BFS brings heavy‑lift Chinook capability, proven performance, and the support to keep aircraft in the air when it matters most.
Maintaining a 97% readiness rate with rapid global mobilization.
Delivering large precision drops fast enough to change fire behavior.
Sustaining uptime with proactive maintenance and rapid field support.
The top 10 reasons that make the CH‑47D the heavy‑lift standard for aerial firefighting.
Up to 28,000 lb at sea level for the biggest loads and biggest drops
Retains meaningful lift in heat and elevation, outperforming alternatives in real fire terrain.
Tandem‑rotor stability for precise placement and safe work in complex terrain.
Dual systems across avionics, hydraulics, and powerplant for reliability under pressure.
Faster to scene (up to ~140 knots) = more gallons delivered per hour.
Large onboard fuel and favorable burn reduce refuel stops and extend cycles.
More water per trip, faster, with fewer cycles delivers better value.
Redundancy + disciplined maintenance drive low average downtime (~3%).
Decades of Boeing production and a mature global supply chain keep parts flowing.
Three‑hook configuration for stable, versatile external load operations.
BFS deploys internal tanks or external long-line buckets based on terrain, safety, and mission goals. Both deliver precise, measurable drops, with onboard telemetry tracking flight path, fill location/rate, drop points, and total volume.
Sliding doors for increased safety and drop patterns.
Long-line access for tight canyons and remote sources.
What happens when things go wrong and equipment breaks down? Because they do, and it will. It’s in these moments that BSF rises to the top, unmatched in service and speed.
A multimillion‑dollar parts pool, stocked and staged with the mission, so parts are available in hours, not days.
Round‑the‑clock support that moves from assessment to parts dispatch to on‑site repair without delay.
An FAA Part 145 repair station certified to inspect, repair, and return CH‑47D components to service—under one roof for faster turnarounds, including in‑house AFCS diagnostics and repairs.
Hydraulics, transmissions, avionics, and engineering specialists focused on rapid, right‑first‑time fixes.
Pre‑season checks, component replacements, and compliance work scheduled and completed early to minimize AOG risk.
Proven to mobilize across borders, climates, and terrain. Ready for rapid international response as well as U.S. missions.
Long‑standing operations and support
Multi‑season aerial firefighting deployments
Trusted, ongoing partnership
Campaign‑length firefighting support
Heavy‑lift missions in challenging terrain
Deployed Chinook firefighting operations
Alaska, Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho, Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Montana, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah
Fighting fires is inherently high-risk. That’s why we’re uncompromising about safety. We operate a formal Safety Management System (SMS) on PRISM, led by a Director of Safety, with third‑party audits (IS‑BAO Stage 3) and continuous reporting.
At BFS, people come first—our crews, our partners, and the communities we protect. We’re straight shooters: honest communication, clear expectations, and high follow‑through. We do what we say and deliver on it, backed by a 40+ year legacy of trusted operations.
When the stakes are high, value is measured in impact. The CH‑47D’s speed, capacity, and reliability help agencies control fires faster and prevent losses that can reach into the billions, delivering better outcomes for the cost.
BILLINGS, MONTANA (January 21, 2025): In the wake of the catastrophic fires in Los Angeles this month, Montana-based Billings Flying Service (BFS) deeply appreciates the support
BILLINGS, MONTANA (July 2, 2024): Montana-based Billings Flying Service (BFS) is pleased to announce it won Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s first exclusive
BILLINGS, MONTANA (June 14, 2023): Billings Flying Service (BFS) performed final inspections and took delivery of six Netherlands Defense Ministry surplus Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters
