Columbia Helicopters is deploying a second heavy-lift helicopter to Louisiana to assist with efforts in preventing the further spread of the Gulf oil spill. The helicopters will also assist with clean-up operations already underway.

Working currently under contract to British Petroleum (BP), the two Columbia 107-II helicopters will carry sandbags and other barrier material designed to slow the spread of the oil. The aircraft are also delivering cleaning supplies to crews working in environmentally sensitive areas with limited accessibility.

While the aircraft are currently under contract to BP, the crews of each aircraft are working directly under the command of the Louisiana Army National Guard, which is coordinating the aviation assets involved in this operation. Each tandem-rotor Columbia 107-II helicopter is capable of carrying loads exceeding 10,000 pounds. Loads are carried at the end of a 200-foot cable slung below the aircraft, and large bubble windows allow the pilot to deliver the cargo with exceptional precision.

Working from several locations in the New Orleans area, each aircraft is crewed with two pilots and a team of 4-6 mechanics.

FMI: www.colheli.com