SGL owns and operates twelve aircraft, all equipped for geophysical surveys. Extensive modifications have been made to the fixed wing aircraft to reduce their magnetic effect; typical Figures of Merit for SGL fixed wing aircraft are near 1 nT. All SGL survey aircraft are capable of acquiring multiple geophysical data simultaneously, providing a more complete geological picture.
Aircraft
Number
Maximum gross weight (kg)
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
8
4,110
de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
2
5,670
Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3
2
2,250
Fixed wing / 8 aircraft
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. Photo: SGL.
Registrations: C-GSGA, C-GSGJ, C-GSGL, C-GSGU, C-GSGV, C-GSGW, C-GSGY, C-GSGZ. Powered by a Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-114A turbine, 675 shp. A rigid 3 m tail stinger accommodates the magnetometer sensor, and there is a camera hole in the belly for other survey and navigation systems.
MAX TAKE OFF 9,062 LB · RANGE 1,450 NM · CRUISE 155 KT · ENDURANCE 9 H + 1 H RESERVE
Capabilities: AIRGrav, magnetic total field, tri-axial magnetic gradient, gamma-ray spectrometer up to 63 litres of detector crystals, SGMethane.
Fixed wing / STOL / 2 aircraft
de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter. Photo: SGL.
Registrations: C-GSGF, C-GSGP. A twin engine STOL aircraft powered by two PT6A-27 turbines, 680 shp, flown at speeds from 80 to 160 knots, made for drape flying over rough topography, low air speeds and high altitude work.
MAX TAKE OFF 12,500 LB · RANGE 920 NM · CRUISE 170 KT · STINGER 6.8 M
Capabilities: SGFEM four frequency electromagnetics from wingtip pods, AIRGrav, magnetic total field, horizontal magnetic gradient, gamma-ray spectrometer up to 63 litres, SGMethane.
Helicopter / 2 aircraft
Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3
AS350 B3 on survey at Matagami, Quebec. Photo: SGL.
The helicopter platform flies slower and lower, following terrain closely, for detailed surveys in mountainous country and tight line spacing over a defined target. All SGL aircraft, the AS350 included, are equipped for magnetic, radiometric and gravity geophysical surveys.
MAX GROSS WEIGHT 2,250 KG · HELICOPTER SURVEY PLATFORM
Recent helicopter work includes the magnetic and radiometric data acquired for USGS over parts of Idaho and Montana, noted in News.
Maintenance
Maintained in house, under AMO authority
A Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters allows most aircraft maintenance and modifications to be performed in-house. All modifications relating to survey equipment are documented, installed and maintained in accordance with airworthiness approvals, with special inspections for the stress areas of aircraft that operate at low altitude for extended periods.
Ownership of all Canadian registered aircraft can be determined on Transport Canada website.
