Valley Helicopters Ltd.

Valley Helicopters Ltd. is a charter helicopter operator providing services in Western Canada, with bases in Hope, Merritt and Kamloops, British Columbia. Fred Fandrich founded the company in 1985 and moved it to its current location on Flood Hope Road in 1991. His son Brad Fandrich took ownership in 2015.

Services

The website says Valley serves the public, government and industry, specializing in:

• Utilities and construction, including mountaintop and powerline construction
• Natural resource support, such as logging support, mineral exploration and firefighting
• Emergency services, including search and rescue and forest fire support
• Heli-skiing and avalanche control
• Tours and charters, including passenger transport and scenic tours

The company also names aerial survey, seismic exploration in Alberta, pipeline patrol and specialty lift work. Its pilots are described as experienced in mountain flying, coastal weather and precision external load operations.

Fleet

The fleet page lists Bell light and intermediate helicopters, with specifications for the Bell 206 Jet Ranger, Bell 206 Long Ranger, Bell 407 and Bell 429. Each is fitted with a communications package, and Valley says it owns and operates a radio repeater network from the Lower Mainland to the Interior of British Columbia. Operational equipment includes firefighting buckets, aerial drip torches, an aerial ignition device called Red Dragon and aerial seeders.

Bases

• Hope, head office: 63235 Flood Hope Rd, V0X 1L2
• Kamloops: 3010 Aviation Way, V2B 7W1
• Merritt: Airport Rd, V1K 1M5