New SAR operator for St John’s

SAR operations in the metropolitan area were previously undertaken by the city’s fire department. However, it will no longer provide this service, as changes in regulations have led to higher costs.

NLSARA already delivers helicopter rescue services for the rest of the Canadian province, so a smooth transition is expected.

The fire department took over SAR provision in the city in 2020, after the previous operator, Universal Helicopters, went bankrupt. During that time, a change in regulations meant that all helicopter rescue operators now need the approval of Transport Canada.

In light of the new Transport Canada regulations – which came with requirements for new equipment and training – with an immediate cost of at least C$117,000, as well as an annual cost of around C$30,000, the city decided against contracting a new dedicated SAR provider.

The National Research Council of Canada has been trialling autonomous helicopter piloting technology under their Canadian Vertical Lift Autonomy Demonstration project.