News
New season brings new machines for two key operators
March 21, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
March 21, 2012, Fort Erie, Ont. - Two more prominent Canadian operators will be sporting new aircraft as they head into the New Year.
Héli-Boréal Inc. has selected the Eurocopter AS350 B2 as its eighth Eurocopter helicopter. The aircraft was delivered by Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) on March 16, 2012 and will be used to expand Héli-Boréal’s work in mining exploration, hydro surveying and maintenance missions.
“The proven AS350 B2 has become renowned for its versatility,” said Guy Joannes, president/CEO, ECL. “We are especially proud to accompany Héli-Boréal in its development, and look forward to contributing to the success of its various and complex missions.”
The AS350 B2 is an excellent utility helicopter that is able to carry an external load of more than one ton (2,200 lbs). Thanks to its high useful load, it is well suited for completing mining and utility missions quickly and efficiently."
“The AS350 B2 will help strengthen our position in the mining industry by providing additional options for our customers,” said Jean-Yves, Vice-President, Héli-Boréal Inc. “Eurocopter aircraft continues to be our first choice in terms of continued reliability, versatility and safety.”
Héli-Boréal’s current fleet consists of two AS350 BAs, three AS350 B2s, one AS350 B3 and one EC120.
Renowned for its enhanced performance, excellent safety features and reduced operating costs; the single-engine AS350 B2, powered with a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine, has a proven track record. Its flexibility and excellent value make it a very sought-after helicopter used to perform a wide range of missions including; passenger transport, aerial work and firefighting. Additional options included on the aircraft: RH Cargo Pod, Longlining Enlarged Floor Window, Cowling Maintenance Steps, Cargo Mirror and Airframe Fuel Filter.
Peak Aviation in La Baie, Que. is also sprucing up its fleet this year with the addiiton of a new AS350 B3e helicopter. The aircraft will assist with mining and long-lining missions. The sale by Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) will mark Peak Aviation’s fourth Eurocopter product, including two EC130 B4s and one AS350 B3.
“The AS350 B3e is the best single engine aircraft for the type of utility work that we deliver to our customers,” said Guy Tremblay, president, Peak Aviation Inc. “Eurocopter continues to provide us with the quality and support that we expect when developing our fleet, which is why we are looking forward to utilizing the AS350 B3e in conjunction with our other Eurocopter products.”
The AS350 B3e’s exceptional lifting capability, high endurance, extended range, fast cruise speed and reduced TBO, make it an ideal choice for all types of challenging missions.
“The enhanced AS350 B3e is rising in popularity due to its high performance, versatility, safety and low maintenance costs,” said Joannes. “We are pleased that Peak Aviation has decided to continue building its fleet with the addition of this helicopter and we will do our best to support the operation and development of this valuable customer.”
The AS350 B3e is an updated version of Eurocopter’s single-engine AS350 B3, offering a high-performance helicopter capable of carrying out the most demanding missions in extreme weather and geographical conditions. Features of the AS350 B3e include the Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.
The integration of Eurocopter’s dual-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) in the cockpit allows pilots to check primary aircraft and engine parameters in one glance – thus reducing workload and enhancing safety. Eurocopter’s application of composite materials for the helicopter’s airframe, rotors and main rotor head gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
