Hy-Ridge Helicopters Ltd. has chosen its fourth A-Star aircraft, an AS350 B3e, to support a variety of utility and transport missions throughout Alberta and British Columbia that include; long-lining, sling operations, fire suppression, heli-torch operations, air ambulance services, seismic operations, mining exploration, heli-skiing as well as, private and corporate charter services.

“The AS350 B3e’s incredible adaptability and reputation in the Canadian utility market made it the clear choice when selecting an aircraft”, said Mr. Kim Hyllestad, President, Hy-Ridge Helicopters Ltd. “We require the most powerful and technologically advanced aircraft available to grow our business and satisfy our customers’ needs.”

“Hy-Ridge Helicopters’ acquisition of the AS350 B3e is an excellent fit for the company as this reliable and increasingly popular aircraft is known best for its combination of performance and flexibility, said Mr. Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “The AS350 B3e will certainly support Hy-Ridge Helicopters’ in their current endeavors and for years to come.”

Hy-Ridge Helicopters’ has selected numerous Eurocopter Canada optional equipment for the new AS350 B3e, including the 7 Place Interior. This consists of a composite-structure 2 Place Forward Passenger Seat on the right-hand side of the cockpit as well as, the Left-hand Pilot Installation and Battery Relocation. The 7 Place Interior increases passenger capacity, visibility of load during cargo sling operations and improved cabin space.

Additional Eurocopter Canada options for the AS350 B3e include; High-Visibility Doors and Skylight Windows to increase visibility for pilot and passengers, Squirrel Cheeks to increase the cargo load capacity by 70% and Longline Release, Settling Protectors and Litter Kit for utility mission support. Other optional equipment installed on the aircraft include; Cargo Swing with Fuel Drain Guard as well as, Dual Hydraulics and Customized Com-Nav Avionics Package.

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 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, from utility and heavy load transportation to medical evacuation, SAR, law enforcement and passenger transportation.

About Hy-Ridge Helicopters

Owned and operated by Mr. Kim Hyllestad, a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) and highly accomplished licensed commercial pilot, Hy-Ridge Helicopters Inc. has been providing helicopter services in Crowsnest Pass, Lethbridge and throughout Western Canada for the past 25 years. Hy-Ridge Helicopters specializes in mountain flying and is experienced in a wide variety of utility missions and passenger transport.

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.