Eurocopter Canada supplies Vortex Helicopters Inc. with an AS350 B3e for utility based operations in Fort McMurray, AB.

Vortex Helicopters has chosen its fourth A-Star aircraft, an AS350 B3e that will join their existing Eurocopter fleet. The new AS350 B3e will support a variety of utility missions that include the expanding oil sands industry in northern Alberta.

“The A-Star family of helicopters has a proven track record with our customers in regards to performance, versatility and safety”, said Mr. Ryan McAssey, President, Vortex Helicopters. “The acquisition of the AS350 B3e made sense in terms of dependability and acquiring the latest technology.”

Together Vortex Helicopters’ with Vortex Oil Sands Contracting Inc. have over 25 year’s experience operating in the Alberta oil sands region from both the ground and air.

“The AS350 B3e is a powerful workhorse, thus, a natural fit for Vortex Helicopters to enhance its exclusive fleet of Eurocopter aircraft,” said Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “We are pleased that Vortex Helicopters continues to support Eurocopter as they commit to servicing their customers’ needs through the reliability of our products.”

Vortex Helicopters’ has selected numerous Eurocopter optional equipment for their new AS350 B3e, including; Dual Hydraulics (increases MGW to 2370 kg), Enhanced Thermal Protection (MTOP extension to 30 min/max), Right-hand Cargo Pod for increased cargo capacity, Enlarged Vertical Reference Window for increased visibility for long lining, Cargo Mirrors to ease maneuverability, Settling Protectors to maintain tail rotor ground clearance, Longline Release for utility operations, Oil and Fuel Filters as well as, a Canadian Audio Package.

Additionally, the AS350 B3e will be equipped with the following options; Cargo Swing and Latitude Skynode S2300 Flight Tracking.

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 spacious cabin that increases 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 Vortex Helicopters

Vortex Contracting Inc. was incorporated in 2003 as a seasonal heavy equipment business.  The intention was always to move into the helicopter industry. Since establishing operations, however, both industries proved their worth and so in 2008 Vortex Contracting Inc. changed its name to Vortex Helicopters Inc. and Vortex Oil Sands Contracting Inc. was created to encompass the heavy equipment operations. Vortex Helicopters Inc. is a family owned business located in Fort McMurray, AB and its operations fall in line with the experience and long term goals of the company president and Chief Pilot, Ryan McAssey, who grew up in Northern Alberta and has over 25 years of experience in the Oil Sands industry. His experience includes; Environmental/Oil Field Support, Aerial Surveying, Seismic, Reforestation, Precision Long Lining, Fire Fighting, Photography, Infrared Scanning and GPS Mapping.

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.