The Government of Canada is supporting Canadian aircraft maintenance training by donating surplus Coast Guard assets to institutions across Canada. These donations will support the development of well-trained, skilled personnel to serve the aerospace industry of the future.
On behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc — Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard — Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced on May 15 that the Nova Scotia Community College received a Coast Guard Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) Bo 105 helicopter on April 16, 2018.
“Students from the Nova Scotia Community College will benefit from the Government of Canada’s donation,” said Fisher. “There is nothing like being able to provide students with the opportunity to grow and develop their skills by learning on real Coast Guard assets.”
Ten Coast Guard Bo 105 helicopters were in service in the Canadian Coast Guard for more than 30 years. The helicopter fleet plays an essential part in supporting programs such as icebreaking, marine communication, aids to navigation, environmental response, waterway protection, conservation and protection, science and support to other government departments as required.
The first Bo 105 helicopter was purchased by the Coast Guard in April 1985, and the last unit was purchased in April of 1988.
“I am proud that these Coast Guard helicopters will help develop students across the country allowing them to have a practical and hands-on experience,” said LeBlanc. “These assets have a lot of history and are part of the Coast Guard’s heritage. I am glad that they will benefit the generations to come in building high-level aircraft maintenance expertise.”
The Nova Scotia Community College commented, “This donation will be part of Make Way – The Campaign for NSCC, a $25-million fundraising initiative aimed at opening doors to education. The goal is simple: to remove barriers and enhance learning for those on their NSCC journey, through direct student financial aid, innovative programming, instructional equipment and Centres of Expertise.”
The Canadian Coast Guard has recently completed construction and delivery of 15 Bell 429 light-lift helicopters and seven Bell 412EPI medium-lift helicopters as part of its ongoing Fleet Renewal Plan. All 22 of the new helicopters have been deployed to Coast Guard bases across the country.
The Canadian Coast Guard is currently building a full-flight simulator that will provide a platform for training for the new fleet.
The Bo 105s will be used by the recipient institutions for hands-on training for mechanical and engineering programs.
