Specialty Training

Class D Helicopter Long Line (also known as Human External Cargo) or Helicopter External Transport System, is commonly used in rescue techniques. It is important that both pilot trained crew members rescuers and work as a team in order to extricate or rescue stranded and/or injured persons from otherwise inaccessible or difficult terrain.
New applications for this type of operation include those for the utility and construction sectors. Utility operators now recognize the efficiency gained by utilizing Class ‘D’ operations for such items as power line installation, maintenance and repair. Construction use is also experiencing growth in the use of Class ‘D’. Again the effective utilization for equipment pacing within new city high rise is both efficient and cost effective.
Courses vary from initial training to instruction for more experienced pilots. We will assess your skills and provide options for your training needs and individual requirements. For further details please contact us directly.

Requirements as required by CARs:

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License.

Where helicopter Class D External Load Operations are to be conducted for the purpose of providing a rescue service the following standards shall apply.

(a) Pilot Experience
Pilots-in-command for rescue service operations shall have achieved:

(i) at least 2,000 hours total helicopter pilot flight time;
(ii) at least 200 hours on the aircraft type which the pilot is to fly on initial assignment to rescue operations and at least 25 hours on types to be used thereafter;
(iii) at least 1,000 hours experience in the operational area if rescue services are to be conducted in Designated Mountainous Areas 1 or 2 as defined in the Designated Airspace Handbook (TP 1820); and
(iv) have completed training for Class D load operations in accordance with section 722.76.

Note: Under certain circumstances the requirements may be less than those detailed above such as filming and photography. While we welcome newly qualified pilots, you should be aware that there is a substantial amount of skill and understanding required to take full advantage of this type of training in order to become a proficient long line pilot and in particular class “D” loads. We therefor suggest that you visit for an individual assessment, unless you are confident of your own requirements. You should also confirm that your experience is satisfactory for the compliance of you company COM.

Mountain flying can be a challenging, rewarding and exhilarating experience. Few locations offer the opportunities to experience this type of training and this makes L R HELICOPTERS an excellent choice. With its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, your training starts within minutes of lifting form our base at Springbank, heading west with the mountains already in sight.
Any flying day in the mountains bring new challenges. From wind direction, temperature and pressure variations and load levels, all culminating to stretch the pilots ability using his/her skills and attributes. Of course it’s not all work; this environment brings a whole new world to the pilot. Stunning scenery only a select few could enjoy during all seasons. Snow covered peaks and glaciers, remote mountain lakes and dramatic landscapes all make for an unbelievable experience.
L R HELICOPTERS provide experienced Training Pilots and Instructors to guide you and elevate your skills to new heights. You will gain valuable experience in dealing with the diverse weather conditions which can change by the minute. You will learn how to utilize the climatic conditions to your advantage whilst making approaches to glaciers, ridges pinnacles and canyons, all of which can require extensive knowledge and skill. Whilst mountain training has no formal qualifications, training with one of our exceptional instructors will accelerate your ability and give you the competitive edge as a commercial pilot.
We offer the following courses:
Introduction to Mountain Flying. This is a five hour course which provides an insight to the basics of mountain flying.
Full Mountain Course. This twenty five hour course will provide an in-depth mountain experience. You will discover the challenging conditions that mountains provide and how to utilize them to your benefit.
Not sure what your training requirements are? We will assess your skills and provide options for your training needs and individual requirements. For further details please contact us directly.

Requirements:

Commercial or Private Helicopter Pilot License.

L R HELICOPTERS has gained significant experience in the delivery and execution of special operations which we are able to pass on to those who train with us. Our instructors have been involved with special operations in both civilian and military deployment. This gives L R HELICOPTERS a significant advantage when establishing and delivering the requirements of our customers. Please contact us for your specific training requirements.

• Aerial work class A, B, C, D.
• Bird Towing
• Fire Suppression
• Forestry
• Heli-skiing
• Hover Exit
• Oil and Gas
• Rappelling
• Seismic
• Search and Rescue
• Medivac
• Aerial Advertising

Requirements:

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License.

Note: Whilst we welcome newly qualified pilots, you should be aware that there is a substantial amount of skill and understanding required to take full advantage of this type of training in order to become a proficient long line pilot. We therefor suggest that you visit for an individual assessment, unless you are confident of your own requirements.

L R HELICOPTERS 44 Vertical Reference program is designed to individual needs and requirements. It may be an introduction to vertical referencing or fine tuning your existing skill level. Precision flying with external loads can be challenging, but our experienced instructors will help you in understanding the correct way to manage the load during all phases of flight. You will also learn how to effectively manage you available power for maximum efficiency. Together these skills will enable you to safely and effectively understand and use the skills required for the commercial workplace.

Requirements:

Commercial or Private Helicopter Pilot License. (Please note that the Private Pilot License does not allow for you to work for hire or reward).

Note: Whilst we welcome newly qualified pilots, you should be aware that there is a substantial amount of skill and understanding required to take full advantage of this type of training in order to become a proficient long line pilot. We therefor suggest that you visit for an individual assessment, unless you are confident of your own requirements.