Blackcomb Helicopters has announced its Powerline Training Facility, a significant addition to its Advanced Training Center. The new facility marks a considerable investment in safety and skill development.

The purpose-built training facility, in Pemberton, British Columbia, stands as a testament to Blackcomb Helicopters’ commitment to excellence in utility operations, offering a controlled and safe environment where crew can hone their abilities and ensure precision performance in the field.

“Our goal with the Powerline Training Facility is to enhance safety and proficiency,” said Andrew Bradley, business development manager at Blackcomb Helicopters. “Previously, our teams encountered challenging environments whilst on site. Now, this facility allows them to practice and perfect specific tasks before applying them.”

Building for Safety and Skill

Recognizing the need for realistic, hands-on training that mirrors the challenges of today’s utility tasks, Blackcomb Helicopters set out to create a facility that would provide an accessible, safe and realistic environment for skill development.

Alongside the Base at the Pemberton Airport (CYPS), this facility represents a significant milestone in advancing safety standards and operational proficiency.

Replicating Real-World Scenarios

The Blackcomb Helicopters Powerline Training Facility was specifically crafted to replicate the intricacies of existing utility systems. The training facility includes:

• A double circuit, 138KV monopole with five structures
• A self-supporting lattice tower
• A single circuit, 230KV H-frame with four structures
• Practice H-frame structure
• 2 culverts for pole sets

Excellence in Action

The training offered covers a wide variety of exercises ensuring comprehensive skill development for pilots, hoist technicians, and linemen. Participants can engage in exercises including but not limited to:

• Class D Hoist/winch operations
• Class D Fixed Line procedures
• Pole setting
• Timber (H-frame) removal and installation
• Ice removal
• Reinforcing steel towers
• Picking conductor
• Cross-arm changes
• Installing conductor carts
• Removal and installation of marker balls
• Spacer Damper removal and installation
• Pulling sock line
• Glass changes

Setting a New Standard

This significant investment stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment Blackcomb Helicopters has in safety, excellence, and innovation with utility operations, ultimately raising the bar for safety and efficiency in the field.