Canada’s helicopter pilots wouldn’t get off the ground without the CH-139 Jet Ranger. This single-engine trainer is currently used at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (3 CFFTS) in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, where the Air Force’s helicopter trainees earn their wings.
The Jet Ranger is powered by a gas-turbine engine and can fly at 240 km/h. Originally purchased for training in 1981, the Jet Ranger performed so well that it was modified for active deployment service in 1990 as part of Operation Sultan, a United Nations peacekeeping mission to Honduras. Today’s Jet Rangers feature air conditioning and upgraded avionics.
Side-by-side pilot seating makes the CH-139 ideal for training. Flight controls and doors are fitted at both positions, making them easily accessible to pilot and trainer alike. The passenger/cargo compartment is located immediately behind the cockpit, providing seating for three passengers or space for cargo.
