Kootenay Valley Helicopters Enhances its Fleet with the Acquisition of AS350 B3e

Fort Erie, ON, December 17th, 2012

Eurocopter Canada delivers AS350 B3e to Kootenay Valley Helicopters for operations in British Columbia. 

Kootenay Valley Helicopters AS350B3e, Photo Credit: Vitek Zawada

On December 14, 2012, Eurocopter Canada delivered an AS350 B3e to Kootenay Valley Helicopters to assist with utility missions throughout British Columbia.

“The selection of an AS350 B3e was easy. Acquiring quality aircraft satisfies our customers as well as, helping us reach our goals of advancement in the industry” said Wendell Maki, Owner and Chief Pilot, Kootenay Valley Helicopters. “The AS350 B3e is a welcome addition to our fleet and we look forward to utilizing the aircraft in various types of missions.”

The AS350 B3e is an updated version of Eurocopter’s single-engine AS350 B3, offering a high-performance helicopter capable of carrying out the most demanding missions in extreme weather and geographical conditions. This high-performance member of the Ecureuil family is powered with a new Safran Arriel 2D engine, including a new generation dual digital engine control system (FADEC), backed up with one independent control system for automatic start-up sequences and care-free engine handling.

“We are pleased to assist Kootenay Valley Helicopters in enhancing its fleet with the selection of an AS350 B3e,” said Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “The AS350 B3e surpasses all other single engine helicopters for performance, versatility, safety and maintenance costs, which makes it a perfect fit for Kootenay.”

Kootenay Valley Helicopters complete range of services includes; mining, foresty, air taxi and aerial work as well as, charter helicopter services (both commercial and tourism). In order to accommodate their growing fleet and customer base, Kootenay recently expanded to a new hanger located in the Nelson Municipal Airport.

Kootenay Valley Helicopters AS350 B3e includes installation by ECL of the Garmin GPSMAP 696 Pro Multi-Functional display. The AS350 B3e is also equipped with ECL designed Optional Equipment including; Battery Relocation Kit, Cargo Mirror, Cowling Maintenance Steps, right hand Squirrel Cheek, Longlining Enlarged Floor Window and Aft Cargo Door Open Warning Light.

The integration of the Garmin 696 Pro employs an all-in-one navigation system with a large screen and detailed electronic charts. It has the ability to communicate with the GPS/Nav/Comm Garmin GNS430W and includes weather data as well as, XM radio (under Garmin subscription). The system includes a GXM 40 smart radio antenna, XM USB extension cable, GA 25 remote GPS antenna with subscription cup mount, AC power adapter (12/24 volt power cable & USB cable), MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager and Protective Cover. The Garmin 696 Pro’s vast capabilities also include the use of North American Data Cards & Maps.

About Eurocopter Canada and the Eurocopter Group

Eurocopter Canada (www.eurocopter.ca) is a market leader with 67 percent of new aircraft sales, supporting more than 620 aircraft that are operated by 160 customers across Canada. Eurocopter Canada, a subsidiary of Eurocopter is based in Fort Erie, Ontario, with operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec and has a customer support network that spans the entire country. Eurocopter Group, established in 1992, is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service for some 2,900 customers in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

About Kootenay Valley Helicopters

Kootenay Valley Helicopters (KVH) is a Nelson, BC based flight school and charter operator. Introduced as a flight school in 1999, KVH flourished and expanded its operations by adding charter services in 2005. With more than a decade of experience in the aviation industry, KVH’s main focus remains expansion in the tourism, mining and foresty sectors.

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