Dallas, Texas: March 10, 2022 – BLR Aerospace is pleased to announce a partnership with Skywork Helicopters Limited, New Zealand’s leading provider of helicopter services, to certify the BLR FastFin® on the AS355 model. Certification is expected by the end of 2nd quarter of 2022.
AS355 is a twin-engine variant of the AS350 so operators can expect similar performance benefits as the AS350. The modification to the AS355 will be nearly identical to an AS350 with just a few minor changes. The BLR FastFin System includes an Advanced Tailboom Aerodynamic Cowling (ATAC), a Tailboom Strake, and Vortex Generators. Benefits include significant improvement to aircraft stability, precision hover-hold including enhanced yaw axis control when hovering in challenging crosswinds.
Skywork’s Director and Chief Pilot, Roger Stevenson, says, “Our entire AS350 Fleet is upgraded with the BLR FastFin system; it’s an essential addition to our fleet. Our pilots absolutely love the added right pedal, hover precision, additional useful load, and improved controllability they feel when flying with the FastFin system. Through detailed flight tests, we’re excited to find the same quality of performance for the AS355 model FastFin system and assure AS355 operators to expect the same.” BLR Aerospace President, Mike Carpenter, states, “Collaborating with Skywork has been a terrific experience. They are a very professional operator focused on providing operational and safety benefits to their customers and employees. We are grateful that Skywork decided to collaborate with us to bring this innovative technology to the market for AS355 operators.”
About Skywork Helicopters Limited
Established in 1997, Skywork is a group of professional helicopter leaders in commercial helicopter operations throughout New Zealand. With a diverse fleet of helicopters available, their experienced pilots can perform everything from precision lifting to firefighting, power line stringing, aerial surveying, tourism, general charter, agricultural spraying, and topdressing. Skywork has a team of individuals ready to respond 24/7 for search & rescue or forest protection as well.
For more information visit their website at skyworkhelicopters.com
About BLR Aerospace:
BLR Aerospace, headquartered in Everett, Washington, provides performance-enhancing products now on more than 10,000 helicopters and airplanes worldwide and is endorsed by industry-leading OEMs such as Airbus Helicopters, Textron Aviation, and Bell Helicopters.
For more information on BLR FastFin Systems visit BLR’s website at BLRaerospace.com, or contact BLR’s Director of Rotor Wing Sales, Keith Ray at [email protected] or (425) 405 4808. For updated information and to see our latest videos follow and subscribe to our Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.