With a lengthy and very destructive firefighting season under their belts, Columbia Helicopters has credited part of its overall success to its two Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters that were equipped with the world’s largest helicopter Fire Attack System (FAS) internal water tanks.

During 2016’s fire season, seven of Columbia Helicopters’ aircraft logged nearly 1,500 hours, fighting more than 50 fires in 16 states, with an availability rate of more than 95 percent.

It also marked the first full season that Columbia Helicopters had used the new 2,800-gallon internal FAS for firefighting duties. In all, the two Boeing CH-47Ds logged more than 740 hours during the most recent fire season.

The success comes as Columbia Helicopters marks its 60^th anniversary from its headquarters in northwest Oregon. Columbia Helicopters is the global heavy-lift authority, with exceptionally focused experience flying and supporting the world’s hardest-working helicopters and engines.

“Our customers were pleased with the speed and fuel efficiency of the Boeing CH-47Ds when combined with the large internal tank,” said Santiago Crespo, Vice President, Business Development and Marketing at Columbia Helicopters. “It’s great to know that our firefighting efforts, which now include this increased capability to deliver large amounts of water quickly, are being received in a very positive way.”

Columbia Helicopters’ crews are trusted worldwide to complete a wide range of heavy-lift missions and comprehensive range of responsive life-cycle support and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

“Our extensive operational experience allows us to provide customers with unmatched, high-quality maintenance services for their aircraft,” Crespo said. “The knowledge we gain from flying these aircraft each and every day allows us to share our knowledge with our MRO customers, providing them with the quality of service they deserve.”