On 27 June 1974, a prototype helicopter lifted off from Marseille-Provence Airport in Marignane, France. It was the first flight of what would become one of the most successful light utility helicopters in aviation history, the AS350 Écureuil, or “Squirrel”. Designed by Aérospatiale to replace the aging Alouette II, the AS350 was built from the ground up for economy, efficiency, and reliability. It introduced innovations like the Starflex main rotor hub, a maintenance-free design that reduced moving parts and lowered operating costs.
On 14 May 2005, an AS350 B3 piloted by Eurocopter test pilot Didier Delsalle landed on the summit of Mount Everest, at 8,850 metres (29,035 feet). It remains the highest altitude ever reached by a helicopter. Just five years later, in April 2010, another AS350 B3 performed the highest rescue in history, evacuating three alpinists from Annapurna at 7,100 metres, one at a time. The AS350 had proven that it could operate where no other helicopter could.
Why does this matter today? Because the AS350, now manufactured by Airbus Helicopters as the H125 is still flying and still essential. With more than 3.9 million flight hours and over 900 AS350 B3 series aircraft in service worldwide, it remains the go-to helicopter for high-altitude and hot-weather utility operations. In the United States, the AS350 is used by Customs and Border Protection for surveillance and security patrols. In Brazil, it serves with the Air Force and Army. And in Pakistan, Jordan, and dozens of other countries, it continues to perform missions ranging from offshore operations and inspections to aerial observation and utility transport.
Our as350 gen fam course online takes you inside this remarkable helicopter. You will explore the airframe, the Turbomeca Arriel engines that power the various AS350 variants, the four-blade Starflex main rotor system, and the Fenestron tail rotor on newer models. The course covers the systems that keep this aircraft flying safely, from the hydraulics and electrical systems to the fuel system and avionics.
This AS350 general familiarization course is aligned with FAA ACS (Airman Certification Standards), EASA Part-66 standards, and ATA-104 compliance requirements. Whether you are a mechanic maintaining an AS350 fleet, an engineer preparing for type rating, a pilot transitioning to rotary wing, or simply looking to expand your expertise, this course gives you the foundation you need.
From the summit of Everest to the frontline of law enforcement, from offshore oil platforms to medical evacuation missions, the AS350 has proven itself in the world’s most demanding environments. Mastering its systems is the key to keeping it flying safely.
Ready to master the Squirrel? Reach out to us to learn more about our Eurocopter AS350 systems training.
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