With 15 helicopters in service, and another 20 on order, the US company Maverick Helicopters is the world’s foremost EC130 operator. Interview with Dale Cowley, Head of Operations at Maverick Helicopters.

What is the main activity of Maverick Helicopters?
Dale Cowley: We transport passengers exclusively in the tourism sector. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, near the Grand Canyon, we offer a real adventure to our customers because the EC130 can take them places where no other type of transport can go. The ‘show’ is just fantastic and, normally, it’s a once in a lifetime experience for the customer. In addition to the Grand Canyon, we also take people to Death Valley, Monument Valley, the Yosemite National Park, Bryce and Zion National Parks, and the NASCAR auto races. We can also offer a little ‘extra’ by dropping customers off for lunch or a champagne brunch on one of the cliffs in the midst of the Grand Canyon.

You only operate EC130 B4s. Why did you choose this aircraft?
D.C.: In our opinion, this is unquestionably the best aircraft for the services we offer because we can carry up to seven passengers. Our customers love the comfort of the EC130, the excellent visibility – a vital factor for this type of activity – and the low noise level.
They also appreciate the safety of the Fenestron® tail rotor. We perform around 35 flights a day with at least six people on board: that’s approximately 70,000 passengers per year.
If that wasn’t enough, we are convinced the number of tourists coming to Las Vegas will continue to grow in the years ahead and this will have a positive knock-on effect. That is why we have ordered an extra 20 helicopters.

Are your EC130 B4s fitted out with special equipment?
D.C.: The EC130 B4 really is a “state-of-the- art” helicopter. It has a multi-media camera recording the flight, a stereo audio system so each passenger can hear the pilot’s commentary perfectly; and very comfortable leather seats, headsets and air conditioning. What is more, each tourist is given a personalized DVD as a souvenir.

What do you think of the support from Eurocopter?
D.C.: The ease of maintenance and very low operating costs are two more reasons why we appreciate the EC130 B4. American Eurocopter is an ideal partner and we know that we can count on them when the chips are down. That’s very reassuring! We also enjoyed our visit to the Eurocopter headquarters in Marignane, in July 2006, where we were blown away by the assembly lines. We saw our helicopters being put together and can’t wait for the next delivery!