Eurocopter Sells First AS350 B3e To Slave Lake Helicopters

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Eurocopter Sells First AS350 B3e To Slave Lake Helicopters By Bill Goldston

		March 31, 2011 - The enhanced AS350 B3e is the next generation aircraft in the proven Ecureuil family of helicopters. Officially launched at Heli-Expo, 2011 the new version features a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turbo shaft engine, a new digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and is fitted with an engine data recorder. ?The selection of the AS350B3e for Slave Lake?s operations was easy; the new helicopter fits well with our expansion plans because it gives us the ability to work effectively in mountainous regions and over larger territories? said Mr. George Kelham, Owner, Slave Lake Helicopters. ?Our customers rely on us to fly the latest in new technology aircraft?. The powerful, high-performance AS350 B3e is designed to carry out the most demanding missions in the most extreme weather and geographical conditions. Its exceptional lift capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make the AS350 B3e the leader in its class.

Unique to the AS350 B3e with the Arriel 2D powerplant is the opportunity to equip the AS350 B3e with engine filters for protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without a performance penalty. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior design. The AS350 B3e is a member of Eurocopter's rugged and proven Ecureuil family. Some 4,900 Ecureuils have been delivered in 98 countries for some 1,600 operators. These aircraft have cumulated more than 22 million hours. More than 900 AS350 B3 series are currently in-service worldwide, and are mainly used for high performance missions in "high and hot" conditions. The new AS350 B3e will be based in Slave Lake, Alberta and will be utilized for forestry, oil support, tree planning and firefighting missions. The AS350 B3e will be delivered in 2012. Certification of the AS350 B3e is planned this summer, with deliveries to begin before year-end. It will be powered by the new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine which offers high performance, reliability and low maintenance costs. The AS350 B3e cockpit will be fitted with a dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), allowing the pilot to check at one glance the main vehicle and engine parameters - thus reducing his workload and enhancing safety. The use of composite material for the airframe, rotors and main rotor head gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, as well as, reducing maintenance costs.

Founded in 1988 Slave Lake Helicopters currently operate a fleet of five helicopters which includes multiple AS350B2?s and an EC120 B. Operating state of-the-art modern equipment and employing highly skilled AME?s and pilots has contributed to the growth and reputation of Slave Lake Helicopters in Alberta and across Canada.

		Eurocopter Canada Limited is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based in Fort Erie, Ontario, with operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec ? has a customer support network that spans the entire country. Eurocopter Canada celebrated 2009 as its 25th anniversary year. Other News Stories (For the latest news please checkout our home page) Spanish Government, Iberia, and Airbus Launch Bio-Fuel Initiative Bombardier Enters Alliance With Fokker To Support The Dash 8/Q-Series Aircraft Former U.S. Navy Air Traffic Controller Convicted Of Murder Richard Simmons Takes On Air New Zealand Passengers A New Flight Deck For The High Performance Piston Aircraft Market Legal Resident Tries To Sell Unmanned Aerial Vehicle On EBay UK Scheduled Flights On Time Performance Continues To Get Worse Eurocopter To Acquire Vector Aerospace Corporation British Airways Strike Vote To Send Clear Message To New CEO Family Members Conspired To Export F-5 Fighter Jet Engines To Iran Gulfstream Aircraft Receives AMO By The Cayman Islands Stop Work Order Issued On The JSF F136 Extra Engine Program By DOD Beechcraft Debut King Air 250 Along With Other Aircraft At Sun ?n Fun Jeppesen Teams Up To Provide NavData To Sport And Experimental Aircraft Pilots Earthbound Remedies Inspired By Spacebound Bacteria Electronic Flight Strip System Goes Into Operation At Jersey Airport Passenger Travel Up On U.S And On Foreign Airlines Serving The United States FAA Installs 150th Alaska Weather Camera To Promote Safer Skies Fire At MIA Continues To Cause Flight Cancelations And Delays Garmin Raises The Bar With GTN 650 And 750 Touchscreen Avionics Airbus Military A400M Completes Low Speed Take Off Tests AOPA Pays Tribute To Air Traffic Controllers FAA Suspends Air Traffic Controller At Washington National Airport 54th Annual Avionics Convention Opened In Reno Nevada Going To The Bathroom On U.S. Commercial Aircraft Could Be Fatal After Two Years, Fired Pilot At Ryanair Gets Job Back AirTran Stockholders Approve Southwest Merger New Orleans Control Tower Given Notice Of Workplace Safety Violations Air Force F-22 Breaks Sound Barrier On Camelina Based Biofuel Gulfstream G250 Completes Aircraft Natural Icing Tests Sikorsky Aircraft Opens New CH-53K Helicopter Assembly Plant In Florida To Date No Flight Restrictions In And Out Of Japan Airports