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JB Air Buys Its First Eurocopter

JB Air Inc., a Calgary-based helicopter operator that specializes in aerial firefighting, has purchased an EC 130B4.  The purchase marks JB Air’s first purchase of a Eurocopter
rotorcraft. According to JB Air owners/operators Joe and Kim Barr,
the new EC 130B4 will focus on firefighting duties, but will also serve as a transport helicopter
as needed. 

“We like the EC 130B4 because it has the ability to land
virtually anywhere, thanks to its Fenestron shrouded tail,” Joe Barr says.  “We also think this aircraft will be
invaluable for smoke patrols. Thanks to the high level of visibility offered by
the EC 130B4’s large canopy, our fire spotters will have a clear field of view
for detect- ing smoke and wildfire on the ground.” 

The EC 130B4 is equipped with a Turbomeca Arriel 2B1
turbine engine offering FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control).  With room for up to seven passengers
and one pilot, the EC 130B4 is built upon the same central structure as the AS
350B3, from which it is derived. 

Thanks to its Fenestron tail, the EC 130B4 is extremely
quiet.  In fact, this rotorcraft’s
generated noise level is 8.5 dB below ICAO limits and 0.5 dB below the Grand
Canyon National Park Standard; the strictest aviation noise standard in the
world.