The Evolution of Heavy-Lift Operations Performed by Tandem Rotor Helicopters at Columbia Helicopters

Columbia Helicopters, Inc. was founded in 1957 by Wes Lematta. Lematta wanted to find a use for helicopters other than transporting people, and with that vision, built a company that spurred the industry of heavy-lift helicopter operations. In the early years of the company, operations included construction and helilogging. Columbia was one of the first successful helilogging companies in the world. In 1969, Columbia purchased its first tandem rotor helicopter, a Boeing-Vertol 107-II. Today, the company's fleet consists entirely of tandem rotor helicopters. Columbia holds the Type Certificates and Parts Only Production Certificates for the Model 107-II and the Model 234. Columbia also owns a Restricted Type Certificate for the Model CH-47D Chinooks. The company uses these three aircraft models to complete a variety of heavy-lift operations including firefighting, logging, government services, construction, stream work, oil and gas exploration, and humanitarian support. As the demands of the industry evolved, so has Columbia, by shifting focus of company operations from helilogging to firefighting and other government services.