Maverick Helicopters Operates All-'Eco Star' Fleet

American Eurocopter announced Thursday that Maverick Helicopters -- which offers rotor wing tours of the Las Vegas Strip and the Grand Canyon, corporate transport, and charter wedding flights -- is buying 10 more EC130B4 helicopters.

"Our goal is to bring our total number of EC130B4s – which we call 'Eco Stars' – up to 50 by the end of 2010," said John Buch, Maverick Helicopters' vice president of sales and marketing. "We are already the largest Eco Star operator in the world. Now we are also an all-Eco Star operator; that's all we fly."

One of Nevada's top aerial tour operators, Maverick Helicopters' goal is to offer clients the safest, most comfortable, and VIP-style service possible.

"With its Fenestron shrouded tail, dual hydraulic systems, and room for 6-7 passengers, the EC130B4 meets all of our major needs," says Buch. "As well, the Eco Star is one of the few helicopters that is quiet enough to meet Grand Canyon noise requirements, which is a major part of our business."

The EC130B4 is powered by a FADEC equipped Turbomeca ARRIEL 2B1 turbine engine. It comes with a dual channel digital engine control system (FADEC), and a back-up control box that automatically controls the engine in case of total failure of both FADEC digital channels. Add a fast cruise speed of 130 knots, and the EC130B4 can get tourists over the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas Strip quickly, yet quietly.

"Maverick Helicopters just keeps on growing, and American Eurocopter is growing right along with us," Buch says. "Between us, we have a great partnership!"

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com, www.maverickhelicopter.com