Billings Flying Service gains FAA certification for Netherlands Air Force CH-47D Chinooks

Billings Flying Service (BFS) has announced that it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted category type certification for its surplus Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters. In July 2023, BFS acquired six CH-47D Chinooks from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). Two of these helicopters have now been added to the type certificate, with the remaining aircraft still undergoing the certification process.

“We are thrilled to announce the achievement of receiving FAA type certification for our CH-47D aircraft from the RNLAF,” said Bridger Blain, President and CEO of BFS. 

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide global aviation solutions; a game-changer in the industry. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our FAA representatives for their support moving this across the finish line, our congressional partners for their efforts, and to our incredible employees whose hard work and commitment made this possible.”

The newly certified Chinooks have a 54,000lb gross weight and a 28,000lb lifting capacity, making them unique in the civilian CH-47 Chinook fleet. These aircraft are outfitted with advanced glass cockpits, night vision goggles compatibility, and auto-hover capabilities. BFS is also implementing further mission-specific upgrades to prepare the helicopters for firefighting operations by the summer of 2025.

Last month it was announced that Japan had ordered 17 Block II Chinooks.