Blackcomb Aviation provides helicopter and jet flight services to public and private utility providers in the forestry, hydro, mining, geophysical, mapping, surveying, IPP, telecommunications and construction sectors. Blackcomb’s utility operations are governed by a company-wide and far reaching Safety Management System (SMS) which includes independent risk analysis for all utility customers, regardless of the size or scope of the job. Blackcomb’s SMS program is operates under the supervision of SMS and Quality Assurance Manager, Gary Grass. Blackcomb has a two decade policy of hiring only the most experienced mountain and long line pilots. All rotary pilots must have minimum flight hours of not less than 2,500 hours with many of Blackcomb’s pilots currently exceeding 10,000 hours and more.

Recurrent Training

Annual Recurrent Training for Blackcomb’s utility pilots includes but is not limited to:

• Extensive ground school in compliance with the User’s Operating Guidelines
• Scenario based flight training
• Scenario and ground training exercises with the Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish, and Vancouver Search and Rescue teams to keep all teams current
• Familiarity with Canadian Air Regulations/Commercial Air Standard (CARS/CASS)
• Familiarity with the Company (Air Carrier) Operations Manual for Class D Operations
• Familiarity with Flight Manual Supplement (FMS) for Class D Fixed Line equipment to be utilized for aircraft
• Emergency procedure training by aircraft type
• The performance of a real-time simulation
• Demonstrated proficiency in installation and rigging of aircraft
• Successful completion of ALL written exams
• SMS philosophy in the “non-punitive” reporting environment and reporting protocols
• Utility Powerline and Pipeline Operations Safety course
• Flying in the Wire Environment course
• Human Factors for Elementary Maintenance and the pilot.