Chinook Ch-47s – Aerial Firefighting Powerhouse in Chile

Chile has the power of major aircraft over summer with Coulson Aviation providing assets through PESCO, and separate contracts with plantation companies ARAUCO and CMPC.

Coulson Aviation has 4 CH47D Chinook helitankers and a UH60 Blackhawk working in major fire operations in Chile, with a Citation 550 joining shortly.

CMPC has contracted two of the CH47D Chinooks as part of their fire operations planning.

ARAUCO has contracted two CH47D Chinook and a Citation 550 for aerial intelligence gathering. ARAUCO is also sponsoring an aerial night fire suppression trial on NVG as part of the work.

This is the first time NVG operations will be undertaken in Chile.

Chile has faced devastating wildfires in the past. A Coulson CH47 operated in Chile last year, and as wildfire seasons lengthen and conditions are predicted to worsen, the need for additional fire aviation assets has been identified.

PESCO, which is facilitating logistical support for the programs, has the same aim as Coulson – to protect the world from wildfires through innovation while upholding the highest safety standards.

An integrated multi-national team is operating in country with more than 80 Coulson team members including pilots, flight engineers, maintenance and management staff.