Heli-Recon Inc.

Heli-Recon Inc. is an aerial support company based in Smeaton, Saskatchewan, in the centre of the province. It was formed in April 2017 from the roots of the heavy construction, forestry and exploration industries. The company says it can be dispatched anywhere on short notice, and added a 5,000 square foot facility in the fall of 2021. Smeaton sits at the edge of the northern forest and the prairies, which the company says allows quick dispatch for both forestry and agriculture work.

Services

• Charter: from fly-in fishing and hunting excursions to supply and delivery services
• Oil and gas: support throughout Western Canada, giving clients access to remote sites
• Exploration: work using local knowledge of the province
• Forestry support
• Agriculture: helicopter application of fungicide, herbicide and insecticide to assist crop production and reduce yield loss
• Private sightseeing tours in central Saskatchewan

Fleet

The company flies two Bell 206 B3 JetRangers, a Bell 206 L1 Long Ranger and an AS350 B2. The fleet page gives figures for each:

• Bell 206 B3: external gross weight 3,350 lb, average cruise speed 115 mph, maximum range 320 miles
• Bell 206 L1: external gross weight 4,149 lb, average cruise speed 120 mph, maximum range 391 miles
• AS350 B2: external gross weight 5,512 lb, maximum external lift about 2,000 lb, average cruise speed 135 mph, maximum range 360 miles

Safety and team

Heli-Recon says its Safety Management System covers flight, maintenance and hazardous material handling, with a proactive approach aimed at avoiding injury and damage to people, property and the environment. Air and ground crews complete recurrent training every year. The founder and eight full-time staff all live in Saskatchewan.

Company facts

• Formed in April 2017
• Home base: Smeaton, Saskatchewan
• Fleet of four helicopters: two Bell 206 B3, one Bell 206 L1 and one AS350