Coulson inks deal with U.S. Air Force for firefighting delivery system
Port Alberni-based Coulson Aviation has signed a deal with the United States Air Force to install its Retardant Aerial Delivery System on the seven C-130H aircraft operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Coulson is partnering with Lockheed Martin, which will do the installations at its facility in Greenville, South Carolina. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Coulson Aviation, a world leader in aerial firefighting technology, first developed and installed the systems in 2011 to equip its own C-130H/Q for aerial fire suppression.
鈥淲e are honoured to have been selected by the United States Air Force. This contract is a testament to the commitment at Coulson Aviation of excellence in aerial firefighting,鈥� president Wayne Coulson of Coulson said in a statement.
鈥淲e are the first system in the industry to employ technology to not only aid and reduce the workload of the pilots, but to produce a superior drop pattern on the ground,鈥� he said.
Coulson Aviation has more than 25 years of experience in aerial fire suppression and is the only commercial operator of C-130H aircraft.
Dewar to lead consumer group
Rod Dewar, former CEO of Island Savings credit union, has been appointed chairman of the board at Consumer Protection sa国际传媒 The agency is the regulator of a variety of sectors and specific consumer transactions in the province. Its mandate is to license and inspect its regulated businesses, respond to consumer inquiries, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws and provide information and referrals to consumers.
Dewar, who has been on the board since 2017, will serve a five-year term as chairman. He succeeds Doug Enns.
Dewar鈥檚 other board responsibilities include sa国际传媒 Life & Casualty (vice-chair), Nicola Wealth Management, Blueshore Financial and the Victoria Airport Authority. He has also served as聽chair of the sa国际传媒 Ferry Authority and Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
Book warming
Russell Books is having a 鈥渂ook-warming鈥� party on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m., at its new location, 747 Fort Street. The event will feature three local authors :
鈥� sa国际传媒鈥檚 Jack Knox (Hard Knox: Musings from the Edge of sa国际传媒; Opportunity Knox: 20 Years of Award-Losing Humour Writing; and On the Rocks with Jack Knox: Islanders I Will Never Forget)
鈥� Briony Penn (Stories from the Magic Canoe of Wa'xaid)
鈥� Anny Scoones (Island Home: Out and About on Vancouver Island)
There will be refreshments, door prizes, readings and more to help celebrate Russell Books鈥� new location.聽
