Many Cochranites have taken notice to an increase in helicopter traffic here in town. CochraneNow reached out to the Springbank Airport and Airport General Manager, Larry Stock had this to share.

“From what we are able to determine using our multi-lateration radar flight tracking, it appears that the majority of helicopter overflights of the Cochrane area are helicopters transiting from either the Bow Crow forestry base in Bowness, or from the Calgary International Airport, both engaged in smoke watch associated with the prevention of forest fires in areas NW of Cochrane.  In addition, there are occasional training flights by small helicopters from Springbank in the vicinity of the bow river southeast of the town limits, and the occasional overflight by STARS air ambulance both on operational missions as well as training that takes place at Springbank.” 

Aerial traffic has also increased due to the recent wildfires west of Benchlands.