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 of Montana and California lawmakers in urging the FAA to certify its six CH-47D Chinook helicopters awaiting certification. Once certified, these heavy lift aircraft can join the BFS fleet in rapidly delivering up to 2,500 gallons of water on a fire in every pass.
BFS has been working diligently with the FAA to receive certification for the six aircraft since purchasing them from the Royal Netherlands Air Force almost two years ago. In the past, BFS has received aircraft certification for its Chinook helicopters between 21 days and seven months from application. BFS currently operates six certified CH-47D Chinook helicopters.
BFS has supported firefighting in Southern California since 1998 and has contracted with the State of California since 2018. Without their certification, these additional six aircraft were unavailable to help battle fires in Los Angeles and cannot help battle blazes anywhere they are desperately needed.
“We deeply appreciate the support the FAA has given BFS over the years and continue to respond to them immediately to provide information when it is requested,” said BFS President and CEO Bridger Blain. “We are very grateful to these law makers for helping bring attention to the need for faster certification so we can ensure all of our firefighting assets are on fires protecting people and property. We look forward to partnering with the FAA to ensure these aircraft are available for aerial firefighting in the near future.”
The lawmakers delivered a letter to the FAA on Jan. 16, 2025, expressing concern over the lengthy delay and requesting immediate attention to ensure the helicopters were available to fight fires. It was signed by Montana’s complete congressional delegation: Congressman Ryan Zinke, Congressman Troy Downing, Senator Steve Daines, and Senator Tom Sheehy. In addition, it was signed by six members of Congress representing California: Congressman Ken Calvert, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, Congressman David Valadao, Congressman Tom McClintock, Congressman Young Kim, and Congressman Vince Fong. The letter can be viewed here.
About Billings Flying Service Celebrating 40 years in 2023, Billings Flying Service (BFS) is a heavy lift helicopter solutions provider specializing the in CH-47 Chinook operations in aerial firefighting, utility, and construction. BFS owns and operates a FAA 145, AS9110, and Boeing-certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the CH-47 Chinook, and an authorized Honeywell CH-46, 234, CH-47D and CH-47D+ Flight Control Systems (FCS) Repair Station, both of which support the BFS Chinook fleet, commercial CH-47 customers, the United States military, and foreign militaries. For more information please visit billingsflyingservice.com