28-Feb-2011 Source: Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters proudly announces that the Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) recently certified our Oregon-based company for Department of Defense (DOD) passenger and cargo operations. With this and prior certifications, Columbia Helicopters is now eligible to bid on a more comprehensive variety of contracts for heavy-lift helicopters for all U.S. government agencies.
The CARB audit, conducted by the DOD Commercial Airlift Division, extensively examined all areas of Columbia Helicopters, including maintenance, quality and flight operations.
“The verbal comments I got from the actual audit team were that we didn’t just do well, we excelled!†stated Columbia Helicopters’ President, Michael Fahey. “This will open up whole new areas of opportunities for our company.â€
Columbia Helicopters owns and operates the world’s largest privately-held fleet of heavy-lift helicopters. The company has routinely worked on government contracts throughout its history – especially fighting wild fires throughout the summer – but those contracts typically required audits only of individual aircraft and their crews.
“We look forward to being of assistance wherever and whenever we can,†added Fahey. “Whether supporting the US military or other US government agencies, we know that our skill set will be an asset.â€