Blackcomb Helicopters Supports Shell Canada's Sustainable Future Initiatives in Northern Canada
Blackcomb Helicopters is preparing its annual summer mission to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, where it will support Shell Canada's initiatives for a sustainable future in Northern Canada. This summer, three state-of-the-art Airbus EC135 helicopters, equipped with advanced aviation technology, will journey over 4000 miles from our base to the Arctic Ocean, navigating some of Canada’s most remote and challenging landscapes.
Throughout the season, we’ll be supporting Shell Canada with three Airbus EC135 helicopters outfitted with the latest aviation technology including Helicopter Terrain Awareness (HTAWS), Traffic Awareness (TAS), Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) and Appareo AIRS-400 Flight Data Monitoring. This equipment combined with the support of highly trained aircraft engineers and the piloting team will venture into some of Northern Canadas most extreme and remote wilderness this summer. Mitigating these risks Blackcomb Helicopters, with Shell Canada adhere to stringent requirements to mitigate risks to an acceptable level. To do this, each helicopter is piloted by two qualified pilots, training in both Visual and Instrument flight rules and attend industry leading, aircraft type specific training in a fully automated certified flight simulator semi-annually. This commitment ensures that all team members meet and exceed those standards set out by Transport Canada and Shell Canada’s Standards for Aviation Safety.
To meet Transport Canadas Fatigue Risk Management regulations our Pilots commit themselves to the project on an equal shift rotation, not exceed 14 days on shift. This approach ensures our crews remain alert and well rested, ready to tackle the harsh and remote environment of Northern Canada. In early June our team will set off in Airbus EC135 aircraft on there more than 4000 mile journey north taking them through some of Western Canada’s most pristine landscapes. Once they arrive at their destination of Inuvik, Northwest Territories, our team unload the aircraft as this will be their new temporary home. Here we will meet up with the rest of the team from Shell Canada and spend the next 3 months. During this time, the team will closely monitor weather conditions to determine flight safety. The challenging logistics of the Arctic’s flat terrain, situated in the Mackenzie River Delta, require careful planning and execution.
Due to limited weather resources in the Arctic region Blackcomb Helicopters, with Shell Canada have invested in micro weather stations. This will ensure the team has the most accurate weather information possible. Every morning starts with an in-depth tailboard meeting with all crews. Here they will review the days planned missions with a heavy focus on weather conditions. Rapidly deteriorating or changing weather poses significant risks to crew safety and if uncertainty is forecasted, our crews remain grounded armed only with a cup of coffee, eagerly awaiting the next flying opportunity to present itself.
As we face a global crisis of trained and experienced pilots, Blackcomb Helicopters with Shell Canada have a rare opportunity to make a difference. Known for its industry leading safety practices, Shell requires twin engine aircraft piloted by two pilots. Unlike many operations in Canada only requiring a single pilot, we see an opportunity for success here. This creates a unique opportunity for Blackcomb Helicopters to introduce pilot mentorship program where we can take a junior pilot with limited flight hours to gain valuable experience in a two-crew environment paired with a highly experienced captain. Pairing pilots in the manner allows the junior pilot to assist with flight planning, aircraft pre and post flight duties, mission preparations, inflight decision making and crew resource management, all with the oversight, guidance and leadership of an experienced pilot at their side.
Blackcomb Helicopters is proud to be the approved helicopter service provider for Shell Canada and remains steadfast in its commitment to aviation safety. We look forward to continuing to support Shell Canada's aviation needs through a five-year commitment. With this symbolic partnership, Blackcomb Helicopters and Shell Canada will collaborate to foster the development of the next generation of pilots and engineers while continuing to lead the industry in safety.