OUR FLEET

The Skywork Helicopter fleet offers a range of capabilities to suit your needs. 

Two helicopters flying over a forest with smoke in the sky, one of which is lowering a rope or cable.

Our fleet consists of one twin-engine AS355N Eurocopter, five single-engine AS350B3e Eurocopters, and one Guimbal Cabri G2 Helicopter. In addition, various other helicopters are contracted in from approved operators and can be made available on request. The incredible versatility of these machines enables Skywork to provide an aircraft that is best suited to the requirements of each task.

The Eurocopters are commonly known as ‘Squirrels’, they all carry high technology equipment and feature quite, spacious cabins, providing an excellent field of view.

See Fleet Specs below for more information.

  • Engine: Arrius 1A
    Passengers: Up to 5 plus pilot
    Max Cruise Speed: Dependent on terrain
    Max Lifting Hook Rating: 1,134kg
    Based: Operates between all bases.

    With excellent handling, robustness, the AS355N incorporates twin-engine added reliability and performance – making it ideal for all types of aerial service work. The aircraft works well in demanding operations over water, rugged terrain and urban areas. Renowned for its low operation and maintenance costs, this helicopter benefits from the reliability and safety of its two Turbomeca Arrius 1A engines and is equipped with a full authority digital engine control.

  • Engine: Arriel 2D
    Passengers: Up to 5 plus pilot
    Max Cruise Speed: 245km/h
    Max Lifting Hook Rating: 1,400kgs
    Based: Operates between all bases.

    With built-in maneuverability, excellent visibility and low vibration levels in the cabin, the Squirrel has earned its reputation as a true multi-mission workhorse around the world. The cabin has a flat floor that can be quickly and easily reconfigured for various flight operations, including aerial work, passenger operations, firefighting, search, and rescue.

  • Engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A
    Passengers: Up to 1 plus pilot
    Max Cruise Speed: 185km/h
    Max Lifting Hook Rating: 220kgs
    Based: Operates between all bases.

FLEET SPECS

Sustainable Fleet Management

Fuel accounts for around 70% of a helicopters hourly rate cost, therefore, operational efficiency is a key factor to consider when planning an operation.

Our AS350 Squirrels are a low CO2 emission helicopter with an engine known for light fuel consumption. Our aircraft also have FADEC computer systems which manage fuel use far better than aircraft without FADEC capabilities. The Full Authority Digital Engine Control system (FADEC) works by receiving multiple input variables to maximise the efficiency of the current flight condition. These variables include air density, throttle lever position, engine temperatures, and pressure.

Maintenance Programmes

Our maintenance programs are undertaken to a consistently high standard.
All aircraft undergo regular service procedures designed to maximise efficient running of the machines and reduce fuel consumption. All equipment is regularly cleaned and checked, with repairs dealt to as soon as a problem is identified. Track and balancing of blades is undertaken at every service check.

The engine of every machine is given a compressor wash every 50 hours. This effectively reduces any strain on the engine (and so maximises fuel efficiency) by removing any dirt or congealed oil etc.

Full extensive maintenance checks are completed every 150-hours flown, we employ our own team of qualified engineers to ensure maintenance is attended to thoroughly and in a timely manner.

Further evidence of our maintenance systems can be provided upon request.