6: Eurocopter AS355 F1

 

Feature Helicopter: Eurocopter AS355 F1

Model: Twinstar (American Version of name in Kiwi = Twin Squirrel)

Owner: Airwork NZ

Operater: The Helicopter Line NZ

 

Pilot: Kent Wilson

Years flying: Far too long, still learning, have been referring to the flight manual for 12years

Number of hours flown: 3,800hrs + on helicopters

Home: Twizel, South Island New Zealand

Official Job Title(s): Burton Boys Bus Driver. Make sure the lunches make it up the hill and the chocolate cake is divided amongst the boys evenly.

 

Engine: Allison C 20F x 2

Horsepower: 425Hp each

Fuel System: Drinks Jet A-1 @ 220 litres per hour, make sure fuel never runs out, the only time you have too much is when you are on fire!!!!!

Max Cruise Speed: Company Limitation of approx 115 mph

Maximum Range: If fully fuelled could fly for 3 hrs but due to size of lunches only get about 1.5hrs on Burton

 

Max Gross Weight: 2400kg

Max persons inside (plus pilot): 6 victims!

 

Modifications: Too many to list but all are legal!

Is this heli featured in any movie projects: Burton Snowboards Thanks In Advance & It's Always Snowing Somewhere, Volcom's Escramble

Do you prefer flying photo shoot crews around or clients? Clients because they turn up on time!! Ha ha Burton of course, they grow on you after a while...generally more challenging flying!

Who's cooler, photographers or filmers?  Stills rock, filmers suck!!

Favourite moment: Watching that Blotto fella slide down a hillside on his ass!!!! Did not damage any camera gear........What a trooper!!!!!

 

All photos © Dean Blotto Gray 2008. This post was originally published on August 11th, 2008.