Promote your company to the global vertical aviation industry through the VAI Member Spotlight, a free benefit for VAI member companies. Want to be featured? If you’re not already enjoying the many benefits our members receive, join VAI today! VAI Member Spotlight: Boost Systems, Canada Founded by two members of British Columbia’s North Shore Rescue team, the human external cargo specialist expands equipment and support for rescue operators. By Jen Boyer Transport Canada regulations for human external cargo (HEC) operations are more stringent in certain ways than FAA rules on the subject. When Transport Canada’s updated aeronautical manufacturing regulations affecting HEC equipment took effect in 2008, a key product used for HEC in the country lost its manufacturing certificate. This development prompted Jeff Yarnold and Derek Thomas, two members of British Columbia’s North Shore Rescue team who rely on HEC operations, to develop a new system that met the updated regulations. Boost Human External Cargo Systems was born in 2010, focused on an effective design developed by experienced HEC rescuers to meet the specific needs of emergency response operations. HEC Certification The road to certification was long and detailed, but the Boost HEC system has proven to be a reliable and user-friendly option. Initially certificated for the Airbus Helicopters AS350/H125 and AS355, the Boost system is now also approved for installation on the Airbus EC135/H135, MD 369, and Bell 412, 407/206L, 212, 205, and UH-1 helicopters. The system holds approvals from Transport Canada, the FAA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The Boost HEC system replaces the belly-band style that extended from the doors on either side of the aircraft to a center point below the aircraft’s belly. The Boost product incorporates a dual-hook system that connects to a Y-shaped rope, which itself connects to a longline. The system has a 1,100-lb. (500-kg) working load limit. With primary and backup dual-activation device releases and pilot-controlled hooks with a primary quick-release system installed on the cyclic grip, Boost’s system offers both safety redundancy and reduced workload. Designed for quick installation with minimal airframe modifications, the Boost system can be connected and detached quickly in the field by pilots or line technicians. The HEC system is popular with search-and-rescue, law enforcement, and utility operations across Canada and around the world. Other Boost Products Boost Systems has added several additional products to its portfolio in recent years. The company developed a quick-release cargo basket and lightweight boarding step for the H125 and AS355 and also offers an H125 replacement heater line kit. Additionally, IMS New Zealand was recently appointed the company’s exclusive distributor for the Cloudburst fire bucket system in Canada and the United States. Boost is currently working on certification for the H125 aerial wash system that incorporates fiber-optic and power-assist technology. Training and Support In addition to its line of products, Boost Systems uses a team of trained professionals to provide HEC technique and system training tailored to the specific equipment and mission profile of an operator. The company offers three levels of training in three categories—HEC fixed-line, hoist, and pilot training—from its location in British Columbia. The support team will also travel to operator locations. Boost also provides consultation services to help organizations set up and run HEC operations. Jen Boyer is a journalist and marketing communicator specializing in aviation. She holds commercial, instrument, flight instructor, and instrument instructor ratings in helicopters and a private rating in airplanes.
