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Blackcomb Aviation’s new EC130 will be based in Whistler, B.C. and will also operate out of the Vancouver International Airport. Vitek Zawada/Airbus Helicopters Canada Photo
Blackcomb Aviation’s EC130 will provide support for the company’s exclusive partnership with Whistler Blackcomb Resort for summer helicopter tours on Blackcomb Mountain as well as, supporting year-round tourism flights originating from the Whistler Municipal Heliport. The aircraft will be based in Whistler, B.C. and will also operate out of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This is the second aircraft delivered to Blackcomb Aviation this year from Airbus Helicopters, the first being a twin-engine EC135 in May 2014.
“Acquisition of the environmentally-friendly EC130 is an investment in the mission-specific aircraft our customers are demanding in our executive and tourism operations,” said Jonathan Burke, president and COO, Blackcomb Aviation. “We are thankful to the Airbus Helicopters team for their invaluable support and we look forward to continuing our relationship through future expansion of our fleet.”
Blackcomb Aviation currently operates both single and twin-engine Airbus Helicopters aircraft, including an EC120, EC130 B4, two AS350 B2’s, two AS350 B3’s, an EC135 T2 and four AS355’s.
In addition to executive travel, heli-skiing and heli-tourism, Blackcomb Aviation’s aircraft support missions for the power line and hydro sector, search and rescue, flightseeing and film production.
“Thanks to its great visibility, quietness, comfort, performance and safety, this flexible helicopter has become a key member of Airbus Helicopters’ Ecureuil product line,” said Romain Trapp, president, Airbus Helicopters Canada. “The EC130 will be a perfect fit for Blackcomb Aviation’s mission requirements and we thank them for once again entrusting Airbus Helicopters to support their multifaceted operations.”
The EC130 B4 is a light, single-engine helicopter with all the latest technology and a roomy, modular cabin with hi-density seating for one pilot plus seven passengers, perfect for heli-skiing and tourism. Its Fenestron tail rotor and automatic rotor speed control result in a significantly reduced operating noise level. Its sound level is seven dB below the ICAO requirement and thus remains quieter than the most restrictive limits defined by the most demanding noise Regulation (Grand Canyon National Park). Reliable power is provided by the Turbomeca Arriel 2 turbine engine including a dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) with a third independent back-up channel. Integrated VFR equipment coupled with a Global Positioning System (GPS) is fitted as standard for day and night missions. The EC130 B4 is particularly adapted to passenger transportation, as well as, EMS, law enforcement and utility missions.
