The Eurocopter EC120 Colibri Helicopter
Light-Weight, Five-Seat Helicopter - Fast and Comfortable
Private pilots looking for a first turbine helicopter used to generally choose to a Bell 206 JetRanger. But now Eurocopter have developed a viable and attractive alternative – the EC120 Colibri.
History of the EC120
Eurocopter have always been well known for their helicopters, but until recently they generally concentrated on medium to large machines, usually for utility purposes. However, in 1992 the company initiated a market study of the requirements for a smaller machine. It concluded that there was a definite market for a lightweight five-place helicopter that was reliable and cost-effective to run. So they developed the EC120, which first flew in April 2005.
Advantages of the EC120
The EC120 is a modern-looking helicopter, with a sleek, streamlined design. It is roomy, with plenty of space for a pilot and four passengers. Unlike many helicopters, there is a great deal of luggage space, enough for about five large suitcases. Access is easy, and visibility is excellent, even from the back seats. It is therefore eminently suitable for the private owner.
Flying the EC 120
For anyone who learned to fly on a Robinson R22 or Robinson R44, conversion on to a turbine helicopter always takes some time. However, the EC120 is very easy to fly. The controls are all accessible to pilots of any size and shape. Start-up is aided by the First Limit Indicator (FLI), which integrates all the parameters which the pilot needs to monitor when starting the engine, into one clear, easy-to-read dial. The FLI is part of the Vehicle and Engine Multi-Functional Display (VEMD), two glass screens which display all the information which could be needed at any time when flying the helicopter – fuel state, engine oil temperature, load data, maintenance records, etc etc.
Flight in the EC120 is smooth and comfortable, but it is fast enough to be an ideal touring machine. Flight time with full fuel is around three hours. And if the pilot wants to play, the machine is smooth and responsive, and handles all manoeuvres well. However, since the EC120 is a French helicopter, the rotors turn clockwise, so pedal use may be unfamiliar to many pilots at first, being ‘backwards’ from what they are used to.
Overall, this is a fantastic helicopter, ideal for both training and private use
Technical Data
Weights
Max take-off weight 1,715 kg 3,780.9 lb
Empty weight, standard configuration 960 kg 2,116.4 lb
Useful load, standard configuration 755 kg 1665 lb
Standard fuel capacity 320 kg 703.5 lb
Power Plant 1 Turbomega Arrius 2F turbine engine
Take-off power 376 kW 504 shp
Performance at Max Gross Weight (ISA conditions)
Max speed (Vne) 278 km/hr 150 kts
Fast cruise speed (at MCP) 227 km/hr 122 kts
Recommended cruise speed 190 km/hr 103 kts
Rate of climb at SL 6.10 m/sec 1,200 ft/min
Service ceiling 5,182 m 17,000 ft
Hover Ceiling OGE at take-off power 2,316 m 7,600 ft
Max endurance without reserve at RCS 728 km 393 nm
Endurance without reserve at 100km/hr-54 kts 4h20
Operation Limitations
Max operating altitude 6,096 m 20,000 ft
Min temperature - 40C
Max Temperature ISA + 35C limited to 50C
Source
The EC120B Colibri, Today’s Pilot June 2005.
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