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The Government of Canada has donated surplus Coast Guard assets to educational institutions across Canada, including the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Aerospace Technology (BCIT).
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced yesterday that the campus has received a Coast Guard Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm BO105 helicopter.
“This Canadian Coast Guard helicopter will further students’ education and training here at BCIT allowing them to have practical and hands-on experience,” said Wilkinson. “These assets have a lot of history and are part of the Coast Guard’s heritage. They will benefit the generations to come in building high-level aircraft maintenance expertise.”
In total, ten BO105 helicopters were in service in the Canadian Coast Guard for more than 30 years. The first BO 105 helicopter was purchased by Coast Guard in April 1985, and the last unit was purchased in April of 1988.
“With this generous gift, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) supports the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) with an indispensable learning tool that supports the next generation of skilled aerospace technicians,” said Guy Ellis, Associate Dean, School of Transportation, BCIT.
“The fully-operational Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 light twin-engine helicopter represents a valuable hands-on training aid, that integrates seamlessly into BCIT’s unique applied learning model.”
#DYK we donated a surplus helicopter to the @bcit Aerospace Technology Campus in #Richmond #BritishColumbia? Even in retirement, this Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm BO105 continues to serve by giving students a chance to practice hands-on aircraft maintenance! https://t.co/DmN1VDXpxv
— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) February 15, 2019
Coast Guard’s helicopter fleet plays an essential role in supporting programs such as icebreaking, marine communication, aids to navigation, environmental response, waterway protection, conservation and protection, science and support to other government departments as required.
As part of the Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Plan, the Government of Canada has purchased and deployed 22 new helicopters, including 15 light-lift helicopters (Bell Epi 429) and seven medium-lift helicopters (Bell Epi 412).
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