Pilots are honing their skills this week while navigating the Penticton skies.

West 琉璃神社-based company Wildcat Helicopters is conducting its annual emergency training in the South Okanagan city until Friday, according to the Penticton Regional Airport.

Work is being completed ahead of firefighting season, it added.

"Due to the current cooler temperatures, sound waves refract more, which can increase the volume of sound, making helicopters sound closer than they appear," a press release reads.

Penticton's diverse terrain makes it a desirable location for helicopter training, according to the airport.

Top Flight, a Penticton-based helicopter school, has trained thousands of military and police pilots from all over the world, including the Royal Canadian Air Force, U.S. Navy Special Forces, RCMP and Royal Danish Air Force.

Penticton's airport is also home to Eclipse Helicopters, which provides fire suppression work with BC Wildfire Service.