Astoria, Oregon, is home to the Columbia River Bar Pilots, who guide ships through one of the world’s most challenging stretches of water. The Columbia River’s powerful flow meets the Pacific Ocean here, creating a dangerous bar with shifting currents and shallows.Columbia River Bar Pilots utilize two methods to board incoming vessels, helicopter and pilot boats. The helicopter is a Leonardo AW109SP, operated by Brim Aviation from Astoria Regional Airport. The 🚁 provides pilots with fast and ef