No More Hide And Go Seek

Where's my helicopter? Cougar Helicopters plans to know the answer to that question from now on. Cougar will be using the Blue Sky Network SkyRouter Tracking System to manage their fleet of helicopters and workboats.

"The Blue Sky Network system has been a huge benefit for situational awareness and communications," said Rick Burt, general manager for Cougar Helicopter's Inc. "The flight crews, in conversations with maintenance and logistics, have sung the praises of the system. Our goal is to conduct all future flight tracking and following from St. John's for all our east coast operations."

Cougar Helicopters has permanent facilities in St. John's and Halifax that support the offshore oil and gas fields near Newfoundland. They operate a variety of helicopters, including Super Pumas, Sikorsky S-61s and a Sikorsky S-76.

Blue Star Network equipment is designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions that occur in the North Atlantic. The D1000 series Flight Tracking and Messaging Units and the C1000A Satellite Phone will provide Cougar with global trip tracking, voice communications and messaging services. The system uses the Iridium satellite network of 66 low-earth-orbit satellites.

"We are proud to welcome Cougar Helicopters to our family of customers," said Jon S. Gilbert, president of Blue Sky Network in a news release. "As Canada's premiere offshore oil and gas helicopter service provider, Cougar has shown their technology leadership with the integration of Blue Sky Network equipment and SkyRouter services for both airborne and marine assets. We will continue to support Cougar's goal of leveraging satellite communication opportunities into their total business environment, insuring their leadership role."

FMI: www.iridium.com, www.blueskynetwork.com