From The Supply Post Archives: Okanagan's Big Lift

Aug 12, 2021 - 4 years ago

Okanagan Helicopters Ltd. has introduced a new heavy-lift winner to its fleet.

From The Supply Post Archives Okanagans Big Lift — *Sikorsky S61L*

It’s the Sikorsky S61L, the largest helicopter operating in Canada on commercial service. The S61L which is capable of transporting 28 passengers or a freight load of 8,000 pounds, has added a new dimension to capabilities of the large Okanagan fleet.

Okanagan already has three of the amphibious versions of this helicopter operating off the Canadian east coast in servicing offshore oil exploration programs. But this is the first time a helicopter of this size has been available in “bush service” in Canada - for hire on casual jobs. .

Dan Dunn, Okanagan vice-president operations, said the S61L is instrument equipped for night and all-weather flying which will mean that service delays are eliminated.

The S61 L opens up new avenues for service -- from the efficient movement of personnel, to carrying of large freight cargos, placement of heavy transmission towers and other heavy lift construction chores.

The big helicopter gives a flexibility in cargo handling. It has a cabin 32 feet long, six feet six-inches wide and a six foot three-inch height. It has two large doors for loading. In addition the machine is equipped for handling outside sling loads ..

It has an endurance with full fuel of 2 1 /2 hours and a cruise speed of 140 mph. Slinging speed is about 90 mph.

Dunn explained that the big inside cargo space will mean a saving on many jobs because of the higher non-slinging cruise speed.

“Because it is equipped for instrument flying,” Dunn said, “the machine offers the customer increased utilization — in addition to its greater lift and economy of scale.”

Okanagan President John Pitts said that with the concentration of oil exploration in the Arctic, the demand for cheap, efficient movements of personnel, material and even oil drilling rig complexes including their own housing, has created a new market for this heavier-lift, larger capacity equipment.

“Using the S61L in conjunction with the S58T, the 204B or other aircraft types, we can achieve the maximum flexibility and efficiency for large movements,” he said.

Vancouver-based Okanagan, Canada’s largest commercial helicopter operator, this year also has added the Sikorsky S62 and the fast four-passenger Gazelle — which has a cruising speed of 150 mph — to its fleet.

He said the Gazelle, with its speed, can successfully bridge the gap between the door-to-door convenience of the helicopter and the previously faster fixed-wing aircraft.

This article was originally published in Supply Post, June 1973 issue.

Editor’s Update: Okanagan Helicopters was purchased by numerous companies, eventually landing with CHC Helicopter Corp. in 1987. At one time, Okanagan Helicopters was Canada’s largest helicopter company, with over 900 employees, 125 helicopters, and annual revenues of $83 million Canadian.