water bucketing, GPS mapping and drip torching.
RIDGE ROTORS
Blue Ridge, AB, ridgerotors.com
> Ridge Rotors provides services primarily in Northern British Columbia in addition to Alberta for the forestry sector through timber cruising, VRI surveys, mountain pine beetle surveying and extermination projects, as well as fire suppression, emergency evacuation and SAR.
SARVAIR AVIATION
100 Mile House, BC, sarvair.com
> Operating out of Williams Lake, BC, and 100 Mile House, Sarvair specializes in longline and vertical lift missions like heli-logging, drill moves, tower and cone construction, and fire protection, as well as general charter, medivac, heli-hiking or fishing.
SELKIRK MOUNTAIN HELICOPTERS
Revelstoke, BC, smheli.com
> Founded in 1991, Selkirk provides aviation services to heli-skiing operations as well as SAR support, while also aiding in avalanche snow safety and firefighting across the region, including drip torch and Class D certification.
SEQUOIA HELICOPTERS
Abbotsford, BC, sequoiahelicopters.com
> Founded in 2004, Sequoia Helicopters is active with provincial forestry agencies across Canada aiding in fire suppression, utilizing Bambi Buckets with foam kits and extensive longline experience.
SIERRA HELICOPTERS
Pitt Meadows, BC, sierrahelicopters.com
> Sierra provides a range of services throughout Vancouver’s lower mainland and beyond, including fire suppression and other forestry missions like LiDAR imaging.
SILVER KING HELICOPTERS
Smithers, BC, silverkingheli.com
> Silver King provides a range of services for the forestry and mining sectors, including fire suppression by working with initial attack crews and water bucketing. The company also specializes in providing emergency services.
SKY HELICOPTERS
Pitt Meadows, BC, skyhelicopters.ca
> Founded in 2011 and now holding six helicopters in its fleet, SKY has relationships with provincial governments to assist in wildfire
management and forestry work. This includes holding year-round fire suppression pilots and thermal imaging to detect hot spots.
SKYLINE HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, skylinehelicopters.ca
> Skyline operates from its main base in Kelowna and a satellite base in Terrace, specializing in longline operations with a strong focus on oil and gas, forestry and heli-skiing. It has long been involved in fire supression.
SLAVE LAKE HELICOPTERS
Slave Lake, AB, slheli.com
> Founded in 1998, Slave Lake specializes in providing services for the forestry sector, including fire suppression and related services like LiDAR and infrared scanning, as well as crew transport. The company is also equipped for SAR, medevac and Class D external cargo.
STAR HELICOPTERS
Cold Lake, AB, starhelicopters.com
> Star has been involved with the forestry industry since 1982, carrying out operations from firefighting to wildlife surveys, including infrared scanning of hot spots with Flir cameras, longline and drip torch services.
SUMMIT HELICOPTERS
Kamloops, BC, summithelicopters.ca
> Summit delivers remote helicopter aviation solutions in Western and Northern Canada with bases in BC, Alberta and Northwest Territories. The company holds a fleet of intermediate aircraft to support fire suppression and forestry research.
SUNWEST HELICOPTERS
Qualicum Beach, BC, sunwesthelicopters.com
> Founded more than 27 years ago, SunWest, based on Vancouver Island, provides a range of services with its fleet of light, intermediate and medium Bell helicopters. In addition to its longstanding work in fire suppression and crew transport, the company holds experience in longlining, medevac, SAR, exploration, seismic and tower construction applications.
TAIGA AIR SERVICES
Winnipeg, MB, taigaheli.com
> Taiga specializes in providing strategic ther-
The Bell 407GXi is a new multi-role utility aircraft platform, building from the 407GXP, suitable for upgrading to aerial firefighting use. (Photo: Bell Textron)
Guardian Mobility Inc. (GMI) has introduced the G4MX2 as an enhanced single box solution for helicopter and fixed wing aerial firefighting with new features:
Iridium Only or Dual network modes, with automatic & manual switching between Iridium and Cellular Networks, for areas that have Cellular coverage, providing lower cost and if required faster Additional Telemetry Units (ATU) and Automated Flight Following (AFF) update rates;
Expanded I/Os allowing support for multiregion ATU Combo contracts and custom ATU with external input generated Mapping event operations; and
Support for both US Forestry, NAFC OPS-014 and custom ATU contracts out of the box for Buckets, Tanks, Combo and non-ATU operations.
How does Guardian Mobility support its Canadian operators?
Guardian Mobility supports its Canadian operators with end-to-end solutions that provide Automated Flight Following (AFF) tracking, Additional Telemetry Units (ATU), two-way messaging, voice/ PTT, billing services, and data capabilities. By using Iridium® satellite and cellular services, Guardian Mobility’s products provide truly global coverage enabling organizations to manage their fleets which provides safety and accountability for their teams. Guardian is based in Ottawa and offers support in multiple languages.
What innovation best describes Guardian Mobility’s advancement of aerial firefighting?
Guardian Mobility’s latest innovation is the ATU capability in their G4MX2 product which is changing the way governments globally fight fires. ATU provides a capability to measure water volumes and retardant(suppressant) type used, and report the associated GPS positions, over the air (OTA), where the water volume is picked up by the aerial platform, and where it is dropped to support firefighting operations. By overlaying onto geographical maps operators and government agencies can effectively manage firefighting operations in a historical or live view.
What makes Guardian Mobility different from the competition?
Guardian Mobility has 20 years of experience focusing to enable organizations of all size for mission critical end-to-end solutions. By providing cost-efficient customized solutions, one-box options, and best in class support services, Guardian Mobility makes it affordable and simple for operators to integrate their products. Guardian Mobility has focused on this market bringing technology to assist operators do their tasks better and without the burden.
Why is aerial firefighting a priority for Guardian Mobility?
In recent years, wildfires have been on the rise and so are the operational requirements and costs to manage these fires. Guardian Mobility have significantly invested in the technology and understands the need to help government and organizations fight these fires by providing fit for purpose tools that they can use for planning and accountability. Digitalization will be critical to how we fight fires in the future so Guardian Mobility will continue to be an innovator in the aerial firefighting space to best help our customers overcome their challenging task orders.
mal scanning for fire suppression, as well as environmental and biometric analysis, powerline and pipeline integrity, infrastructure management and maintenance. This includes detection and mapping of hot spots, hotlines, and risk areas to effectively deploy resources.
TRANSWEST HELICOPTERS
Oliver, BC, transwesthelicopters.com
> Transwest re-entered operations last summer with a Bell412EP based at Oliver Municipal Airport. The operation worked on the Penticton fire in August 2020 and is fully equipped to work across Canada for the 2021 season. In addition to specializing in utility missions, Transwest provides MRO, part sales and support, with an emphasis on Bell medium and legacy helicopters.
VALHALLA HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, valhallahelicopters.com
> Valhalla has more than 20 years of experience supporting ground forces in fire suppression. The company leverages SEI water buckets that are Aqualaunch/Powerfill foam equipped. Valhalla explains its retardant delivery system can be used for a variety of fire applications.
VALLEY B AVIATION
Manning, AB, valleybaviation.com
> Valley B Aviation provides a range of services for the forestry sector, including thermal spotting, hot spot detection, wildfire suppression, aerial photography, forest management, wildlife survey and pipeline patrol.
VALLEY HELICOPTERS
Hope, BC, valleyhelicopters.ca
> Founded in 1985 and leveraging a Bell fleet, Valley Helicopters has provided firefighting services for more than 30 years. Its pilots are trained in fire suppression with water bucketing, aerial ignition and crew transport.
VIH HELICOPTERS
North Saanich, BC, vih.com
> Founded in 195l, VIH provides a range of services for the forestry sector, including fire suppression and heavy lift for pipeline and logging based on a diverse fleet of Sikorsky, Kamov, Eurocopter and Bell helicopters.
WEST COAST HELICOPTERS
Port McNeill, BC, westcoasthelicopters.com
> West Coast is a light and intermediate service provider with bases in Nanaimo, Campbell River, Port McNeill and Bella Coola, as well as a fleet of around 18 helicopters. It provides forestry services like fire suppression, tree planting and faller support.
WHITE SADDLE AIR
Bluff Lake, BC, whitesaddleair.com
> White Saddle, established more than 48 years ago, provides helicopter air charters in
the Coast Mountain Range and Cariboo
Chilcotin Plateau. It provides support for mining, forestry, firefighting, SAR and medevac. In 2019, White Saddle added a new Bell 407GXi outfitted for fire suppression.
WILDCAT HELICOPTERS
Kelowna, BC, wildcathelicopters.com
> Wildcat holds a fleet of Bell 412 and 212 mission-modified aircraft for a range of emergency services like fire suppression, including a Bell 412EP configured for extended search, rescue, and medical missions.
WILDERNESS HELICOPTERS
Wawa, ON, wildernesshelicopters.com
> Wilderness Helicopters is a full-service operator with more than 25 years of experience flying in Northern Ontario, which includes fire suppression, wildlife and values survey, longline slinging and powerline work.
WISK-AIR HELICOPTERS
Thunder Bay, ON, wiskair.com
> Wisk-Air provides a range of services from firefighting and powerline support to mining and medivac. Its helicopters can be equipped with Bambi Buckets, longlines, cargo baskets, sling gear, and specialized equipment.
YELLOWHEAD HELICOPTERS
Prince George, BC, yhl.ca
> Operating out of more than 10 locations in BC and Alberta, Yellowhead provides a range of forestry services like fire suppression, cone harvesting, aerial seeding and fertilizing, tree planting, drip torching, infrared scanning, GPS mapping, telemetry, crew and camp moves, and heli-logging supply.
ZIMMER AIR SERVICES
Blenheim, ON, zimmerair.com
> Founded in 1975, Zimmer Air has focused on the forestry sector since its inception providing a number of services to the sector in Ontario and out of the province. The company provides drip torch and slash pile burning.
AGENCIES & ASSOCIATIONS
ALBERTA
Edmonton, AB, awcc@gov.ab.ca
> Agriculture and Forestry Wildfire Management Branch. 780-415-6460.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Kamloops, BC, prov.fire@gov.bc.ca
> Provincial Wildfire Coordination Centre, BC Wildfire Service. 250.376-6777.
CANADIAN INTERAGENCY
FOREST FIRE CENTRE
Ottawa, ON, ciffc.ca
> CIFFC is operated by federal, provincial and territorial wildland fire management agencies.
HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
Nepean, ON, h-a-c.ca
> HAC is the sector’s primary voice for operators and suppliers. 613-231-1110
MANITOBA WILDFIRE SERVICE
Winnipeg, MB, hqfire@gov.mb.ca
> Department of Conservation and Climate. 204-945-5252
NEW BRUNSWICK
Fredericton, NB, provincial.firecentre@gnb.ca
> Forest Fire Management Branch. 506-453-3335
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Corner Brook, NL, forestfire@gov.nl.ca
> Fire Management and Coordination, Forestry Services Branch. 709-637-2328.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Fort Smith, NT, duty_officer@gov.nt.ca
> Forest Management Division, Environment and Natural Resources. 867-872-7710.
NOVA SCOTIA
Shubenacadie, NB,
> Fleet and Forest Protection Department of Lands and Forestry. 902-758-7230.
RCMP AIR SERVICES BRANCH
Ottawa, ON, rcmp-grc.gc.ca
> 613-993-7267
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOREST SERVICE
Washington, DC, fs.usda.gov
> 800-832-1355
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Charlottetown, PE
> Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change Forests. 902-218-9076.
ONTARIO
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, > Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services. 705-945-5751
QUEBEC, SOPFEU
Quebec City, QC, .cpl@sopfeu.qc.ca
> Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU). 418-871-3341.
SASKATCHEWAN
Prince Albert, SK, FFMBDispatch@gov.sk.ca
> Saskatchewan Wildfire, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. 306-953-3430
YUKON TERRITORY
Whitehorse, YT, YDO@gov.yk.ca
> Wildland Fire Management Branch. 867-667-3128 | W