Piper Aero Star

Twin Piston· 185 globally registered

The Aérospatiale AS 350 Ecureuil, marketed in North America as the AStar, is one of the most successful light utility helicopters ever built, with over 6,000 delivered since its first flight in 1974. Designed as a rugged single-engine workhorse, the AS 350 became the go-to platform for high-altitude operations, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and scenic tours, roles where reliability and hot-and-high performance matter more than speed or payload. Its Turbomeca Arriel engine and efficient rotor system allow it to operate comfortably at density altitudes that ground many competitors, and modified versions have set multiple altitude records, including the first helicopter landing on Mount Everest's summit in 2005. The type's versatility shows in its operator base: air ambulance services prize its cabin access and single-pilot IFR capability, police departments value the stable camera platform, and tour operators in Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and the Swiss Alps rely on its docile handling and passenger-friendly visibility. With a cruise speed around 120 knots, a service ceiling near 15,000 feet, and endurance of roughly three hours, the AS 350 trades raw performance for operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness. SkyMeter has tracked 255 flights across 92 airframes and 87 operators, with CASTLE AVIATION INC the largest observed operator.