Saltspring Air leads the way with new float plane safety modification
Airline becomes first in Canada to install pop-out windows
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA (August 18, 2010) – Saltspring Air today becomes the first Canadian float plane company to install emergency exit pop-out windows in its aircraft.
A lot of attention in 2010 has been given to advances and improvements for Seaplane egress around door latches and pop-out windows to enhance the already strong safety record of the de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, the workhorse of the West Coast and the seaplane utilised by most commercial operators in B.C.
Saltspring Air is the first airline to commit to the safety modification - and will be upgrading its entire fleet with the emergency pop out windows, which provide an alternate exit to the main cabin doors in case of an emergency.
“We pride ourselves on our safety record and are pleased to be able to lead the way on this enhancement,” says St. Clair McColl, president of Saltspring Air. “With float planes making 130,000 flights a year in B.C., safety has always been paramount for the operators and this new modification is one that I believe makes a lot of sense.”
Saltspring Air has received support from the industry and encouragement from Transport Canada.
“This modification is based on technology being utilized in off-shore helicopter operations, and will be the first of its kind in fixed wing aircraft,” said David Curtis, president and CEO of Viking, which owns the designs for the de Havilland Legacy fleet. He added, “Viking is committed to continuously improving upon the original designs as the industry evolves, and to be able to work with operators such as Salt Spring Air to put into practice new modifications regarding safety, will no doubt benefit the entire fleet.”
“I commend Saltspring Air on taking a proactive approach and putting the safety of their passengers first” said The Hon. Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, who was on hand to celebrate the occasion. “I also applaud Viking Air for their innovation in the field. This is another example of the kind of forward thinking that sets our area apart, and the great things that are being accomplished right here in Saanich-Gulf Islands in the field of air transport.”
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