Columbia Helicopters Acquires Swedish Vertol 107s

Moreno Aguiari Published May 4, 2013

Vertol 107 in military garb (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Columbia Helicopters of Aurora, Oregon, has acquired 11 of the 14 Swedish Boeing/Kawasaki Vertol 107s retired by the Swedish Navy in 2010. The Swede’s three remaining Vertols, which have been a fixture of their military aviation programs since 1963, are being sent to museums.

Columbia Helicopters is an aircraft manufacturer and operator best known for their large fleet of tandem rotor helicopters consisting of Boeing Vertol 107s and Boeing 234s, using these versatile heavy-lift helicopters for heli-logging, oil exploration, fire suppression, construction and disaster relief. Columbia Helicopters has also purchased the Type Certificate for the Model 107 and Model 234 from Boeing and is seeking FAA issuance of a Production Certificate (PC) to produce parts, with eventual issuance of a PC to assume production of both aircraft being sought as well.

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By Moreno Aguiari

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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.