Helios Executive Helicopter Charter, a carrier based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been operating an AS350 B3 Ecureuil since November 2006.

“It was a truly emotional moment when we took delivery of our helicopter on the premises of Eurocopter Southern Africa Ltd.,” confides the helicopter’s owner, Mike Bissict. “The delivery ceremony was a fabulous surprise: Our helicopter was hidden behind a curtain at first, then appeared in a cloud of smoke when the music started up in the hangar. A truly well-planned and successful delivery!” Meanwhile, the helicopter has chalked up 230 flying hours. It has performed tourist flights in the great national parks on the outskirts of Johannesburg, carried business travelers and precious metals, taken aerial photographs and shot movies. Bissict opted for the Ecureuil when he decided to extend his services right across South Africa. “In addition to the Ecureuil’s high standard of safety, reliability, availability and cost efficiency, it was very short delivery time which tipped the balance! We were simply captivated!” And it has proved to be the right choice. Passengers love flying in this aircraft: They most appreciate its reliability, the cabin comfort and the stowage space. They also like very much its original color scheme. “We are extremely satisfied with this helicopter; we have never had any problems. We are thinking about purchasing an EC130 B4, which is also a terrific aircraft for sightseeing flights, at some point in the near future,” concludes Mike Bissict.