While technically a Gen-Z, the little EC120B is the millennial spawn of the AIRBUS family. In 1997 this handsome francophone boasted DNA from the SA342 and AS350 line with qualities expected to seize control of the Light Helicopter sector. Orders flew off to enthusiastic operators smitten with the sexy lines who soon realised it was struggling to lift… thanks to an inoperable heart defect.

A sad reality and not an encouraging start to this sales pitch [!] but after three decades flying helicopters, I can testify that every helicopter has room for improvement and as a light turbine helicopter, the EC120B is an excellent start to your aviation adventure. Everything is a compromise and spinning the corporate line about all the many wonderful features while ignoring stark realities, infers that I think you’re foolish enough to believe everything you read and dilutes my effectiveness as a professional. 

Everyone agrees the EC120B is a ripper of a little helicopter. It’s so nice to fly with modern avionics, comfortable seating, buckets of room for golf clubs and a fully articulated rotor head. The composite blades make for a soft ride with good speed and the baggage compartment is bigger than most backpacker dorm’s. I’ve never heard of one having an Engine or Fenestron Fan failure and it sits with plenty of head clearance for safe operations. The interior is refined with a clear European aesthetic which ensures that if you’re currently single, you won’t be for long.

What it doesn’t do is snap your neck like a Tesla in ludicrous mode. If you grew up flying the Bell 206 then you will relate quickly to the EC120. Fly it with patience, work entirely within the Flight Manual Limitations Section under a loaded disc with options to go-around and you’ll be impressed with the performance. Alternatively; rush hot and fast into a confined area and an auditory “BING” in your ears (from the very cool VEMD First Limit Indicator system) notifies AIRBUS that your minor exceedance just improved their EBITDA. It’s a foolproof reporting system which highlights that for the sake of 50 Horse Power the EC120B would’ve been an AS350 killer...

2001 EC120B FOR SALE

This 2001 EC120B does everything that a 2009 model does (there’s no technology or performance difference) and of all the 120’s I’ve sold, it has the healthiest component run sheet with the 12 Year not due until 2026 and Turbine Modules not due until 2029. You have to like the colour blue but that’s nothing that $70,000 USD won’t fix.

Enjoy the EC120B, fly humbly and then when it’s time to tackle Everest, solo the Atlantic or take all the lads heli-fishing, I’ll be glad to sell you the next adventure.

Stephen Boyce | Aircraft Sales
stephen.boyce@oal.nz | +64 21 540 460