Vertical Magazine – YHL’s 50th Anniversary

50 years ago – March 10, 1975 – YHL officially incorporated…

“Northern British Columbia is not a land for the fainthearted. Rugged and wild, with settlements that are small and far-flung, its cavernous valleys and towering mountains are interspersed with dense forests. To the west lies the northern Pacific coastling and, above that, the Coast Mountains of Alaska. To the north are the Yukon and Northwest Territories, and the Northern Rockies border the eastern side of the region.

For those seeking adventure in the outdoors, or those who want to take in some of the best natural beauty Canada has to offer, there are few places better. The region is also abundant in natural resources, from forestry to mining. And it’s these two elements – wilderness and resource exploration – that have drawn new settlers to Northern British Columbia for the last two centuries. And for the last 50 years, Yellowhead Helicopters has played an important – and ever-growing – role in the region, connecting communities to utilities over remote mountain passes, supporting mining and forestry companies, developing heliskiing as a pastime, providing mountain rescue support, allowing tourists to enjoy the breathtaking vistas from above, and everything else a true utility operator is asked to turn its hand to.”

This excerpt, written by Oliver Johnson, editor-in-chief of Vertical Magazine, is the opening paragraphs from the special edition issue for the Verticon 2025 Convention & Trade Show. YHL is proud to be featured with an article for this year’s Verticon. To read more of this article and some of YHL’s history, present moments & future hope, visit the online Vertical Magazine link. This article starts on page 14.

In a remarkable milestone, Yellowhead Helicopters celebrates its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy and commitment to excellence in the aviation industry. Vertical Magazine’s latest article highlights this significant achievement, reflecting on the company’s rich history, innovative advancements, and the dedicated team that has propelled it to new heights over the past five decades.

Founded in 1975, Yellowhead Helicopters began as a small operation with a single helicopter, serving the forestry and resource sectors in British Columbia. Over the years, the company has grown exponentially, expanding its fleet and services to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Today, Yellowhead Helicopters operates a versatile fleet of 43 helicopters and 170 staff, providing a wide range of services including firefighting, search and rescue, avalanche control, heli-skiing, mineral exploration, wildlife surveys, and more.

One of the key factors behind Yellowhead Helicopters’ success is its unwavering commitment to safety and innovation. The company has consistently invested in the latest technology and training for its pilots and crew, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the most challenging missions. This dedication to safety has earned Yellowhead Helicopters a stellar reputation in the industry, making it a trusted partner for government agencies, private companies, and communities alike.

Looking ahead, Yellowhead Helicopters is poised to continue its legacy of excellence considering new opportunities in emerging markets and expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of its clients. With a strong foundation built on safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Yellowhead Helicopters is well-positioned to soar to new heights in the years to come.

Want to join the team? We accept applications year-round for pilots & AMEs. Check out our job board and keep an ear out on LinkedIn, Indeed, Vertical career forums and our Facebook page.