|
|
|
| Friday, March 02, 2007 |
|
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters Buys 10 EC130B4s, With Option for 5 More
By FlyingNews @ 10:30 AM :: 352 Views ::
0 Comments :: Helicopters
|
 |
Las Vegas, NV: Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is purchasing 10 American Eurocopter EC130B4s with an option to acquire 5 more. The B4s will replace Papillon’s existing fleet of Bell 206L LongRangers based at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The company already has ten B4s in operation. Papillon is certified to fly both the South and West Rims of this great American landmark, and has three landing sites on the Grand Canyon’s floor.
“Noise levels are an important environmental issue in the Grand Canyon, which is why we are purchasing the EC130B4s,” says Lon Halvorson, Papillon’s Executive Vice President. “The B4's Fenestron shrouded tail rotor keeps its external noise emission 8.5 dB below ICAO limits and 0.5 dB below the Grand Canyon National Park Standard, which is the strictest noise rule in the world. This is why we call the EC130B4 the ‘Eco Star’, because it aids us in meeting environmental standards and protecting the Grand Canyon.”
“We also like how comfortable the EC130B4 is for our passengers, who fly with us to see the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas,” he continues. “The Eco Star’s seven theater-style passenger seats are all forward-facing, which gives everyone a good view. Meanwhile, the cabin has generously large windows, which makes sightseeing all the more enjoyable for our customers.”
The EC130B4 is equipped with a single Turbomeca ARRIEL 2B1 turbine engine. It comes with a dual channel digital engine control system (FADEC), and a back-up control box that automatically manages the engine in the unlikely case of both FADEC digital channels failing. The Eco Star has a fast cruise speed of 130 knots, and a range of 329 nm with no reserves.
“We’re in expansion mode, thanks to increased demand for Grand Canyon helicopter tours,” Halvorson says. “American Eurocopter is there with us, helping Papillon keep our customers safe and satisfied.” |
|
|
|
|
| Comments |
Currently, there are no comments. Be the first to post one!
You must be logged in to post a comment. You can login here
|
|
|