High Terrain Helicopters Ltd.

High Terrain Helicopters is a helicopter operator based in Nelson, British Columbia, serving the Kootenay region. Founded in 1992 by owner Steve Benwell, it started with a single Hiller 12E at Meadow Creek alongside his logging business. It now runs a main hangar in Nelson and a smaller base at Nakusp, flies year round and employs about 20 people, serving customers across British Columbia and Alberta.

Services

• Forest fire suppression: an active contractor to the British Columbia forest service
• Search and rescue, with a long standing relationship with Nelson, Kaslo, Rossland and Columbia Valley Search and Rescue and machines equipped for Class D Human External Transport System (HETS) work
• Heli-skiing, in partnership with heli-ski operators in the Kootenays including Baldface Lodge and Powder Creek Lodge
• Heli-biking, with three runs and bike racks that carry up to six bikes
• Tours and picnics from 15 to 60 minutes, including landings at 7,000 feet, and weddings
• Commercial services: power line patrols, cell tower repeater support, long-lining, diamond drill moves, avalanche work and heli-bombing
• Aerial film, with experience in commercials, television and documentaries
• Environmental sciences and wildlife research in southern British Columbia

Fleet

The site lists the Airbus AS350 B3+, AS350 SD2 and AS350 B2, the Bell 206 B2 JetRanger and the Bell 205 A1++. The Nelson hangar can fit two Airbus Astars, two Bell 206s and the Bell 205, and all maintenance is done in house.

Safety

High Terrain says its Safety Management System follows ICAO Annex 19 and goes beyond Transport Canada requirements.

Company facts

• Founded in 1992
• Main hangar: Nelson, with a 3,200 square foot two floor office area
• Second hangar: 2105 Hot Springs Road, Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0
• Operates 365 days a year