Columbia Helicopters has made two announcements from HAI Heli-Expo in Dallas, Texas.
Columbia Helicopters to receive AMT Diamond Award of Excellence
The first announcement was that Columbia Helicopters has earned its fifth consecutive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AMT Diamond Award of Excellence for its aviation maintenance technician (AMT) training program. Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Helicopters has received the annual award 14 times in the past 21 years.
The award, which will be presented in a special ceremony on May 4, has recognized aviation maintenance companies with effective, self-initiated, comprehensive maintenance technical training programs for the past 25 years. To be eligible, all members of a company’s full-time AMT staff must have earned an individual William (Bill) O’Brien AMT award during the previous calendar year.
“This award is the result of the diligent efforts by our team members who strive to constantly improve safety, quality, reliability and technical knowledge that exceed standard FAA regulatory requirements,” said Jim Rankin, CEO and president of Columbia Helicopters. “It takes discipline, commitment and perseverance to consistently win this award. I’m extremely proud of our team and the positive light this recognition shines on our rotorcraft community.”
Columbia Helicopters completes successful firefighting season
With a lengthy and very destructive firefighting season under its belt, Columbia Helicopters has credited part of its overall success to its two Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters that were equipped with the world’s largest helicopter fire attack system (FAS) internal water tanks.
During 2016’s fire season, seven of Columbia Helicopters’ aircraft logged nearly 1,500 hours, fighting more than 50 fires in 16 states, with an availability rate of more than 95 percent.
It also marked the first full season that Columbia Helicopters had used the new 2,800-gallon internal FAS for firefighting duties. In all, the two Boeing CH-47Ds logged more than 740 hours during the most recent fire season.
The success comes as Columbia Helicopters marks its 60th anniversary from its headquarters in northwest Oregon. Columbia Helicopters is the global heavy-lift authority, with exceptionally focused experience flying and supporting the world’s hardest-working helicopters and engines.
“Our customers were pleased with the speed and fuel efficiency of the Boeing CH-47Ds when combined with the large internal tank,” said Santiago Crespo, vice president, Business Development and Marketing at Columbia Helicopters.
“It’s great to know that our firefighting efforts, which now include this increased capability to deliver large amounts of water quickly, are being received in a very positive way.”
Columbia Helicopters’ crews are trusted worldwide to complete a wide range of heavy-lift missions and comprehensive range of responsive life-cycle support and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
“Our extensive operational experience allows us to provide customers with unmatched, high-quality maintenance services for their aircraft,” Crespo said. “The knowledge we gain from flying these aircraft each and every day allows us to share our knowledge with our MRO customers, providing them with the quality of service they deserve.”
One of Columbia Helicopters’ two Boeing CH-47Ds equipped with a FAS internal water tank for firefighting duties will be on display during HAI Heli-Expo in Static Exhibit 7. Representatives also will be available at the Columbia Helicopters Booth No. 6111.
