It was an unusual report that swiftly sent the Grand Canyon National Park Helitack–this year’s winner of the Igor I. Sikorsky Humanitarian Service Award–into action last August 17. “In the early morning we got a report that there were five boats floating down river with no passengers on board,” said Jay Lusher, helicopter program manager for Grand Canyon National Park. “All of the life vests and gear and everything were still onboard the boats.” The drifting rafts were corralled by a Colorado River Canyon tour operator who used a satellite phone to alert authorities.
Based within the park, on the canyon’s south rim, the helitack unit–which stands for helicopter initial attack–provides aerial search and rescue, medevac, fire management and logistical support to the one million acres of the canyon area.
Grand Canyon Helitack flies an MD 900 provided by operator Papillion Helicopters on a 365-day-a-year contract, which includes three pilots, maintenance and ground support. A second helicopter and crew is available during the park’s peak season from May through July.
