 |
Interview with Randy Marks,
CEO of TRK Helicopters.
TRK was founded in 2004 and has been rapidly
expanding ever since…
Randy Marks: That’s right. In May 2006, I signed a
blanket agreement with Eurocopter for an EC120 B
Colibri and an Ecureuil AS350 B2, the EC120 B was
delivered in May 2006 and the AS350 B2 was delivered
in January 2007, as well as an EC130 B4
delivered in June 2007. We are also getting ready to
receive three Ecureuil AS350 B3s to be delivered in
June and December 2008, and in June 2009.
What made you choose four different helicopter
types?
R. M.: This choice meant all our activities would be
covered. For example, the Ecureuil AS350 B3 will be
operated in high altitude missions, where we can
make full use of the many advantages it offers over its
competitors. We'll be using it for mining exploration
and for the oil & gas sector, and also for aerial survey in
the geophysics industry.
As for the Ecureuil AS350 B2 and EC130 B4, they
were handpicked for heliskiing. These helicopters are
ideal for this activity, as they can carry a pilot, a guide
and five passengers into the highest Canadian mountains.
We have wealthy European customers who are
interested in trying out heliskiing in the Skeena region
of British Columbia. Our customers want to go to
higher and higher altitudes, and we need a powerful
helicopter to get them there. They also really appreciate
the spacious and comfortable cabin in the
Ecureuil.
What do you use the EC120 for?
R. M.: With its tremendous versatility, this helicopter
can perform a large range of missions: fire fighting
(bird dogging), passenger transport, mining exploration
and forestry work. We transport mobile phone
technicians to check towers located at high altitudes,
for example. Another undeniable advantage of the
EC120 is its large baggage compartment
What do you think of Customer Service
at Eurocopter?
R. M.: Eurocopter Canada provides excellent product
support. Each of our problems is dealt with immediately.
We are particularly pleased with their quick
response time because our activity is expanding rapidly,
and product support is essential to our success. | 
