Fire raptors mid-renovation are just one modern move for the generational Vancouver Island Helicopters Aviation Group based at the Victoria International Airport.
Residents are long accustomed to seeing Sikorsky’s come and go, the workhorse helicopter of VIH Helicopters, the original business of the group. Jen Norie is at the helm of that operation, while also leading communications for the VIH Aviation Group, which includes VIH Aerospace, VIH Execujet and YYJ FBO Services, founded from the first fledgling business decades ago under Jen’s grandfather, Frank Norie.
What started with a single Bell 47 now boasts a fleet of 50 and staff around 300 over the group of companies based on the Peninsula, with branches up Island and back east. Jen’s father, Ken Norie, is the current president.
A cluster of buildings at the Shell Aerocentre is at the heart of a company, with international attention and acclaim that goes back generations.
Not far from the airport tower in North Saanich, and overlooking a runway, is a hub of helicopter activity between the myriad VIH companies and tenants.
The original 1955 white hangar closest to prime runway viewing off adjacent Canora Road is the oldest bit in the bundle, where much of the hands-on work takes place.
VIH Executive owns and operates private jets and YYJ FBO is a private jet centre that includes a fuel centre and customs.
VIH Aerospace, with Jen’s brother Jeff Norie at the helm, does helicopter manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul services and recently received official approval as a Sikorsky-authorized customer support centre for the S-92A.
One of eight in the world, the designation by Sikorsky reinforces VIHA as a premier global hub for S-92A support, specifically tailored to meet the evolving needs of offshore, search and rescue and the emerging utility and firefighting markets.
It’s part of a natural progression in a longstanding relationship with Sikorsky, said Jeff Norie.
“For years, we have been at the forefront of S-92 innovation – from our pioneering auxiliary fuel systems to the recent success of the S-92 Fire Raptor conversion. This official approval from Sikorsky validates our team’s technical excellence and our commitment to keeping this vital fleet mission ready,” he said.
The conversion program is one Jen’s proud of, explaining the process during a walk through of the hangar, where a couple Sikorsky S-92As are under reconfiguration.
“We put them on a weight loss program,” she says, standing in a Sikorsky already stripped of panelling and seats in its conversion to a firebomber.
The dropped weight allows for carrying 5,000 litres of water or fire suppressant and affords a precision multi-drop system for accurate, efficient wireline control, yet remains adaptable to carry crew or support cargo operations. It also boasts an impressive four hours of endurance.
“There’s a lot of innovation in the aviation industry. It’s never boring around here,” Jen said.
VIH Helicopters continues to serve a range of industrial, construction and safety industries with a fleet of high-performance, well equipped aircraft. The company’s aircraft faced fires in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland last year. And while locals are accustomed to seeing choppers large and small on the move at Victoria International Airport, VIH helicopters are in use across North America, in Australia, Norway and the UK.
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Three 392s routinely land at the North Saanich site, directly adjacent to a strategically placed aircraft viewing area on Canora Road.
“People are really interested in aircraft and what goes on,” Jen said. When the community is curious, they just call in and ask, she said.
VIH Aviation Group quietly gives back to community as well, with a gala last fall raising $1 million for BC Children’s Hospital. They’re also regulars at the BC Aviation Museum open house, where the VIH fully restored original Bell 47 G2 that belonged to her grandfather flies it once a year. A VIH-owned Kamov KA32 is also among the aircraft displayed there.
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Email: christine.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
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