Helo Earned FAA Certification Last Month

American Eurocopter marked the delivery of the first EC225 in the United States at Heli-Expo 2008, during a ceremony Monday. The helicopter was delivered to Era Helicopters LLC, a subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings Inc. Era Helicopters will take delivery of three additional EC225’s this year, two in 2009 and two more in 2010.

The EC225 is a heavy twin-turbine helicopter. Drawing on the Super Puma family of helicopters, it features the latest-technology and all-weather flying capabilities including the ability to fly in the most severe icing conditions.

"The market leading performance of the EC225 allows our customers more productivity, which results in greater value," said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. "This is just the first delivery of an EC225 in the United States and we look forward to providing many more to the US market."

"The EC225 is a powerful heavy twin helicopter and it gives Era the competitive advantage to carry more passengers further and faster," said David Stepanek, Vice President Business Development at Era Helicopters. "We are excited to be introducing the EC225 into the Gulf of Mexico as we continue our efforts to meet the demand for ‘heavies’ as exploration and production push further offshore."

The EC225 is equipped with two Turbomeca Makila 2A turbine engines and FADEC digital engine control with dual duplex channels that ensure the highest level of reliability. The main gearbox of the EC225 has been reinforced in order to meet the aircraft's increased power and gross weight.

As ANN reported, the EC225 received FAA certification in January.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com