Billings Flying Service

Montana-based Billings Flying Service (BFS) has secured Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation’s (DNRC) first exclusive use type 1 helicopter firefighting contract. This summer, BFS will deploy a tanked Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter, renowned for its high-volume precision water drop capability. Starting July 1, the CH-47 Chinook will be stationed in Montana, with potential deployment to neighboring states under a cooperative agreement with the USDA Forest Service and the State of Montana. Katrina M., BFS Director of Business Development, expressed her pride, stating, “As fellow Montanans, our BFS team is particularly honored to support the state’s wildfire preparedness objectives this summer. The CH-47 Chinook’s fire suppression capability is second to none. By contracting this helicopter for exclusive use, the state has secured an asset to work solely for its use at a moment’s notice this season and will have the capability to dispatch initial attack missions as soon as a fire is identified.” The CH-47 Chinook can deliver up to 2,500 gallons per drop with precision, providing a significant advantage in controlling wildfires before they escalate. Rapid response and precise large water volume drops are crucial in preventing wildfires from expanding. Wyatt Frampton, Deputy State Forester and DNRC Forestry and Trust Lands Deputy Division Administrator, emphasized the importance of this addition, saying, “Montana DNRC prides itself on safe and aggressive initial attack to keep wildfires small, and firefighters and the public safe. The addition of this helicopter is made possible through funding from the legislature and will complement our response capabilities to increase the level of service we provide to Montanans.” The contract’s funding comes from Montana’s House Bill 883, which allows state lawmakers to allocate unused fire suppression funds for wildfire preparedness activities, including securing helicopter support. Read the article on our blog. #AvfoilNews #BillingsFlyingService #Firefighting #Helicopter #CH47Chinook #Montana #WildfireSuppression #DNRC #WildfirePreparedness #Aviation #Aerospace #FireSafety #EmergencyResponse #HouseBill883

It was a packed house at the AerialFire Magazine mixer at the Tangent Link Ltd #AFFNA show tonight at Cafeteria 15L. Thanks to the capacity crowd that attended and to Billings Flying Service for co-sponsoring and making the event a resounding success. We look forward to seeing everyone on the show floor tomorrow.

#dutch #heavylifting #helicopter #commercialaviation #firefighting #faa #bfs