North Saanich helicopter hub is home to the fire raptor

By Christine van Reeuwyk
Victoria News
March 12, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Fire raptors mid-renovation are just one modern move for the generational Vancouver Island Helicopters Aviation Group based at the Victoria International Airport. Residents are long accustomed to seeing Sikorsky’s come and go, the workhorse helicopter of VIH Helicopters, the original business of the group. Jen Norie is at the helm of that operation … founded from the first fledgling business decades ago under Jen’s grandfather, Frank Norie. …VIH Aerospace, with Jen’s brother Jeff Norie at the helm, does helicopter manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul services and recently received official approval as a Sikorsky-authorized customer support centre for the S-92A. One of eight in the world, the designation by Sikorsky reinforces VIHA as a premier global hub for S-92A support, specifically tailored to meet the evolving needs of offshore, search and rescue and the emerging utility and firefighting markets.

Read More