Gives Students Opportunity To Try Out Ag Flying

Jerry Airola, president of Silver State Helicopters, told ANN Wednesday his company has purchased Central Washington Helicopter, LLC.

Airola states the acquisition allows Silver State Helicopters to expand into the agriculture field, in such work as crop spraying, crop drying, pest control and fertilizing. It will also provide the company's flight academy students with further opportunities to gain experience, as well as give current pilots the opportunity to advance their careers in this field.

"The agricultural field opens so many more doors for our students, giving them the chance to diversify their career options," said Airola. "We are happy to be able to provide this training to them."

Central Washington Helicopter will continue to operate under the same name, and will be arranged as a separate operating unit with its own infrastructure. During the busy season of May through August, up to 15 helicopters will be added to the fleet -- such as UH-1H, MD500s, EC120s, Jet Rangers and Robinson R44s.

Silver State Helicopters was founded in 1999, and is a full-service commercial helicopter operator with flight and air traffic control academies. Operations include search and rescue, air ambulance, aerial tours, photography, law enforcement air support, agriculture and fire fighting, along with many other services. Silver State Helicopters has operations at more than 30 locations in 14 states.

FMI: www.silverstatehelicopters.com