About Coulson Aviation
With a legacy built on innovation, safety, and versatility, Coulson Aviation has grown from its roots in British Columbia into a global leader in aerial operations. From helicopter logging and heavy-lift missions to cutting-edge aerial firefighting with one of the world’s largest private C-130 fleets, Coulson delivers mission-ready solutions backed by over 60 years of experience and 160,000 safe flight hours.
A Global Leader in Aerial Firefighting
Throughout Coulson Aviation’s 60+ years, our mission has remained the same: to protect the world from forest fires. Our organizational capabilities allow our team to provide simultaneous aerial support across numerous continents with a diverse aircraft fleet and highly trained team.
As a leading supplier to county, state, and federal governments around the world, Coulson focuses on developing a next-generation, multi-mission fleet utilizing sustainable, in-production aircraft. Working in partnership with OEMs and leveraging the latest technology allows Coulson to provide superior all-hazard response aircraft.
COULSON AVIATION’S LEGACY
Coulson Aviation is a part of the Coulson Group, a third-generation family of businesses with a primary focus on aerial firefighting. Founded in 1960 by Cliff Coulson in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, Canada, the business began in timber.
Under the leadership of Cliff’s son, Wayne Coulson, what was once a small logging company has grown into a group of companies working in aviation, manufacturing, logging, and more.
Now, alongside his son Britton, Wayne continues to lead the Coulson Group in ever-expanding innovation and technological breakthroughs.
Our approach to business is simple. Honesty, integrity, and safety guide us in everything we do.
Leadership Team
Wayne Coulson
Britton Coulson
Matt Ralph
Mike McClellan
Danny Stringer
Brent Misura
Michael Halhead
John Gallaher
Mel Ceccanti
Nathan Soster
Our History
Cliff Coulson founded Coulson Forest Products Ltd. in Port Alberni, British Columbia, after serving as a Canadian tank driver in World War II and working as a bulldozer operator/frontiersman.
Introduction into Aviation – purchased a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter, which remains in operation today.
Acquired the first heavy-lift helicopter, the Sikorsky S-61N, and began heavy logging operations.
Transitioned into firefighting operations during the summer, when logging was halted due to fire index restrictions.
Sold off all timberlands and sawmills to focus exclusively on firefighting operations.
Purchased Flying Tankers’ two Martin JMR Mars flying boats, marking their entry into large fixed-wing air tankers.
Secured a US Forest Service contract for aerial firefighting.
Began converting four-engine C-130Q/H Hercules and Boeing 737-300 jet aircraft into air tankers.
Added four former US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Cessna 550 Citation II aircraft equipped with surveillance sensors to support aerial firefighting operations globally.
Coulson Aviation has grown into the largest aerial firefighting company in the world, with over 650 employees worldwide and a diverse fleet of aircraft.