Columbia Helicopters is pleased to announce the promotions of Kurt Koehnke to vice president of Maintenance and Roy Toavs to director of Maintenance.

The Aurora, Oregon-based company owns, operates and maintains the world’s largest private fleet of heavy-lift helicopters. “As part of our continuing effort to support our business challenges and growth, we are promoting Kurt Koehnke to the position of Vice President of Maintenance,” said Mike Fahey, President of Columbia Helicopters. “In his new position, Kurt will oversee all maintenance activity for the company.” Koehnke has served as Director of Maintenance since 2002, and was responsible for all maintenance-related operations in the field and the company’s FAA Part 135 maintenance program. Koehnke attended Embry Riddle University and served with the U.S. Army maintaining CH-47s. He joined Columbia in 1987 and worked as a mechanic on the Columbia Vertol 107-II and as a Crew Chief on the Columbia Model 234 Chinook. He has been involved in establishing a number of our overseas operations.

“Kurt was instrumental in our successful efforts to obtain Part 135 certification for the 107’s and our CARB approval, as well as many other accomplishments the company has experienced,” added Fahey.

Replacing Koehnke as Director of Maintenance is Roy Toavs. This position is responsible for overseeing field maintenance operations, and plays a key role in the company’s FAA Part 135 activity. “Roy has done an exceptional job as our Field Maintenance Manager, and we know that he is committed to the same high level of performance in his new role,” said Fahey.

In the 14 years Roy has spent with Columbia, he has held a variety of positions including Vertol 107-II Crew Chief, and Model 234 Chinook Crew Chief under FAA Part 135. Roy also has experience within the company’s Repair Station including the Structures Shop and Tech Pubs. In his most recent position as the Field Maintenance Manager, Roy has been instrumental in the successful passing of the CARB audit and transition of the 107 onto the 135 certificate.