THE PROJECT
The EC 130 is a popular, light utility helicopter that has been manufactured by Airbus’ helicopter division for over two decades. For this project, we outfitted an EC130 with brand new crew and pax seating. All parts were provided with a New Zealand Form 1 and proper Burn Certificates. Every part we used for this interior - along with a wide range of other EC130 parts - can be found on Generation Global’s website.
GALLERY
The seats used in this helicopter have Sicma Seat design, with both pax and crew seating having the same frames and covers. A donut-style headrest provides both extra comfort and a place for each seat belt to feed through. Unlike more typical seat designs, where upholstery conforms to and conceals the seat frame, the cushions on these seats leave most of the frame visible.
We used a clean, Navy blue leather (2021) on all the seat covers, and then we complemented that deep blue with double-stitched silver stitching on all exposed seams. Detailed stitching, such as was found on the insert, was done with a matching navy thread to better blend in with the seat. For the finishing touch, we used silver stitching to embroider a large, detailed emblem of the owner’s company on each seat back.
THE CLIENT
The client for this project was a helicopter operator based in Hobart, Tasmania. The company originally bought and sold helicopters and offered maintenance services. Now, the company offers high-level training in specialties such as Night VFR and Night Vision Imaging System Training. The client operates a wide range of aircraft, including Bell 206s, AS350s, AS355s, BK117s, and a rather rare Bell 230 (Bell Helicopter only made 38).
