South Africa's Aeronautic Solutions has added a BK117-B2 to its fleet, with CEO Ivan Pienaar describing it as one of the best value rotorcraft on the market. “The dollar per horsepower ratio is very favourable, and it brings new life to the BK117 series,” he says.

“So far it has been performing beyond expectation. Our latest BK has an avionics suite with a fantastic autopilot. It is an exceptionally powerful helicopter with strong hot and high performance.”

The company is a utility operator and carries out cargo transport, sling and geological survey work. This is the second BK117 in the company's fleet and is single pilot IFR approved. “The autopilot is particularly helpful on a long distance flight,” adds Pienaar.

“IFR affords us more freedom to operate during adverse weather conditions, and the autopilot drast-ically reduces pilot workload.”

Aeronautic Solutions frequently operates in hot and high conditions and has been pleased with the BK117 in these environments. Pienaar would like to expand the fleet with more twin engine helicopters, as he feels that the South African market is ready for it: “Mining houses now demand that all operations must be done with twins, so we are looking forward to a great future with the BKs.”

The company was founded in 2000 and owns, operates and maintains a fleet of Airbus helicopters. Despite his enthusiasm for the BK range, Pienaar's favourite aircraft is the AS350B3, now known as the H125. “In our opinion there is no better helicopter for the African bush environment; it works every single time.”