Helicopters - Triple Point Expeditions

The A-Star is reliable, versatile and ideally equipped for small-group heli-skiing in Alaska. It's safety and reliability has been proven around the world and allows TPX to deliver the ultimate heli-ski experience.

Our helicopter provider, Pathfinder Aviation, holds a Part 135 FAA certificate and is an industry leader in remote aviation operations and logistics providing specialized solutions to unique challenges worldwide. They are an innovative helicopter transport operator with one primary objective: to provide the very best service to their customers, delivered at the highest possible levels of safety. We utilize the Eurocopter A-stars as they are the ultimate tool for Alaska heli-skiing and Pathfinder Aviation has a meticulously maintained fleet of B2, B3 and B3E's.

The Eurocopter AS350 B3, also known as the A-Star B3, is an enhanced variant of the AS350 Écureuil/A-Star series. It offers improved performance and capabilities compared to its predecessors. Below are the specifications and performance statistics for the Eurocopter A-Star B3 (The B2 and B3E have similar dimensions but have different Engines, External Gross Weight limits, etc and are selected based on the operational needs of the job they are required to perform within our operation):

Additionally, the Eurocopter A-Star B3 is known for its high-altitude capabilities, allowing it to operate in demanding environments such as mountainous regions. It features an upgraded transmission, higher takeoff weight, and improved engine performance compared to previous models.

Engine

Model: Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turboshaft engine
Maximum Continuous Power: 847 horsepower (630 kilowatts)

Accommodations

Seating: Accommodates a pilot and up to 6 passengers, depending on the configuration
Cargo: External sling loads up to approximately 3,086 pounds (1,400 kilograms)

Performance

‍Maximum Speed: Approximately 178 miles per hour (287 kilometers per hour)
Cruise Speed: Typically around 149 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour)
Range: 416 miles (670 kilometers) depending on payload
Maximum Endurance: Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours
Service Ceiling: Approximately 19,000 feet (5,790 meters )
Hovering In Ground Effect (HIGE) Ceiling: Approximately 3,720 meters (12,200 feet)
Hovering Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) Ceiling: Approximately 2,550 meters (8,365 feet)

Dimensions

Length: 35 feet 10 inches (10.93 meters)
Height: 10 feet 11 inches (3.34 meters)
Main Rotor Diameter: 35 feet 1 inch (10.69 meters )
Tail Rotor Diameter: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters)
Empty Weight: Approximately 2,700 pounds (1,225 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: Typically around 6,173 pounds (2,800 kilograms)