Capitol Helicopters places fleet order with GPMS for HUMS

GPMS International, the leader in advanced Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS), is proud to announce that Capitol Helicopters is investing in Foresight MX across its fleet of Bell 407, Bell 412, Bell 429, and UH-60 Black Hawk aircraft. This investment underscores Capitol Helicopters’ dedication to safety, reliability, and cost sustainability while adapting to evolving customer requirements.

“As the industry evolves, we’re seeing more customers requiring HUMS, particularly with government contracts like the USFS MATOC,” said Casey Ross, Director of Operations at Capitol Helicopters. “Capitol Helicopters and our customers share the priority of keeping aircraft in peak condition to safely and effectively support utility and firefighting operations in demanding environments. At the same time, we’re focused on learning how to maximize our return on investment by improving efficiency, enhancing reliability, and reducing costs across our fleet.”

After evaluating multiple HUMS solutions, Capitol selected GPMS’s Foresight MX HUMS based on feedback from other operators who highlighted its ease of use, strong customer support, and the endorsement and backing from Bell. “GPMS’s customer support has been exactly what we needed, both during our initial installation and as we’ve integrated the system into our fleet operations,” said Ross. “Their team was responsive, listened to our feedback, and has shown us they can be a trusted partner to advance our HUMS program. Our second installation went off without a hitch, and the support from GPMS has been top notch.”

With rising costs and longer wait times for parts, Capitol views HUMS as a key tool in keeping operations efficient, extending the life of components, and cutting down on maintenance costs. “The industry faces tough challenges—parts shortages, staffing issues, and higher operating costs,” Ross said. “HUMS gives us the ability to stay ahead of maintenance, keep our aircraft in the air longer, and run a more sustainable operation.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Capitol Helicopters in their HUMS investment,” said Ronnie Ries, vice president of marketing at GPMS. “Their insights have helped us refine our solutions, making them more accessible for small and mid-sized operators. We appreciate their trust and look forward to supporting their fleet for years to come.”

Original article by Vertical Aviation International

Capitol Helicopters places fleet order with GPMS for HUMS

Capitol Helicopters Achieves IS-BAO Stage 2 Certification

Capitol Helicopters Achieves IS-BAO Stage 2 Certification, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety and Excellence

Sacramento, CA – Capitol Helicopters is proud to announce that it has achieved the prestigious IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations) Stage 2 certification. This milestone reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and the highest international aviation standards.

The IS-BAO certification, developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), is a rigorous standard recognized globally for ensuring the implementation of best practices in aviation safety and operations. Achieving Stage 2 certification is a significant accomplishment, confirming that Capitol Helicopters has not only established its Safety Management System (SMS) but also demonstrated effective management and ongoing improvements to its processes and procedures.

What the Certification Means for Capitol Helicopters

The IS-BAO Stage 2 audit involves an in-depth review of several key areas, including flight operations, maintenance, training, safety management, and emergency response systems. Capitol Helicopters’ successful completion of this audit is a testament to the company’s ability to manage operational risks effectively and enhance safety protocols.

“The IS-BAO Stage 2 certification reflects the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Kaysha Ross, President of Capitol Helicopters. “This achievement highlights our continuous efforts to operate at the highest safety standards in the industry. It’s not just a reflection of our processes, but a commitment to providing our clients with the safest and most reliable helicopter services available.”

Benefits for Clients and Partners

For Capitol Helicopters’ diverse range of clients—including government agencies, utility companies, and emergency response teams—the IS-BAO Stage 2 certification brings an added layer of assurance. Clients can trust that Capitol Helicopters not only adheres to, but actively exceeds, global safety standards, ensuring reliable and secure helicopter operations for every mission, whether it’s aerial firefighting, charter services, or utility operations.

As one of the few helicopter operators in the region to achieve this certification, Capitol Helicopters demonstrates its role as a leader in the industry, constantly innovating and improving its practices to better serve its partners.

Looking Ahead

With this achievement, Capitol Helicopters is already planning for the future. The company is committed to ongoing development and is exploring further advancements in safety and operational efficiency as it prepares for IS-BAO Stage 3 certification. This continued progression underscores Capitol Helicopters’ mission to be at the forefront of industry standards, both locally and globally.

Capitol Helicopters Achieves Completion of HAI-APS, Featured in Vertical Aviation International’s 2023 Report

Capitol Helicopters has been recognized in Vertical Aviation International’s (VAI) 2023 Annual Report for its significant achievement in completing the HAI’s Accreditation Program of Safety (HAI-APS) in 2023. This program, known for its stringent safety standards, combines the best practices of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) and helicopter mission-specific standards (HMSS), offering a robust framework for safety in aviation operations.

Paul Kargus, the Director of Safety at Capitol Helicopters, highlighted the company’s dedication to leading the industry in safety standards. He shared, “We’ve always aimed to be at the forefront, setting high safety standards for ourselves. The HAI-APS was a clear path to enhancing our safety performance and culture.”

The program has enabled Capitol Helicopters to improve its safety culture significantly, achieving high scores in safety audits. This accomplishment has not gone unnoticed, with Chris Hill, VAI’s Senior Director of Safety, commending Capitol Helicopters for being one of the last to complete the program in its current form. Hill revealed plans for launching a new, streamlined safety accreditation program at the HAI HELI-EXPO 2024, aimed at making safety accreditation more accessible and focused on operational risk and resilience.

The new Operational Risk and Resilience Accreditation (ORRA) Program is designed to be more straightforward, basing accreditation on an operator’s existing safety management system and emphasizing risk management with easier-to-understand checklists. While the new program will not require IS-BAO standards, operators can still opt for them.

Capitol Helicopters’ achievement in completing the HAI-APS underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, setting an example for the aviation industry as it moves towards implementing the new ORRA Program.

https://rotor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/VAI_2023_Annual_-Report.pdf

Our Collaboration with PG&E

Capitol Helicopters in Action

We’re delighted to share a new video by PG&E that features our collaboration with PG&E in developing a more secure and dependable energy system in California. The video, showcasing PG&E lineworker Bree Kral and her crew, prominently displays our helicopters. Our aircraft play a pivotal role in reinforcing infrastructure resilience to combat climate change, including enhancing poles and burying power lines.

This video demonstrates our aerial support in PG&E’s endeavor to adopt advanced technologies and elevate safety measures. Being a part of the PG&E team, this partnership highlights our commitment to superior service and our collective effort in shaping a brighter future for California.

PG&E Proud to Make Our System Safer for Our Customers

A Woman-Owned Business Gives PG&E’s Aviation Operations a Lift 

(Photo of Kaysha Ross by Aubrey Ross)

We’re thrilled to announce that Capitol Helicopters has been featured in a PG&E Currents article! This piece highlights our collaborative efforts with PG&E, providing critical aviation services in California’s diverse landscapes. It’s a testament to our dedicated team and our commitment to community and economic development. We invite you to read the article and share in our journey. Thank you for your continued support!

Read the full story

Article By John Kaufman featured in PG&E Currents | 3.31.23

Capitol Helicopters discusses its remarkable growth

We’re excited to share that Capitol Helicopters has been featured in Vertical Magazine! Our journey from a small flight school to a fleet of diverse aircraft in just a few years highlights our dedication to utility aviation and infrastructure support in California. This feature is a tribute to our hardworking team and the strong leadership of Kaysha and Casey Ross. We invite you to read our story and celebrate this milestone with us!

Check out the article here: Vertical Magazine

Article by John Duke featured in Vertical Magazine | JUNE 29, 2022