Special Edition 2004

Building Momentum in Vancouver

See pages 10 and 11

NEW AIRCRAFT 5 ACE REPORTER 8 NEW SAR DIGS 12 BUSY EUROPE 16

VANCOUVER AT DUSK
CHC Establishes Global Headquarters
in British Columbia. See pages 2-3
CORPORATION
CRAIG L. DOBBIN O.C. CHAIRMAN AND CEO

A Giant Step Forward for CHC

In our business, change is the only I congratulate Neil and Christine on these important
constant. Which is why we are embracing new appointments and invite you to give them
significant change this year to ensure your support as we make this transition. Both Neil
CHC remains the best helicopter services and Christine have been with the company more
company in the world – and the future than 20 years, and bring a wealth of experience
remains promising for all of us. We began unmatched in the industry.
our Good-to-Great (G2G) company-
strengthening exercise in early June, and I am This new structure will help CHC provide the
pleased to report much progress has been made. consistent standard of safety and service our
customers are looking for, and help improve
HELICOPTER

After consultation with senior managers from our efficiencies throughout the group.
operations worldwide, the decision was taken to
establish a new Global Headquarters in the beautiful But more importantly, we are building a strong,
city of Vancouver, on Canada’s West Coast. Vancouver unified company; a company that will harness the
is truly one of the world’s most international cities, collaborative strengths of our founding pioneers,
with more than a third of its population born outside leaders such as Bob Schreiner, Guy Lloyd, Carl Agar,
of Canada, and I look forward to building on the Morten Hancke, Jock Cameron and Boetie van Zyl.
tremendous momentum we are generating here. These individuals helped build the helicopter
business as we know it today, and we are the
The Global Headquarters will include a new CHC first generation to bring together their combined
Global Logistics group and CHC Global Operations expertise. We have a unique opportunity to build
group. Neil Calvert will head up Global Logistics a true world leader which will prosper for
and Christine Baird will lead Global Operations. generations.
CHC

SYLVAIN ALLARD PRESIDENT

Tremendous Opportunities Ahead

I would like to commend the hard work The other major change under the new structure is
and long hours put in by my colleagues on the CHC Global Operations group, headed by Christine
the Good-to-Great steering committee. Baird. This new group will allow CHC to become the first
These individuals are doing yeoman’s work in helicopter company in the world to meet the stated
terms of the detailed analysis and assessment requirements of multinational oil companies – one
that follow from the structural changes standard of safety and service around the globe.
recently announced.
By coordinating all activities outside of Europe, CHC will
Under the new structure, Astec Helicopter Services will not only meet this requirement, we will work together
report directly to the new CHC Global Support Group, to offer our customers the greatest value, efficiency
headed by Neil Calvert, which will help us expedite the and safety anywhere. Our goal is to be unbeatable.
strategic expansion of our Repair and Overhaul services We have the people – and now we have the structure –
and logistics support. I am excited about the tremendous to make this happen.
potential around the world for this new business unit.
As before, Schreiner Aviation Group will continue to
Astec is a true global success story, and our strategy report to me in my capacity as Chief Operating Officer
is to harness that expertise in Global Support. Astec, for the Group. However, Schreiner Managing Director
meanwhile, continues to expand and prosper. Recently, Hein Verloop has been asked to coordinate with the
Astec Managing Director, Atle Stromme, finalized the G2G steering committee, in consultation with the union
acquisition of Multifabs Survival Ltd., a successful and works council, the transition of Schreiner into the
manufacturer of the survival suits worn by passengers new global structure.
flying offshore over cold water environments. Atle is
building a significant safety equipment business unit These are exciting times for CHC, with tremendous
which will contribute to the overall success of CHC in a opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with all
meaningful way. of you as we continue to strengthen this great company.

2 R O T O R TA L E S S P E C I A L E D I T I O N 2 0 0 4
 CORPORATION
Good to Great
CHC’s Good to Great initiative began with the and our President Sylvain Allard, have successfully
appointment in June of 20 representative managers made the transition to the Global Headquarters.
from CHC divisions around the world. Their task: to
conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the company, CHC’s focus was not only on operations, but also
consult with senior management and bring forward on global support and logistics. As a result, a new
their recommendations. reporting structure was proposed. The proposal
included three operational divisions which would
To some it might appear an unusual time to re-evaluate manage the company:
the company. With the successful consolidation of
Europe and acquisition of Schreiner, CHC had solidified CHC Global Support – providing aircraft management

HELICOPTER
its position as world leader. Built on a culture of and logistics support to all CHC operations and also
corporate agility, CHC has never been a company to to third-party civilian and military helicopter operators
rest on its laurels. The industry is changing, and our around the world. This group will build upon the great
customers have told us they are looking for consistent strength of Astec Helicopter Services in Europe and
standards and seamless delivery of helicopter services apply Astec’s winning formula to North America and
worldwide. The opportunity is there to build a truly the rest of the world.
global helicopter services company, offering more
value to customers and greater opportunities for CHC Global Operations – ensuring consistency in safety
employees. After the Good-to-Great (G2G) steering and the delivery of the highest standards of operations
committee’s evaluation and discussions with senior around the world, Global Operations will support flight
management and CHC’s Board of Directors, the operations in all locations outside Europe.
following principles were adopted:
CHC Europe – continuing on the successful path set

CHC
1. CHC will ensure consistent standards of safety out with the creation of one European operating unit,
and service for all customers around the world. CHC Europe will oversee all flight operations in the
These standards shall be the highest in the industry. North Sea, Irish coast and throughout Europe.

2. CHC will improve efficiency and further Additionally, CHC will effectively reinforce its brand
enhance consistency by eliminating duplication strength and emphasize the one global standard
wherever practical. of safety and service. Marketing will be simplified,
with the well-recognized CHC name and powerful
Under the new structure, CHC determined it would hummingbird logo being used globally, without
establish a new Global Headquarters in Vancouver. regional distinction. We are also refining and enhancing
Several key head office staff, including financial staff one common aircraft paint scheme around the world.

Lion’s Gate Bridge connecting North Vancouver and Stanley Park, at right.

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CORPORATION
A Winning Year:
Contracts in Review
If new work is the measure of success, then fiscal • On June 15, CHC was awarded a new contract in West
2004 has been a winning year indeed. CHC Helicopter Africa for the provision of one Super Puma AS332L2
Corporation won several major new contracts this aircraft for an initial period of 18 months. Anticipated
year, providing a full range of services, from the safe revenue over the term of the contract is approximately
transportation of offshore oil and gas workers, to life- CDN $11 million. CHC will lease the advanced Super
saving search and rescue support. Just as importantly, Puma MkII to Sonair, the aeronautical subsidiary
we renewed working relationships with a number of the Angolan national oil company Sonangol.
of key clients; a tangible demonstration of our The helicopter will be based at Luanda, Angola.
HELICOPTER

commitment to safety, value and customer satisfaction.

• On Feb. 26, CHC
renewed a contract
with the
Government of
Australia to provide
Search and Rescue
helicopters and
crews for the Royal
Australian Air Force.
The contract will span
10 years, plus two
option periods of two
CHC

years each.

• On Feb. 13, CHC’s

European operating
division was the
successful bidder for
what amounted to
the world’s largest
helicopter services
contract awards:
expanded multi-year
renewals with Statoil
CHC has ordered advanced new Super Pumas and is sending others to new markets such as Brazil and Angola. ASA and Norsk Hydro
for the provision of
Following are some examples of the more significant heavy helicopter transportation services in the
contracts and renewals in 2004: Norwegian North Sea. The contracts include the
provision of three new Sikorsky S-92 helicopters and
• Most recently, in August 2004, Kerr McGee awarded up to five advanced Super Puma MkII helicopters,
CHC a one-year contract renewal, plus two one-year plus backup. Annual anticipated revenue accruable
options, for the provision of one dedicated Super to CHC is estimated at approximately CDN $78 million.
Puma MkII aircraft based in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Currently, Kerr McGee operates flights to the • Chevron Offshore (Thailand) Ltd. awarded a three-year
Gryphon and Janice Platforms and is currently (plus two option years) contract renewal on Jan. 27, to
operating drilling vessels, Noble T V Langveld, CHC’s business partner, Thai Aviation Services, for the
CSO Alliance and Global Producer 3. provision of two Sikorsky S-76 aircraft.

• Also in August, PGS Production AS awarded CHC • Also on January 27, CHC’s Astec Helicopter division in
a two-year contract renewal, plus two one-year Norway signed a contract with the German Minister of
options, for the provision of offshore crew change Interior to provide and upgrade 10 Eurocopter AS332L
helicopter services utilizing CHC’s fleet of Super helicopters. The contract, with helicopter manufacturer
Puma aircraft based in Stavanger, Norway. Eurocopter as co-contractor, will support maritime and
police operations.

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 CORPORATION
New Helicopters
are Leading Edge Technology
CHC continues to invest in the newest and best
technology available to meet and exceed our
customers’ expectations for safety and efficiency.
Which is why, in 2004, we continue to introduce
advanced new aircrafts to the fleet, including the
Sikorsky S-92, and additional S-76C+ and Super
Puma MkII helicopters.

HELICOPTER
The Sikorsky S-92 is a key component in two of the CHC’s first Sikorsky S-92 arrives in November.
North Sea’s most significant helicopter services
contracts, awarded earlier this year by Norsk Hydro
and Statoil. In fact, the S-92 was a specification
requirement in the Norsk Hydro bid.

Certified to the latest and most rigorous FAA safety

standards, the S-92 offers a unique set of features
that provide additional protection to passengers
and crew. On June 14, Sikorsky Aircraft’s first The S-76C+, now operated around the world.
production S-92 helicopter took to Connecticut skies
accomplishing a successful first flight and ushering in access panels and doors across the entire airframe
a new era for Sikorsky. Aircraft No.6 carried out a make routine maintenance easier.

CHC
standard 30-minute hover, performing all routine
controllability manoeuvres and completing engine Norsk Hydro selected two types of helicopters, in
and avionics checks. case one fleet is grounded. In addition to the S-92,
Norsk chose to upgrade to the highly successful
A total of 12 aircraft will be delivered this year, including Eurocopter Super Puma MkII, making Norsk Hydro
one to CHC in November for operation commencing the first offshore oil and gas company to fly exclusively
Jan. 1, 2005. The S-92 boasts multiple redundant newest generation aircrafts. The seating arrangement
systems governing flight control, AFCS, avionics, on the advanced MkII will be changed to a staggered
cockpit displays, electrical systems and engine configuration to provide more shoulder space and an
controls. It is also certified to continue flying even after enhanced feeling of security for passengers.
a one-kilogram bird strikes at maximum aircraft speed
anywhere on the airframe, including the rotors. In the medium category, CHC has introduced its sixth
S-76C+, the evolution of the Sikorsky S-76, which was
Low maintenance requirements also make the introduced 20 years ago. The S-76C+ combines a
S-92 an efficient aircraft. The S-92 has only seven mature airframe with the most advanced features to
life-limited parts, the lowest such number in its class. date, offering performance gains of 30 to 40 percent
All other parts are certified for the life of the aircraft. over the original S-76 model. It has achieved a 950 lb.
This translates into fewer inspections, less required gain in useful payload compared to the S-76A.
maintenance, greater aircraft uptime and lower costs. CHC now operates the S-76C+ in Equatorial Guinea,
And when the aircraft is in the hangar, numerous Thailand and India.

CHC took delivery of three new S-76C+s earlier this year.

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CORPORATION
A Little Money Makes
All the Difference in Kirikiri
Last autumn, Schreiner Aviation Group made a supporting a number of projects in Nigeria, she
financial contribution to the Kirikiri school initiative immediately thought of the school in Kirikiri: “We
in Lagos, Nigeria. So what has been happening in Kirikiri were allocated a piece of land on the site of the Kirikiri
in recent months? Veronica Snoxell, wife of Aero prison, where we had permission to build a new
colleague Mark Snoxwll, has been involved in the project school. It doesn’t have to be a posh building or
since early 2003. It was Veronica who drew Schreiner’s anything like that, because we don’t want it to
attention to the financial straits of the project, and she become an object of envy”, explains Veronica. “Our
knows exactly how things stand at the moment. aim is to have a few cubicles where the children can
HELICOPTER

learn in peace and quiet. But even though it will be

“The Kirikiri area is one of the poorest parts of Lagos”, simple, it still needs to be financed. Fortunately,
says Veronica. “There’s a shortage of everything, the Schreiner decided to help us, as did the Lagos
poverty is enormous and many children have very little Caledonian Society, the British Wives Group of Lagos
hope for the future. Dick Francis, a business manager and generous individuals including Mr. Carol Khouri.”
in the civil engineering industry from Lagos, became
concerned about the fate of Getting Results
these children and decided
to do something about it. So When the construction work
six years ago he took the was about to start, it suddenly
initiative to start a school for turned out that a wall had
the very poorest of them. The been built on the allocated
first building was an old spot. “We were lucky enough
CHC

warehouse, but the school to be given a new, larger plot,

had to move from that and we’ll start building soon.
location one year ago. Since The parents of the 120 pupils
that time the school Children and staff at Kirikiri School, Lagos, Nigeria. will be providing free labour.
continued to operate in the It’s a real community project,
choir cubicles of St. Joseph’s church compound that and that’s what really makes it worthwhile.” Veronica
have only benches and no tables.” is proud of what the school has achieved so far,
despite the difficult circumstances: “This year we saw
Finding a Place the first primary leavers. We succeeded in getting 12
children accepted into secondary school. And if the
Veronica has been helping with the project for over parents can’t pay, we help them with the tuition fees.
a year. She started off as a stand-in when the teachers That’s important, because a good education can help
were sick, and has provided in-service training to the these children make something of their lives. And
staff to improve the quality of teaching and learning. we’re very grateful to everyone at Schreiner for that.”
When she heard that Schreiner wanted to start

“It doesn’t have to be a posh building...our aim is to have a few cubicles where children can learn in peace and quiet.”

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 CORPORATION
Aero Expands Into West Africa

Although at times it was more difficult than he had

anticipated, Koen Neven has every reason to look
back with satisfaction on his first year as Managing
Director of Aero Contractors. It has been a very
challenging year for him with very little time for
familiarization, also because most of the contracts
came up for tendering and some new contracts
were awarded. But instead of reminiscing, Koen

HELICOPTER
Neven rather looks ahead, and recent developments
indeed seem to point to a promising future.

First of all, Aero Contractors has invested heavily in Schreiner SA365 prepares to touch down.
the NAF base at Port Harcourt and the new hangar
and passenger facilities were completed July 1. The International Routes for Aero
new hangar has a floor area of 1400 Sq. m and office
space of 1800 Sq. m. The facility has an independent Fixed Wing also continues to expand its operations.
refueling system and dedicated fuel storage facility. Two Dash 8’s were replaced by a wet-leased B737-300,
Koen Neven has high expectations to cater for the scheduled services on the PHC and
for PHC: “We will be closing the Trans Amadi office ABV routes. And on May 17, Aero was formally
and consolidating the administration and flight designated as an official Nigerian carrier to the
operations for the rotary wing unit to the NAF base. neighbouring countries of Sao Tome, Malabo in

CHC
At the base, all the helicopters of NNPC & ACN will be Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Togo & Republic of Benin.
joined by the three helicopters of TOTAL Nigeria, “The first new service planned will link Nigeria with
which will also be operated from the base. The new Equatorial Guinea, one of the fastest growing oil
facilities will put Aero way ahead of the competition producing states in the region. This will provide our
in providing its customers with a world class service oil and gas customers with a new route to transport
while at the same time reducing logistics overhead their materials and make crew changes between
for the company.” Port Harcourt and Malabo. Also, this service will
enable Aero to provide support to the CHC helicopter
Shaping the future unit from Nigeria. The long-term plan is to link all the
oil producing countries in West Africa with air services
Koen Neven’s optimism is confirmed by the fact that from Nigeria. I firmly believe that this service forms
an additional S-76C+ arrived at Port Harcourt at the an added value that will help us stay ahead of
end of July after its refurbishment at Den Helder, the competition. “
Holland. “This fits in
perfectly with our plans
for fleet modernization,
which are slowly taking
shape, as are our plans for
recruiting and training
local pilots. In May the first
batch of five young pilots
started their rotary wing
courses at the 43 Air School
in Port Alfred, South Africa.
They are expected to
complete their training
over the next 12 months
and will then join the
operation at Port Harcourt
as co-pilots to cover future
demands and expansion
of operations.” Schreiner is consolidating administration and flight operations at Port Harcourt, where new facilities were completed July 1.

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CORPORATION
CHERYL PEDERSEN COMMERCIAL EXECUTIVE

CHC’s Intrepid
Journalist, Jay Gates
Most professionals in the helicopter industry know
him as CHC’s Chief Operations Controller in Africa, Jay Gates at Cape Point, South Africa October 2003.
but to Rotortales, Jay Gates is Clark Kent – a prolific
writer and super reporter, able to turn apparently Jay then began working in flight operations/dispatch
straightforward facts into enormously detailed at London, Gatwick and Birmingham Airports in the
stories of intrigue and adventure. Jay has contributed U.K. He joined Bond Helicopters in 1994 as Operations
no less than 15 feature articles to the magazine in less Controller, responsible for Humberside, Liverpool
than two years. He has written bullet-proof tales on a and Strubby bases. He had a short break from
HELICOPTER

huge range of topics, from the Patagonian Toothfish helicopters as Operations Manager for the U.K.’s
caper to the rescues of the hapless Mr. Kikuchi (see largest fixed-wing air ambulance operator, where he
below), to a light-hearted piece on Francois du Toit’s was responsible for the repatriation of patients from
colourful ‘Hummingbug.’ all over the world. A chance encounter whilst on
holiday in Cape Town with Bob Denning, CHC Africa’s
Jay has a superior eye for nautical and historical detail Operations Manager brought him back to helicopters
and has been known to provide background material when he joined CHC in Cape Town as the Chief
dating more than 500 years before the actual event – Operations Controller.
such as his December 2003 Cape of Good Hope ship
salvage piece that began with Bartholemew Diaz’ Jay has acquired extensive knowledge on various
description, in 1497, of Cabo Tormentosa, the Cape subjects, and has given lectures to the Ships Society
of Storms. He even seems capable of inventing of South Africa, the Mountain Club of South Africa,
a language (see page 9). the Aircrew Association (ex fighter and bomber crews
CHC

of WW2), and the Cape Town Library. His subjects

But perhaps Jay’s greatest strength is his ability to give include helicopter operations, tall ships, lighthouses
credit where credit is due, and describe the skill and and Antarctica, amongst others. He is repeatedly
dedication of CHC Africa helicopter crews who are asked back to give more lectures. He has written
called out in gale force winds or in the dead of night articles and has had photos published in many
to rescue those in trouble. specialist magazines and books about wildlife,
lighthouses, sea birds, marine mammals and
But exactly who is this man of steely determination? Antarctica. He is also a member of the Association
Rotortales sent an undercover reporter to find out. of Lighthouse Keepers.

After leaving school, a typical English public boarding Jay enjoys rural pursuits, ambling down country
school (Tom Brown school days), Jay joined the lanes, finding country pubs, and exploring the
British Merchant Navy, or as the Americans call it, the countryside. He is also passionate about all things
Merchant Marines. During this time, he spent eight maritime and aviation related, in case you
years in Antarctica on a scientific research ice breaker hadn’t noticed. And all you single girls out there; Jay is
ship. He left the sea in 1990 and turned to aviation. single and looking for the right one.

The Strange Travels of the Kikuchi Story

When Jay Gates writes, the world takes notice. Take, for anchor was securely fastened to the deck with 40 screws –
example, Jay’s coverage of the escapades of the hapless but he managed to get them all out and saved both
adventurer Masayaki Kikuchi. When Mr. Kikuchi set sail for Mr. Kikuchi and his boat.
Cape Town from Punta Arenas at the southern tip of South
America, and then found that he required the lifesaving Unknown to Jay Gates, friends of mine from Newfoundland
rescue services of CHC Helicopters, Jay was there. were living in the sailing community of Punta Arenas and
had befriended the infamous Mr. Kikuchi. Rumours had
Jay’s September 2003 article detailed poor old Mr. Kikuchi’s trickled back that he had met with misadventure, but no
predicament: he was slowly drifting toward the rocks, not one knew for sure what had become of this solo sailor
knowing what to do, nor how to communicate with his and his plans to circumnavigate the globe. That was
rescuers. Unbelievably, when CHC arrived at the scene, until Rotortales arrived. The magazine was sent merely
rescue swimmer Craig Lambinon discovered that the as interesting reading material, but Jay’s article about

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 CORPORATION
JAY GATES CHIEF OPERATIONS CONTROLLER, AFRICA

RACAL, ATNS TKS CHCA

as CPT ATC ASMI OK at FACT
It might be gibberish to most, but to
everybody at CHC Africa, the acronyms pretty
much say it all.

CHC Africa (CHCA) recently completed a double

lift of radar equipment on behalf of the Racal
Avionics Company (RACAL) at Cape Town
International Airport (CPT). The delicate

HELICOPTER
underslinging operation was carried out in
collaboration with the Government of South
Africa (RSA) Air Traffic National Services (ATNS).

The requirement was for Racal avionics

technicians to dismantle, and remove, the
Airfield Surface Movement Indicator (ASMI) for
scheduled maintenance. To most, an ASMI is
better known as ground radar. The problem was
RDI prepares to lift the ASMI off the GND with the CPT ATC in the BCKGND.
that the radar scanner head was situated atop
the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at Cape Town
International Airport (aka, by ICAO, as FACT) and there an adjacent piece of open ground. From there, it was
was no way of getting it down to the GND, other than prepared for transport and shipment to Holland (NL),

CHC
by helicopter. where the overhaul process was due to take place.

As a coastal city airport, CPT has a high incidence of FOG, Some weeks later, the radar was returned to CPT
and because of this, ATC operates to CAT III ILS (Category and again, both Racal and ATNS requested the
3 Instrument Landing Standards). As the radar monitors assistance of CHCA. Sven and Carlo, in ZS-RDI, were
all aircraft and vehicle movements around the airfield, it called into action once more. With the assembly
needed to be removed, R&O’d and replaced ASAP. still in its packing crate, it was gently picked up and
flown to its original position where it was unpacked,
The radar scanner head assembly is bulky, rather than reassembled, reconnected and sent straight back
heavy, and so the Docks-based Bell 206L Longranger into successful service.
(ZS-RDI) was used to effect the removal of the radar,
and to replace it after maintenance. The A/C on both The ASMI was, once more, A-OK and both the Racal
occasions was crewed by Pilot Sven Hilland and and ATC staff at CPT (aka FACT) passed their TKS to
Crewman Carlo Kok. Once the Racal technician had CHCA for a job well done.
disconnected and dismantled the radar, it was gently
airlifted off the roof of the ATC tower and lowered to Now does the headline make sense?

Mr. Kikuchi jumped out like a letter at the mercy of the southern ocean”,
from home, and was quickly circulated and his mission was over, Jay
it to the entire sailing community so reported. The good news is
that his fate became known. that Mr. Kikuchi’s friends in South
America – and likely around the
Unfortunately, Masayaki Kikuchi’s world – were again able to read
misadventures were not over yet. about his helicopter rescue in
In July 2004, Jay once again reported in Rotortales. The better news:
detail on not one, but two subsequent Mr. Kikuchi came out of it, in Jay’s
rescues of the solo sailor. The latter Rescue swimmer Craig Lambinon, comforts words ‘shaken, but not stirred,’
Mr. Kikuchi on board the S-61 after his third rescue.
ended with the very same CHC crew thanks to CHC’s rescue crew.
flying offshore to rendezvous with a bulk carrier, which Masayaki Kikuchi may not have made it around the
had rescued an injured and dejected Mr. Kikuchi from his world, but thanks to Jay Gates, his story sure did.
storm-damaged sailboat. Alas, his vessel was “left to drift – Chris Flanagan

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CORPORATION
CHC Building Momentum in Vancouver
New global headquarters in world’s most international city

When Indiana newspaperman John Soule penned the Just like CHC, Vancouver is home to a multitude of
words “Go West Young Man” in 1851, he was encouraging cultures and languages from around the world. The City
pioneers to stake new ground and take advantage of of Vancouver values this diversity, and considers it a
new opportunities in the boundless, wide-open western source of strength, vitality and prosperity. This approach
part of North America. He could hardly have imagined is reflected in the city’s mission “To create a great city of
that his words might apply to the world’s largest communities, which cares about its people, its environment,
helicopter services company more than 150 years later. and the opportunities to live, work and prosper.”
HELICOPTER

But with the creation of a new Global Headquarters in Vancouver is a major port and leads the world in grain
Vancouver in 2004, CHC has indeed gone west to stake exports. As the main western terminus of Canada's
new ground and seek new opportunities. And CHC transcontinental highway and rail routes, it is the primary
is very much a collection of pioneers. Our company is city of Western Canada, as well as one of the nation's
comprised of a group of companies whose founders largest industrial centers.
built the commercial helicopter services industry from
scratch. And now, building on the combined strength In a recent country-wide profile of cities, Canada’s
of those founding companies, CHC is launching a new National Post ranked Canada’s 14 largest urban areas,
era in global helicopter services. and determined Vancouver was the healthiest city in
Canada, according to health outcomes and lifestyle
Vancouver is the perfect location for such an endeavor. choices. Vancouver also has the lowest mortality rates
Consistently voted one of the world’s best cities in which for cancer and heart disease nationwide, and one of
to live and work, Vancouver has also been declared the the highest life expectancies in the world.
CHC

most international city in the world. Approximately 35

percent of Vancouverites were born outside Canada, the On July 2, 2003 members of the International Olympic
highest figure for any city in the world. Committee (IOC) voted to award Vancouver the 2010
Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games,
Archaeological evidence shows that coastal Indians culminating nearly seven years of cooperative effort
settled the Vancouver area about 2,500 years ago, but it since the quest for the Winter Games began.
wasn’t until 1792 that British naval Captain George
Vancouver explored the area, and not until the 1870s CHC is very much like Vancouver, built in dramatic fashion
that Vancouver was settled – scarcely 100 years ago. by pioneers, with distinct regional qualities and
Today the Vancouver metropolis is the third-largest in advantages, yet ready to expand in new and exciting
Canada, with a population of more than two million. directions as one cohesive unit.

Vancouver Facility Up and Running

On Aug. 24, CHC opened a spectacular new Vancouver skyline to the north, with British
facility on the south side of Vancouver Columbia’s magnificent North Shore Mountains
International Airport. As far back as 2002, CHC in the distance. Design work began in May 2003,
determined it would need a new building. The and construction
old facility was on airport land leased for 50 years in September, with
and the lease was to expire in October 2004. the exterior
With further growth projected, it did not make completed by
economic sense to refurbish the cramped old December. Further
building – particularly since it would no longer changes are
be in compliance with building safety codes – planned to
so new accommodations were sought. accommodate
CHC Global
The new facility is just a few hundred metres Headquarters,
away, facing the Fraser River to the south, and the including CHC CHC’s new facility at Vancouver Interntional Airport opened Aug. 24.

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Vancouver Facts: passengers from Vancouver along the Inside Passage
to Alaska.
• In a survey of 130 cities, the Economist Intelligence Unit • Whistler Resort is 90 minutes away, the largest ski area on the
rated Vancouver (along with Melbourne) as the best city continent, with 7,000 acres of skiable terrain and 200 marked
in the world in which to live. trails. It will host many of the alpine events at the Winter
• Vancouver has the third–most productive film industry Olympics in 2010.
in North America, behind Hollywood and New York. • Stanley Park, at 1,000 acres, is larger than New York City’s
• Vancouverites spend more on sports equipment than Central Park. A seawall rims the park, making it the city’s
residents of any other city in Canada. The Vancouver area most popular area for walking, jogging, and cycling.

HELICOPTER
boasts more tennis players, more boats, more fitness classes, • Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden was the first authentic
and more vertical feet of skiing here than anywhere else classical Chinese garden built outside mainland China.
in the country. Chinese craftsmen constructed it with materials imported
• Vancouver has the narrowest building in the world, the from Suzhou, China’s premier garden city.
Sam Kee Building in Chinatown. Built in 1913, it’s 1.5 metres • The West End of Vancouver is the most densely populated
(6 feet) wide, 30 metres (100 feet) long, and two stories tall. area in North America (20 square blocks) and possesses the
It is now an insurance office. most restaurants per capita in Canada.Vancouver is one of
• More than half of Vancouver’s children are raised speaking a the only places in the world where it is possible to ski, golf,
language other than English. and go sailing all in the same day.
• During the five-month Alaska cruise season, 290 sailings • Despite Vancouver's reputation as a wet city, it actually
from 25 ships representing 11 cruise lines carry 800,000 has a lower average rainfall than Boston, Mass.

Global Support and CHC Global Operations. of Vancouver Island. CHC engaged Syncor Group CHC
The new facility includes 31,000 sq. ft. of office of Vancouver to complete the interior design and
and employee space, 21,000 sq. ft. of R&O shops furnishings. CHC’s Brad Shaw and Corallee Hewlitt
and 10,800 sq. ft. of hangarage. The hangar features represented the Company to ensure CHC’s best
a new five-tonne crane, capable of lifting a interests were looked after throughout. Their
medium aircraft and placing it anywhere within focus was on the floor plan layout, interior design
the hangar. With this system, CHC will be able to finishes, furniture acquisition including layout,
quickly move aircraft around to perform required electrical/data layouts, hangar equipment etc.,
maintenance tasks and get helicopters into the as well as external structure finishes, signage
field faster. and landscaping.

The facility was built using a tilt-up concrete The interior will feature artwork from various
construction – which gives it greater strength regions around the world where CHC has
and a lifespan far exceeding that of regular steel helicopter operations. The new address is:
beam construction – by First Canadian Group in
conjunction with local architect CTA Design CHC Helicopters
Group, of Vancouver, and Canstore Constructors 4740 Agar Drive, Richmond, B.C. V7B 1A3 CANADA

R O T O R TA L E S S P E C I A L E D I T I O N 2 0 0 4 11
CORPORATION
PETER FRESTEL BASE MANAGER, MACKAY

New Home and New Helicopter

Mackay, Australia – Central Queensland

Helicopter Rescue Service (CQRESQ) has
a new home. In May of this year CQRESQ
moved into a brand new, purpose-built
hangar facility – a far cry from their ‘home’
for the previous seven years.

The service is a community-based SAR

HELICOPTER

operation (VFR) which was started in

1996 with CHC (then Lloyd) contracted
as service provider. The aircraft employed
at that time was a Bell Longranger, which
still serves as a backup machine.

For those seven years, some floor space

in a privately owned hangar was leased
and a couple of temporary pre-fabricated
‘demountables’ were set up alongside as Back: Andrew Werner, Duane Reid, Dave Jibson, Warren Ritson.
Front: Phil Dowler, Peter Frestel, Perry Elliot.
offices, workshops, ops rooms and pilot
bedrooms. CQRESQ staff, including crewmen, were a replacement aircraft had to be sourced and it was
crammed into a small building across the road. Not decided to refurbish an available Dauphin C1 to
CHC

idyllic conditions for emergency response times! put into service. This was duly carried out and the
Dauphin came into service as
By September 2001, the the primary aircraft in March
operation was well established; of this year.
the aircraft was upgraded to
a Bell 407, offering improved Two months later saw the
payload and speed. move to the new hangar facility
and in such a short period of
In November 2002, plans time, we have seen quite a lot
for the building of a new of change in the operation.
facility had commenced, We now have a new home
and were well underway by and new helicopter.
October 2003. At this time, CHC moved into a new facility in Mackay in May.

CHC’s new SAR Dauphin.

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Major Milestone for BZH

CHC’s Australia-based Bell

412 aircraft, VH-BZH, celebrated
a major milestone in early August –
she turned 10,000 hours. BZH’s
home away from home is the
Ensco 102, a drilling platform in
the Yolla Gasfield, approximately
250 kilometres south of

HELICOPTER
Melbourne. The Yolla Field will be
supplying gas for Origin Energy in
Victoria. CHC has a longstanding
relationship with the Yolla Field,
having provided helicopter
support services for earlier
exploration drilling programmes
for Premier Oil, which held the
rights to the field in the late 1990s.

VH-BZH is currently performing

crew changes and 24-hour, seven-
day-per-week medevac support VH-BZH and her crew on the big day.

CHC
amidst some of the worst weather
conditions in Australia. The anniversary flight took of John Barnard, Brent Chamberlain and engineer,
place Aug. 8, 2004. The crew, pictured, was comprised Mark Lee.

JENNIE McBEATH SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT, AUSTRALIA

Meerlieu Amazing

Most days, the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes

practice in the vicinity of a tiny primary school called
Meerlieu. Recently, the RAAF took the Roulette Public
Relations Officer (Roulette 7), to speak to the students
of Meerlieu.

Roulette 7 flies the spare PC9/A aircraft and provides

commentary on the show, as well as public relations
support. He also conducts most of the administrative
arrangements and films each display for the post-
flight team debrief. Roulette 7 addressed the entire
school: all 20 of them from prep to grade 6!

The Roulettes usually perform for crowds of

thousands at events like the Australian Formula 1
Grand Prix and the Aussie Rules Football grand final.
But on this day, the crowd was made up of their
number one fans! The kids were equally excited to
see East Sale's new S76A++ (autohover) helicopter, CHC’s East Sale Autohover S-76A++ with RAAF Roulettes
LHN, and its handsome crew. performing an aerobatic manoeuvre in background.

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CORPORATION
JAY GATES CHIEF OPERATIONS CONTROLLER, AFRICA

Maiden Call for Medevac

One of the glaring problems that faced Southern was a suspected perforated duodenal ulcer. Carol
Africa in the maritime world was the ‘feast and famine’ asked another Taiwanese official, the Ship’s Agent
scenario. In South Africa itself, there were too many Joseph Li, to start lowering all radio masts and whip
agencies involved in Search and Rescue (SAR) antennas around the bow area of the vessel, in
coordination. On the contrary, in every other Southern anticipation of a winching operation later that day.
African state, there were virtually no agencies looking
after their own territorial waters and too often, SAR was Just before lunchtime, the Docks S-61N, ZS-RDV,
left to chance outside the South African jurisdiction. which had been prepared for an offshore medevac
HELICOPTER

Now, thankfully, this has all

changed with the advent of
the government- sponsored
Cape Town Maritime Rescue
Coordination Centre (MRCC),
which has received the
support and authority of the
regional governments to
maintain a watch over the
entire Southern African
oceanic region. It has been
operational for just over one
CHC

month, and up to July 7, 2004,

it had not yet been called to
action. July 8 changed all that.

On the morning of July 8,

2004, Carol Goedhals came to
work as usual at the CHC
Docks Base, with nothing
more to worry about than
some S-61 training for an
upcoming SAR contract on Paramedic Phil Ress stands ready on the bow, while the crew brings the casualty down the deck towards him.
the Ivory Coast. Capt. John
Pocock would be conducting flight training with First by Chief Engineer Carlo Kok, lifted off from the Docks
Officer Arthur Bradstreet. Later that morning the Base and headed for the last known position of the
phone rang, and for the first time ever, Carol heard a ‘Sheng Ching Chin’. Duty First Officer Andre Stroebel
voice over the phone say, ‘Hello, this is the Duty and paramedics Phil Ress and Ian Klopper had joined
Controller of the Cape Town MRCC. We have a Captain Pocock; First Officer Arthur Bradstreet would
potential medevac brewing and request CHC’s go along for the ride, as would trainee paramedic
assistance to bring the patient back to Cape Town to Stuart Burgess, as they would both receive priceless
receive medical assistance’. experience from the operation.

Some 87 nautical miles northwest of Cape Town, a As it turned out, this would not be a simple mission,
Taiwanese tuna fishing boat, the ‘Sheng Ching Chin’, mainly because of the ongoing language barrier.
reported that their Skipper had taken seriously ill Nobody aboard the tuna fishing boat could speak
and had not shown any sign of improvement in the English and none of RDV’s crew could manage
last three days. The worried crew decided he needed more than two words of Mandarin Chinese. So both
to be airlifted off the vessel for further medical Mr. Wu and Mr. Li joined the crew just in case they
investigation of his condition. were needed for their linguistic skills.

Due to language difficulties, the MRCC asked the The first problem of the day occurred once RDV had
Taiwanese Consular Director, Mr. Chen Chi Wu, to get arrived in the area of the casualty, as they could see two
a full medical report of the patient, whose diagnosis tuna fishing vessels about ten miles away from the

14 R O T O R TA L E S S P E C I A L E D I T I O N 2 0 0 4
 CORPORATION
reported position. Captain Pocock radioed the base to the helicopter and not the course needed to affect
ask which ship was the casualty, as they were similar in the rescue. No matter how many times Captain
appearance. Carol informed him to look for the one Pocock asked the helmsman to maintain his course,
which did not have any radio masts raised in the bow he kept veering to both port and starboard to
area. It soon became apparent which ship it was, not maintain ‘contact’ with RDV. Phil Ress decided that
only due to the absent radio masts, but also because now was the time to show off his skills as a Lifeboat
the ship was awash with Chinese fishermen frantically crewman, and he stormed back to the vessel’s bridge,
waving their arms in the air as RDV made its pass! pushed the helmsman aside and began steering the
vessel himself!
It was now apparent that nobody on the vessel knew
what a ‘Hi-Line’ was and it took some time for the Now that Phil had control of the wheel, Ian Klopper
interpreters to explain it. Once that had been achieved, finally reached the stable platform he needed to
the next problem was to steer the ship on the correct control the ascent of the stretcher back to the

HELICOPTER
course. Since the vessel was so small, it was imperative helicopter, with Mr. Lin safely contained in it. Once
it followed the course instructed by Captain Pocock. completed, Ian attached himself to the line and he
After another short delay, while was winched up to the helicopter.
the interpreters explained to the vessel’s helmsman
what he had As all this was going on, the
to do, Phil Ress and Ian Klopper Phil Ress decided that now helmsman was slowly realizing what
prepared for the winching was the time to show off his Phil was trying to achieve and when
operation down to the bow skills as a Lifeboat crewman... the time came for Phil to make his
deck of the ‘Sheng Ching Chin’. he pushed the helmsman way back to the bow, the Chinese
aside and began steering helmsman took the wheel and
Once Phil was safely onboard, the managed to maintain his course long
the vessel himself!
crew was already bringing their enough for Phil to attach himself to
Skipper along the deck to meet the winch line and for Carlo Kok to

CHC
him. Ian joined Phil on deck, and they found that the bring him back up into the comfort of RDV’s cabin.
Skipper, 62-year-old Mr. Cheng San Lin, was in a far
more serious condition than they had expected. In All the paramedics onboard RDV were now busying
addition to being dehydrated, Mr. Lin was drifting themselves, stabilizing Mr. Lin for the 40-minute
in and out of consciousness. He was prepared for flight back to Cape Town. On arrival, he was met
the transfer onto the helicopter basket stretcher, by ambulance and transferred to the Christiaan Barnard
and Phil signaled for RDV to make its approach. Memorial Hospital where his diagnosis was confirmed
The winching operation to get everybody back and he was immediately put under the care of a gastric
up to the helicopter was now underway. surgeon. Shortly afterward, he was operated on and is
now recovering well from his ordeal.
The next problem to arise was that the helmsman
was so transfixed by the helicopter hovering above The whole flying operation was a complete success.
the vessel, that he was continuously steering towards Once more, CHC Africa had been called on as the
preferred operator, to go to the
aid of a mariner in distress off
the African coast. In this case it
was the first time that the new
Southern Africa MRCC was called
on to ‘cut its teeth’ in service,
and the first time that CHC
Africa had been tasked by the
new agency. We bid all sailors
safe journeys under any
circumstances; however, these
are dangerous waters, and in
the best possible way, let’s
hope the mission to the ‘Sheng
Ching Chin’ was the first of many
‘call-outs’ in a new relationship
with the new MRCC and the
Paramedics Phil Ress and Ian Klopper prepare the ship’s captain
Search and Rescue fraternity
for transfer to the helicopter stretcher, just prior to the winch operation. of Southern Africa.

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Busy Summer for CHC in Europe
Summer 2004 has proven to be a busy period for CHC’s German Border Guard Update
European operations, with several customers requiring more
flight hours than originally projected, and many of our aircraft The German Border Police previously signed a deal with
on the move. In addition, several short-term contracts have Eurocopter and CHC’s Astec Helicopter Services divisions
been won, including: to purchase and upgrade ten AS332L Super Puma aircraft.
The aircraft will be upgraded and retrofitted to L1 standards,
• A short-term drilling contract from Applied Drilling Technology Inc. including full de-icing equipment, night vision goggle-
(formerly Global Santa Fe) for a one-well drilling operation in compatibility, digital multi-function displays, tactical
Block 49/26 in the Irish Sea. The operation is being carried out multi-frequency radio sets, reinforcement provisions for
from our Waterford Base using an S-61N helicopter. EI-CZN was gyro-stabilised daylight reinforcement and thermal imaging
repositioned from its Shannon base to Waterford in preparation camera capability, weather radar three/four axis autopilot,
for the July 15 start. The contract was based on a seven-day per GPS navigation computers, search lights, fast-roping devices
week operation, with scheduled flights Tuesday through Friday for special forces engagements, rescue hoists for SAR missions
and standby being provided on all other days. and an emergency floatation system for maritime missions.
• Another short-term contract resulted from the combined The first of five CHC aircraft to be handed over will be delivered
work of CHC Scotia and CHC International divisions. During to the German Border Guard in November 2004 with the
May and June, we successfully completed a joint venture remaining aircraft following over the next three years.
on behalf of Total E&P Pakistan, based offshore Karachi.
• CHC was awarded a 90-day drilling contract from ENI Norge AS to News from the Training Department
support forthcoming drilling operations on the Ocean
Vanguard, west of Kristiansand in the Norwegian Sea. The sole The Super Puma simulator based at Forus, Stavanger has
use AS332L/L1 contract will commence in October. undergone major enhancements, including a new Central
Processing Unit, an Instructor On-board Station and a new, state
Aircraft on the Move of the art Visual System. The main feature of the new visual
graphics is a daylight system compared to the old night/dusk
In conjunction with the end of the BP contract, one of our system and the added capability of moving helidecks, allowing
AS332L2 aircrafts will be used by BP in Brazil. We are in the the company to achieve greater flexibility in training. The
process of leasing the MkII to Aeroleo Brazil for BP work. system also has the capability of operating with night-vision
The aircraft will leave from Liverpool Docks and sail to Halifax, goggles, a first for this company.
Nova Scotia. From there, a ferry flight will take the aircraft to

Background photo by Gary Watt.

Belem, in the Amazon Delta of Brazil. In addition, a Norwegian The S-61N simulator was updated with a new CPU and IOS
based S-61N will begin operations for BP in Baku. The aircraft will earlier in the year and has already reaped the benefits of such
leave Norway within the month, with the contract lasting until investments. The Italian Air Force is sending helicopter crews
Dec. 31, 2009. Two additional Super Puma AS332L1s are being to Forus for simulator training for the first time. We welcome the
transferred from Norway to Brazil to operate for Aeroleo from a Italian Air Crews to our training department and look forward
base in Macae, near Rio de Janeiro. to a longstanding mutually beneficial relationship with them.

R O T O R T A L E S C O N T A C T S

GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS CHC EUROPE AUSTRALIA AFRICA INTERNATIONAL ASTEC SCHREINER

Chris Flanagan Karen MacConnell Jennie McBeath Cheryl Pedersen Nicole Barker Birgit Smeby Hella Veldink
Director of Communications Executive Assistant Sales and Marketing Assistant Commercial Executive Executive Assistant Executive Assistant Executive Secretary
604-276-7500 44-1-224-846002 +61 8 8372 7703 +27 21 934 0560 604-232-7353 +47 51 94 10 00 + 31 (0) 23 5555503
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Rotortales is a publication of CHC Helicopter Corporation. We welcome submissions, story ideas and letters. For questions, comments or concerns please contact: CHC Helicopter Corporation’s Director of Communications,
Chris Flanagan by telephone at 709-570-0749, or by email at [email protected], or forward correspondence to CHC Helicopters 4740 Agar Drive, Richmond, B.C. V7B 1A3 Canada. For more information on the company,
visit the CHC website at www.chc.ca. Rotortales is designed and produced by CCL Milestone, 709-739-9995 or [email protected]

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