Aircraft Will Carry Skiers To Remote Slopes

An AS350 B3e was delivered Tuesday to Blackcomb Aviation for its utility and heli-skiing operations in British Columbia. Blackcomb currently operates seven Eurocopter aircraft, including one AS350 B3, one AS350 B2, four AS355s, one EC130 B4 and one EC120 B. “Acquisition of the AS350 B3e is an investment in the continued safety and efficiency of our utility and heli-skiing operations,” said Blackcomb Aviation’s CEO, Sacha McLean.  “It will be put to very good use by our customers and is in keeping with our commitment to provide them with modern, high performance aircraft.”

The AS350 B3e is the latest from Eurocopters’ AStar family and the most successful light helicopter platform on the market today.  The AS350 B3 offers high-performance and is capable of carrying out the most demanding missions in challenging geographical environments and under extreme weather conditions. “We are pleased to assist Blackcomb grow its fleet with their selection of an AS350 B3e,” said Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “This aircraft continuously proves its worth for utility and high-altitude missions, making it a natural fit for Blackcomb.”
 
Blackcomb’s AS350 B3e includes an integrated Garmin 500H Glass Cockpit Package. The aircraft will also be equipped with ECL designed Optional Equipment, including Battery relocation kit, Forward cargo rear opening door, L/H squirrel cheek, Longline release, Longlining enlarged floor window, Cargo mirror, Cowling maintenance steps, Wire strike protection system, and Airframe fuel filter.
 
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. 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. 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.

(AS350 B3e image from file)

FMI: www.eurocopter.com