AURORA, OREGON - Columbia Helicopters, the Oregon-based company that pioneered helicopter logging in western national forests nearly 40 years ago, has been awarded the production certificates for its two heavy-lift helicopters, the twin-rotor Boeing 234 and its sister ship, the Boeing 107-II.

The rarely granted certificates, which are awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration, give Columbia the ability to manufacture and certify parts for both the 234 and the 107-II, helicopters used globally by private industry and the armed forces of several countries.

"This is another very significant milestone in our company's history," Columbia president, Mike Fahey, said of the FAA authorization. "This certificate will allow us to expand our logistical ability to support our fleet and further ensures the operational availability for which our company is renowned."

The certificates also give Columbia a platform from which to expand its global reach, something it has been contemplating since it acquired the type certificates for both aircraft from Boeing in December 2006. Its Aurora, Oregon parts, maintenance and fabrication shops are considered to be the finest 234 and 107 shops in the world.

Columbia is the only commercial operator of 234 and 107-II helicopters in the world. Its global fleet supports a wide variety of customers engaged in logging, construction, oil exploration and wildland firefighting. The company employs some 700 pilots, mechanics, support personnel and technicians, including 340 based in Aurora.

To learn more about Columbia Helicopters, click here to read a brief summary of Flying Finns, the 50-year history of the company, published in 2007 by the non-profit Evergreen Foundation. The book can be purchased from the Foundation.