OUR EQUIPMENT

An Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3 sits on a helipad

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS

AS350 B3/H125

Development began in the early 1970s to replace the Alouette II, and the first flight took place on 27 June, 1974. The latest version of the AS350 B3 is a member of Eurocopter’s rugged and proven Ecureuil (Squirrel/AStar) range. All told, some 4,000 Ecureuils (incl. 726 twins) have flown over 17 million hours, in 91 countries, for some 1,600 operators. The B3 is the sum of that experience. With this latest version of the single-engine Ecureuil, Eurocopter offers operators more power, greater payload capacity over a broader temperature/altitude envelope, an augmented sling load capability, and higher cruise speed. The powerful Arriel 2B1 engine offers state-of-the-art technology, with single-crystal turbine blades and a single power stage, for outstanding reliability and simplified maintenance.

On May 14, 2005 an AS350 B3 piloted by Eurocopter test pilot Didier Delsalle touched down on the top of Mt. Everest, at 8,850 metres (29,035 feet). This record has been confirmed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

On April 29, 2010 a stripped-down AS350 B3 succeeded in rescuing three alpinists from Annapurna, Nepal at 7,100 m (23,2939 feet), one at a time, the highest such rescue.

A yellow and black Bell 205A1 helicopter sits on a helipad overlooking Sequoia National Park

BELL HELICOPTERS

BELL 205

The Bell 205A-1++ is a 9 place turbine powered helicopter designed for high performance, low maintenance, and maximum versatility. A civil version of the UH-1 Iroquois single-engine military helicopters, the 205A-1 is the equivalent of the UH-1H, which, compared to the Bell 204, is larger and longer, with a more powerful engine and subsequent improved performance. Its cargo/passenger compartment permits the aircraft to be used in a variety of missions, including: transport of personnel, special teams, crews, equipment and supplies, and training. The helicopter is capable of operating from unprepared takeoff and landing areas, under day or night conditions. The aircraft has a maximum internal gross weight of 10,200 lbs. and an external gross weight of 10,500 lbs. The 205’s main rotor is powered by a Lycoming T53-17. It is capable of producing up to 1,800 shp (1,342 kW).