Eclipse Helicopters Ltd.

Eclipse Helicopters Ltd. is a helicopter operator in British Columbia. It was founded in 1993 and has bases in Penticton and Cranbrook. All of its pilots average over 12,000 hours, so customers get experienced aircrews.

Search and rescue is a core service. Eclipse is a vital link in the Okanagan Search and Rescue chain. The company brings local terrain knowledge and specialized SAR training and equipment to this work.

Eclipse provides forest fire suppression by longline. Its veteran pilots have many seasons of firefighting in British Columbia and around North America. The company also offers cherry and crop drying, helping growers protect their crops with a close, fast and efficient service.

Heli skiing and mountain flying are another focus. All of the pilots are veteran heli ski pilots. The work involves high altitude, poor visibility, changing conditions and demanding clients. Utility services and construction include installation, repair and monitoring. The company says it has the equipment, experience and crew to complete utility work safely and on budget. Clients listed on the website include FortisBC, TELUS and BC Ambulance.

Sightseeing tours run from both bases. The tours cover the South Okanagan and the Columbia Valley, and headsets are included for all passengers. Eclipse also offers training and development, and FBO services through Eclipse Aviation.

The fleet includes two Eurocopter AS350 Astar variants that each seat five passengers. The AS350 B2 has a range of 312 km and a maximum cruise speed of 133 knots. The AS350 BA has a range of 326 km and a maximum cruise speed of 126 knots.

Eclipse is involved in community organizations, fundraisers and events in the South Okanagan and Cranbrook areas. The company says a strong community breeds strong business and individuals.

Services

• Search and Rescue
• Fire Suppression by Longline
• Heli Skiing and Mountain Flying
• Utility Services and Construction
• Cherry and Orchard Drying
• Sightseeing Tours
• Training and Development
• Eclipse Aviation FBO Services
• Community Support