Switzerland’s Heli Bernina has replaced one of its Llamas with an AS350 B3 Squirrel. The helicopter’s flight time will be split 90 per cent for cargo transportation and ten per cent for air taxi work. “This new AS350 is an ideal aircraft for us, because we operate at high altitude. We’re based 1,800 metres high at Samedan and can work up to 3,500 metres. We also needed an aircraft which wasn’t too heavy, so it was important not to have too much equipment inside,” said Andy Benz.

The company finds the Llama an expensive aircraft to operate, due to high maintenance costs. “It appears that in Switzerland the Squirrels are the most popular aircraft for cargo transportation. We also wanted to keep our fleet uniform, which meant staying with the Eurocopter product. It would incur greater maintenance costs if we ended up mixing European and US manu-factured helicopters,” said Benz.

The fleet currently consists of two AS350 B3s and one Llama, but Benz said that Heli Bernina had no immediate plans to replace the remaining Llama. The other is sold but still at the company's base awaiting shipment.

“Customers were asking for the Squirrel, so it was important to make the change. Other flights it

will be engaged in include winter rescue work, which we are employed for through the Swiss rescue organisation (REGA).

“This generally involves rescuing skiers and mountaineers in the Alps,” he said.

Heli Bernina is currently looking into the possibility of managing aircraft in the future.