LaSen has taken delivery of a fully refurbished Bell 206L3 helicopter from Meridian Helicopters, the company’s 27th comprehensive tip-to-tail refurbishment project. This helicopter has been specifically tailored to meet the operational needs of LaSen, a specialist in helicopter LiDAR leak detection for pipelines based in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

This particular Bell 206L3 has been equipped with LaSen’s proprietary ALPIS system for pipeline inspection, ensuring enhanced precision and efficiency in aerial leak detection tasks. In addition to the technological fit-out, the helicopter features a custom-designed interior and is outfitted with the latest Garmin avionics suite. The refurbishment is completed with a fresh exterior paint job and the installation of zero-time components, ensuring the aircraft meets high standards of performance and reliability.

Ben Galloway, director of operations, says: “N233MH stands out as one of the most beautiful aircraft I’ve ever encountered. A thank you to the team at Meridian Helicopters for all the hard work you’ve put into it. You guys certainly take pride in your product, and it shows. I know we are in good hands, and I’m looking forward to working with you and your team.”

Meridian managing partner Michael Bashlor adds: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with LaSen, a company that shares our values of innovation and quality. This delivery not only represents a significant achievement for both companies but also reinforces our commitment to providing unparalleled service and support to our clients.”

LaSen was founded in 1989 to commercialise technology developed for the Department of Defense to detect biological and chemical pathogens. It developed the Airborne LiDAR Inspection System, ALPIS, that has inspected more than 500,000 miles of pipeline right-of-way, detecting more than 40,000 leaks, and saving more than 44.6 billion cubic feet of methane from escaping into the atmosphere. Aerial support for LaSen’s pipeline leak technology is provided by the Organ Mountain Aviation Co.