Alpine Helicopters has become the second agency in Canada and the fourth in North America to deploy a RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector.

With the new helicopter detector searchers can cover a square kilometre by air in roughly six minutes

The technology is a two-part system that features an active detector, carried by the rescuer, and a passive reflector, carried by the user. It works by emitting a directional radar signal, much like the beam of a flashlight. When the radar signal hits the RECCO reflector it’s echoed back to the detector and points the rescuer in the direction of the victim. The closer the detector gets to the reflector the stronger the returned signal, which allows the rescuer to pinpoint the victim's location.

In locations like the Rocky Mountains, where Alpine Helicopter operates, dangerous terrain and often freezing temperatures can add extra challenges to SAR operations. With the new helicopter detector searchers can cover a square kilometre by air in roughly six minutes.

"It's fairly new technology, it could be a game changer, we'll have to see how it works out," said Todd Cooper, the Canmore base Manager for Alpine Helicopters. The really neat part of it is the area – the search pattern really gets smaller. It can cover a lot of ground in a short period of time which makes a lot of difference looking for somebody if they're hurt or need help … it has huge potential."

The RECCO device has been lent to Alpine Helicopters for a two-year trial to collect data on how to improve it. Then, Alpine Helicopters and partners Parks Canada and Kananaskis Public Safety can decide whether to purchase it.