“New Caledonia is a really exciting workplace, and I’ve done a few”, says Franklin Eck. “Our base is on a scarcely populated island 70 km wide and 410 km long, studded with green peaks and surrounded by turquoise water. The main challenge is the wind which is pretty much constant, so it gets exciting up in the mountains at times.”

When Helicocean recently decided to upgrade their personal equipment they chose to kit the entire crew with the AUK Protection G1 Flightsuit. “It is the lightest and most comfortable suit I’ve worn” says Franklin.

“There is an incredible attention to detail. Like the integrated cloth for visors and shades, and how storage and ventilation is designed”.

“I also have to mention the integrated knee protection, they’ve made daily inspections and cabin chores like working the winch much more comfortable. The G1 really makes a difference in the air”.

Helicocean operates seven Airbus Helicopters AS350 ‘Ecureuils’ and two twin engine EC135’s. With this combo the company covers everything from forest fires to drill rig assembly for the local nickel mining industry, as well as Ambulance and SAR missions with the EC135’s.

“But that’s not all though”, says Franklin. “Every other year, we fly aerial culling missions to reduce the deer population to protect the local eco system, and when hurricane Pam struck in 2015 we ran rescue operations in Vanuatu with an AS365 ‘Dauphin’. So yeah, this is as versatile as it gets”.

The G1 was released under quiet circumstances last year, following extensive research and development in northern Norway and Greenland. The main difference to conventional flight suit design is its focus on supporting and enhancing pilot movement patterns.

High performance materials have been carefully selected by leading designers for comfort, insulation properties and the right amount of movement support. All true to the company’s commitment to user centered design.

AUK Protection is now well into their next development cycle, upgrading their product portfolio and taking steps to serve a growing demand for a fresh approach to personal safety equipment within the aviation industry.