How Alpine Helicopters and SKYTRAC are Leading the Way for Remote Communications in Western Canada

Background

From its start in Calgary in 1961, Alpine Helicopters later established its main headquarters in Kelowna, eventually growing to seven locations across Alberta and British Columbia, including Canmore, Calgary, Golden, High Level, Kananaskis, and Grimshaw. This extensive network allows Alpine Helicopters to support a wide range of missions year-round. Alpine operates one of the largest Bell helicopter fleets in Canada, with 39 intermediate and medium aircraft in active service.

While widely recognized for its heli-skiing and mountain-flying operations in British Columbia, Alpine Helicopters also supports a broad range of commercial missions including Resource Support for Oil and Gas, Aerial Firefighting, Drill Moves, Utility &   Power-Line Work, Seismic Work and Lodge Resupply. A key part of Alpine’s unique service offering is their ability to operate from multiple locations across the province, allowing them to respond quickly and effectively to mission requirements. During the summer months, aerial firefighting becomes Alpine’s primary focus, with aircraft and crews mobilized wherever the province requires support.

Managing a varied fleet of rotorcraft that supports a variety of mission profiles requires a detailed level of maintenance oversight. Due to the seasonal nature of their work, aircraft switch between aerial firefighting, heli-skiing, and other commercial activities, each of which has unique contractual and operational needs. It was in this that Alpine saw the need for a versatile technology solution that could grow with a diverse fleet.