Columbia Helicopters, Incorporated (CHI) is an aircraft manufacturing and operator company based in Aurora, Oregon, United States. It is known for operating tandem rotor helicopters; in present times, exclusively the Boeing Vertol 107 and Boeing Vertol 234. These helicopters are used in stream restoration and forestry, including heli-logging, aerial firefighting, oil exploration, construction, government support, film production, disaster response, and many other activities. In addition, the company operates a large FAA repair station supporting customers worldwide.
History
Founding and early days
Columbia Helicopters was founded on April 24, 1957, by Wes Lematta with a single Hiller 12B helicopter. With help from his brothers, he supported his young company with many odd jobs, such as carrying Santa Claus to trapeze acts. He performed most of his flying on the weekends while still working as a truck driver during the week.
Lematta gained notoriety on September 15, 1957, by rescuing 15 sailors from a sinking dredge near Coos Bay, Oregon. For his actions, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded him the Army Air Medal.[2]