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QAI Equips Life Flight EC135
Dallas Avionics recently worked with QAI Aviation (QAI) to equip Life Flight’s EC135 with new tactical equipment at QAI’s hangar outside of Pittsburgh.
QAI has worked with Dallas Avionics for numerous years. Dallas Avionics
Eastern U.S. Territory
Sales Representative Tonya McQuaide worked with QAI to supply QAI with all the equipment needed.
Columbia Helicopters Wins Turkey Firefighting Contract
Columbia Helicopters recently announced the renewal of its aerial firefighting contract with CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. (“CMC”) in Turkey. This marks Columbia’s fifth consecutive fire season supporting Turkey’s national wildfire response, reinforcing a strong partnership with both CMC and the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry.
Under the new contract, Columbia will deploy four Columbia 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopters, supported by experienced flight crews and maintenance personnel, for the 2025 fire season. Each aircraft is equipped with a 2,600-gallon Bambi Bucket, providing precise water and retardant delivery to high- risk areas. The fire season in Turkey typically runs from May to October.
David Balevic, president and CEO of Columbia Helicopters, said, “We’re grateful for our ongoing partnership with CMC. This multi-year collaboration reflects the trust we’ve built
together and the consistent
performance and reliability our teams deliver. As Turkey prepares for the upcoming fire season, we are honored to support national efforts
36 Mar/Apr 2025
to protect lives, forests and critical infrastructure.”
President and CEO of CMC Cem Çolak said, “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Columbia Helicopters. After four years of successful firefighting operations, their 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopters have become a key asset in our support to the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry.”
Wildfire activity in Turkey has escalated significantly in recent years. Data from the General Directorate of Forestry indicates an increase in annual wildfire incidents from approximately 2,950 in 2020 to an estimated 3,800 in 2024.
“Our team has witnessed firsthand the growing scale and intensity of these fires,” said Scott Rumsby, crew chief for Aircraft 37 and Turkey operations lead. “The 2024 season was especially challenging, with record-breaking driving
conditions that
temperatures required
rapid and sustained response. We are proud to work alongside Turkish crews once again to help contain and suppress these destructive fires.”
“Dallas Avionics has been a longtime supplier of critical products for QAI,” said President Robert Sieber. “We appreciate Tonya and the entire team at Dallas Avionics’ commitment to providing us with great customer service and the quality products our clients demand.”
Dallas Avionics supplied QAI with the Technisonic TDAP 650 digital audio panel, Technisonic TDFM 9100 tactical radio, Flightcell DZMx Plus, DZMx Plus remote control, Smarthub, and U2C camera for the EC135.
“We appreciated the opportunity to assist QAI with the equipment that was needed for Life Flight’s EC135,” said McQuaide. “This aircraft is vital for essential emergency medical flights in Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. Any time our customers place their trust in our ability to help their customers, we work hard to make sure they have the equipment they need when they need it.
“This was the first of many aircraft that we anticipate equipping QAI with for Life Flight. We try to make sure we keep the latest equipment available for our clients not only in the Eastern part of the United States, but throughout all of North America. Whether it’s VIP aircraft, HEMS, law enforcement or other special missions, we have the equipment needed to help not only our clients, but their clients as well.”
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