Eclipse Helicopters Ltd.

Eclipse Helicopters is a helicopter operator in British Columbia, Canada, with its head office in Penticton and a second base in Cranbrook. Founded in 1993, the company says it uses high-time pilots, with crews averaging over 12,000 flight hours, and aims to provide safe and efficient service to its customers.

Services

• Search and rescue: Eclipse describes itself as a link in the Okanagan Search and Rescue chain, with local terrain knowledge and specialised SAR training and equipment
• Forest fire suppression by longline, using pilots with many seasons of firefighting in British Columbia and North America
• Heli-skiing and mountain flying, flown by pilots experienced in heli-ski operations
• Utility services and construction: installation, repair and monitoring work
• Cherry and crop drying
• Training and development
• FBO services through Eclipse Aviation

Helicopter tours

Sightseeing flights run from both bases, in the Okanagan and the East Kootenay region. The Okanagan programme includes the Sneak A Peak tour of Ellis Creek, a canyon visit, a mountain top champagne picnic, and wine tours that combine vineyards with a mountain landing. Prices are listed on the tours page of the website.

Fleet

The fleet page lists two Eurocopter AS350 Astar variants, each seating five passengers. The AS350 B2 shows a maximum cruise speed of 133 knots and a range of 312 km. The AS350 BA shows 126 knots and 326 km.

Company facts

• Founded in 1993
• Head office and base: 150 Lancaster Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8X1
• Second base: 9426 Airport Access Rd, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E4
• Involved in community organisations, fundraisers and events in the South Okanagan and Cranbrook areas