News Staff posted on March 05, 2013 17:21
Eurocopter Canada Announces Sale of AS350 B3e to Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited
Las Vegas – Universal Helicopters has chosen its fifth A-Star aircraft, an AS350 B3e, to assist with utility and transport missions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The sale was confirmed today with Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) at HELI-EXPO 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The AS350 B3e’s extraordinary versatility and reputation as the ultimate work horse made it the obvious choice for us when selecting an aircraft”, said Mr. Geoff Goodyear, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited (UHNL). “We require the most powerful and adaptable aircraft available to satisfy our customers needs.”
With the selection of the AS350 B3e, Universal Helicopters’ fleet will have a total of 5 Eurocopter aircraft, including 3 AS350 B2’s and 1 AS350 BA. The new B3e will be used for a variety of missions including; Mineral Exploration, Environmental, Construction, Artic Operations, Forest Fire Suppression and Passenger Transport.
“The AS350 B3e is ideally suited for the demanding Canadian Utility Market and the decision by Universal Helicopters to add an additional AS350 to their fleet is another example of the dependability of the platform” said Mr. Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “We are pleased with Universal’s decision to select Eurocopter to expand their fleet.”
The powerful, high-performance AS350 B3e is designed to carry out the most demanding missions in the most extreme environmental and geographical conditions. Its extraordinary lifting capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make the AS350 B3e the leader in its class.
The AS350 B3e will be equipped with a Dual-hydraulics System, Cargo Pods and Long linging capabilities and will enhance the B3e’s lifting power and capacity during the most rigorous, hot and high missions as well as, sling work. Additional ECL Options on the B3e will include; Aft Cargo Door Warning, Long Line Enlarge Floor Window, Cowling Maintenance Steps and Airframe Fuel Filter.
The AS350 B3e is powered with a Turbomeca 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. This modern engine has an increased reliability and decreased maintenance costs and is fitted with an Engine Data Recorder.
The AS350 B3e cockpit, with its dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), allows the pilot to check at glance the main vehicle and engine parameters - thus reducing workload and enhancing safety. The AS350 B3e offers a new elegant cabin, increasing passenger comfort. Thanks to its versatile flat floored cabin, the AS350 B3e can be quickly and easily reconfigured for all types of missions.
About Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited
Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited (UHNL) began operations in 1963 as Universal Helicopters Ltd. and was part of the Okanagan Helicopters group. Now an independent company, UHNL has acquired a vast amount of experience providing specialty helicopter services in austere and remote areas for more than 50 years. UHNL’s corporate head office is situated in Goose Bay, Labrador with other bases located in St. John’s, Pasadena and Gander, Newfoundland. Each location has permanent base personnel and hangar support facilities for year round operations and maintenance.
Eurocopter Canada Introduces On-line Technical Publication Service
Las Vegas – The new innovative on-line technical publications service will allow Eurocopter Canada’s customers to gain access to all up-to-date aircraft publications through the Keycopter portal. This will create instant access as soon as the publications are released.
“We strive to make all support materials easily accessible for our customers,” said Guy Joannes, President and CEO, ECL. “With the new on-line technical publications we endeavor to provide integral information at a moment’s notice. This system will be environmentally friendly as well as, cost-effective. ”
There will be two deployment phases of the online services. The first phase is a PDF format that will enable the customer to consult the latest documents in the form of a reference library as well as, download the desired manuals for off-line use with a possibility to print individual documents one at a time. This offer will cover both the basic and customized manuals.
The second phase will be available in the coming months, in the form of an Interactive Viewer (O.R.I.O.N) available online. It will function much like the current INDOC DVD’s. This offer will eventually replace the current INDOC and OPEN DVD’s. Customers will have the option to access their publications either by contract or by aircraft.
When consulting by contract, a list of all current subscriptions will be available and customers will gain access to the corresponding technical documents. When consulting by aircraft, customers will have access to the technical publications assigned to their particular aircraft. Both of these on-line services will be offered through a one year renewable subscription.
A few benefits of the new on-line technical publications service include; Unlimited number of users, availability in remote locations, instant access to the newest documentation and therefore no need to question the revision level, ability to print as many individual documents as necessary and no physical updating, therefore creating less waste.
Following the implementation of O.R.I.O.N, this new on-line service will be the reference for all Eurocopter Canada customers. As an option, Physical documentation (paper or DVD) will still be available through Technical Publications, if required. In order to prepare for the availability of this new on-line service and the migration of TIPI in Keycopter, Eurocopter will set-up a Keycopter account for each customer.
Eurocopter Canada customers interested in this new service or have any inquiries, please contact the supervisor of Technical Publications, Caren Stewart at 905-994-2969 or by email caren.stewart@eurocopter.ca.
About ECL & Eurocopter Group
Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based in Fort Erie, Ontario since 1984, has additional operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec and a support and customer service network that spans the entire country. Eurocopter Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The EADS Canada network has more than 1,700 employees. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 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.