When planning an aerial sightseeing tour of the Grand Canyon, understanding the industry “jargon” surrounding your transportation reveals important facts about the details of the trip you book. There are so many options from fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to river rafts and motor coaches, and each of these choices offer travelers varying benefits and drawbacks that tour companies often fail to review.
One such example is the much-lauded EcoStar helicopter, available through only three American tour companies, Maverick and Papillon among them. As a traveler, knowing about the details and specs of the EcoStar, or the Eurocopter EC130, helps you decide whether the pay-offs of these premium tours justify their expense.
The EcoStar Basics
Made by the American Eurocopter company and officially called the EC130 for production purposes, the EcoStar is a single-engine helicopter designed to hold a maximum of 7 passengers plus the pilot. Its top features include a 3,036 lbs empty weight and 2,315 lbs maximum load capacity, a cruising speed of 150 mph, and a top speed of 178 mph.
In addition to these basic specs, the real boon of the EcoStar, and the reason for its “green” nickname, is the technology employed in its Fenestron enclosed tail fan. Rather than a traditional tail rotor, the Fenestron uses an automatic RPM control mechanism whereby uneven blades provide consistent power with reduced noise (up to 50% less than similarly-sized aircraft) and lower carbon emissions. This technology is unique to the industry and the EC130 is currently the only aircraft operating in Grand Canyon which actually exceeds the National Park Service’s noise standards as a result.
Tourist Benefits of the EcoStar Helicopter
Though its technology is impressive, the EcoStar also stands out for its focus on the tourist industry. Eurocopter developed the aircraft in consort with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters for their use as an aerial tourist service. As veterans in the industry Blue Hawaiian emphasized the importance of cockpit space, external visibility, and cabin capacity, all three features which Eurocopter then carefully integrated into the final EC130 design.
Comfort and value were also of paramount importance for EC130 helicopters designed for tourism—the spacious interiors also make the EC130 popular within the air medical and law enforcement industry. In addition to the capacity and interior space, business class seats and carefully-maintained cabin temperatures make flights aboard an EcoStar physically comfortable. The glass-enclosure and stadium seating arrangements for tourist-grade EC130s also ensure unobstructed views for all passengers throughout their flight.
Is Riding an EcoStar Helicopter Worth It?
There is no question as to the Grade ‘A’ quality and cutting edge design of EcoStar helicopters. Also, as an exclusive offering of only three tourist companies in the United States, the unique opportunity to ride in these aircraft is hard to deny. However, there is clearly an expense associated with EcoStar tours, which is why many companies choose to offer alternative aircraft as well. It’s really a personal choice; though it is also one sure to create an unforgettable experience for those willing to have it.
