Skip to content

Cougar Helicopters

Home
Gale Force Wins
Cougar Helicopters

Case Study: Hoist Mission Training System (HMTS) Collaboration

Partners: Cougar Helicopters & Bluedrop Training and SimulationProject: Hoist Mission Training System (HMTS)

Overview

As members of the Canadian Ocean Supercluster, Cougar Helicopters and Bluedrop Training and Simulation collaborated to develop the Hoist Mission Training System (HMTS). Gale Force Wins was brought in to document this partnership and showcase the capabilities of the resulting product.

The Challenge

The HMTS is a highly specialized simulator designed for practicing mission-critical rescue and hoisting operations in a safe, true-to-life environment. Because this represents a new style of training, both companies needed to educate potential customers on how the system could be integrated into existing training plans in a cost-effective and realistic manner.

The Objectives

Gale Force Wins was tasked with telling the HMTS story through the lens of actual Cougar operators, including Rescue Specialists and Rescue Pilots.

The Gale Force Wins Solution

  • Planning: The project began with approximately 60 minutes of virtual discussions to align on themes and logistics.
  • On-Site Process: Gale Force Wins conducted a two-day site visit at an active operational hangar in St. John’s, NL. The process included:
    • Consulting with senior management to understand project history and potential markets.
    • Setting up static AV equipment and capturing mobile B-roll footage throughout the facility.
    • Conducting 16 interviews with subject matter experts.

Deliverables

The engagement resulted in a comprehensive suite of content, including:

  • 16 individual interviews.
  • One collage video.
  • One simulation video and one actual SAR (Search and Rescue) exercise video.

Key Benefits

  • Expert Storytelling: Complex product features were explained clearly by actual operators.
  • Authenticity: Cougar staff were empowered to share their stories in a genuine way.
  • Business Development: The volume of content created serves as a significant asset for future business development, recruitment, and staff retention.

Testimonial

“We needed to showcase how we elevate the safety standards for helicopter hoist operations and Gale Force Wins quickly understood what needed to be done.”— Willis Jacobs, Cougar Helicopters

×