Blackcomb Aviation takes delivery of a new AS350 B3

February 1, 2010, VANCOUVER, BC Canada – Blackcomb Aviation continued the expansion of its rotary fleet with the purchase of a new AS350 B3 from Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL). “This is an important addition to our fleet,” commented Sacha McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Blackcomb Aviation. “It increases our aircraft to a healthy ratio of 18 helicopters and 6 jets with a few single engine aircraft thrown in for good measure. More importantly, the B3 is an aircraft our customers have been asking for. Its applications are well known and we’ll be putting it to good use in our utility, filming, and emergency service operations particularly during the 2010 Winter Games.”

The AS350 B3 is well suited for missions requiring high performance in terrains such as Canada’s coastal mountains and offers exceptional lifting power, excellent endurance, and fast cruise speed. The AS350 B3 is the high performance, heavy-duty single engine helicopter of the Eurocopter line. It offers room for 6-7 occupants, a maximum weight capacity of 2,370 kgs/5,225 lbs, and a fast cruising speed of 140 knots (279 kph). The ergonomic and wide cabin offers excellent visibility, high levels of comfort for both the pilot and passengers and can be reconfigured quickly and easily for different types of missions.

Powered by Turbomeca’s Arriel 2B 1 turbine engine, the aircraft is equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system for automatic start-up sequences engine performance and carefree engine handling. The engine also features modern technology, with single-crystal turbine blades and a single power stage for outstanding reliability and simplified maintenance. The dual hydraulics AS350 B3 is equipped with state-of-the-art dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), reducing the pilot’s workload and therefore, increasing safety.

“The AS350 B3 is the workhorse of the Ecureuil family and is very well adapted for the challenges Canadian utility operators face on a daily basis”, said Guy Joannes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eurocopter Canada. “We appreciate Blackcomb Aviation’s choice to introduce a B3 into their fleet and are confident their selection will be validated time again by their customers. ECL is fully prepared to support Blackcomb Aviation’s operations, with the introduction of this new aircraft.”

“We’ve positioned our bases strategically throughout the province for obvious reasons but it’s really the versatility of our fleet that sets us apart,” says McLean. “Our value as an operator is tied to the quality of our aircraft, the expertise of our people, and the reputation of our SMS program which is setting a new benchmark in rotary wing utility flight operations. We take pride in providing our customers with the right aircraft on every flight. This new B3 from Eurocopter is a direct reflection of that commitment.”

ABOUT ECL AND EUROCOPTER GROUP

Eurocopter Canada Limited is a subsidiary of Eurocopter Group whose products account for 30% of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents, and maintenance centres. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with 2,800+ customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

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