![Columbia operates Model 234 (left) and Vertol 107-11 (right)commercial versions of the CH-47 and CH-46 respectively. (Columbia Helicopters)](http://thewofa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Columbia-CH-47-300x181.jpg)
Commercial heavylift helicopter company Columbia Helicopters has bought three former US Army CH-47D Chinooks to add to its fleet.
Columbia already operates six commercial Model 234 Chinooks and 14 Vertol 107-11s (the commercial version of the military CH-46), and the company owns the FAA type certificate and production certificates for both types.
“As a long-time commercial operator of Chinook helicopters, we are uniquely positioned to operate and maintain these helicopters,” added company president Stan Wilson. “The aircraft will come into our maintenance facility for refurbishment before putting them to work.”