I’ve just picked up the CowanSim H125/AS350 and took it out for a short flight between the YouTube famous BC Helicopters and Vancouver International Airport. On sale in the top rated aircraft sale that Microsoft is running to celebrate the new MSFS 2024 trailer, this aircraft was a great deal and as it turns out a fantastic adventure helicopter. I had so much fun on the first flight that then I ventured from Vancouver International all the way out to Tofino, BC to catch some waves. Along the way I talk about the helicopter, the scenery and more! Let’s go!

Departure point: BC Helicopter

If you’ve ever watched the Pilot Yellow YouTube channel you’ll probably be well aware of their helicopter flying out of BC Helicopters located just off the runway of Abbotsford airport. I don’t have the scenery for the airport but Emerald Scenery Designs makes a great freeware BC Helicopters scenery pack that, together with their object library, is spectacular. See for yourself!

I ran my way through the provided checklist for the H125 which, as it turns out, is quite simple. Aside from the usual safety checks, its only a couple of button presses and a throttle up and you’ve got a fully started up and functioning helicopter.

As is typical, my initial attempts at a hover were met with limited success but I increased the collective and powered my way out of BC Helicopters. Hovering can come later! Let’s go flying!

Enroute to Vancouver International

After trimming the helicopter out I decided that now was the time to enter in my destination. I recently purchased FSimStudio’s CYVR Vancouver International Airport and much to my chagrin I haven’t yet flown into it. Turns out, my first flight into this airport is going to be in a helicopter.

I fiddled around with the avionics for a few minutes before I was on my way to the destination testing out the H125’s handling and cruise performance along the way. Gusty winds at 15 knots combined with a bit of fog and turbulence helped to make for a slightly bumpy ride but the H125 cruised well.

I flew over rural areas, farms, subdivisions and parks before arriving at the coast.

ATC cleared me for landing and I flew a very abridged helicopter approach onto Runway 08R. I cleared the runway at the end and flew over to my destination with dedicated helicopter marked landing sites at Helijet. Keeping it on theme!

This is a very detailed scenery of a key airport in Canada. I need time to check it out more but it certainly looks beautiful. It does have a few issues like floating orange pylons but otherwise it looked very good. It did also eat into my framerate some so I’ll have to have a closer look at that and see if there are ways to improve performance. Nearby Vancouver may also be the culprit.

Next destination: Taking passengers to Tofino

Year round surfing and all manners of nature adventurers head to Tofino, BC located on the western coast of Vancouver Island. I decided that this would be my next destination for the H125.

Departing from Vancouver International in the evening sun, we set out across the Strait of Georgia and then over the port city of Nanaimo.

Things became more sparse in terms of signs of civilization as we crossed the middle part of Vancouver Island with rainforest as far as the eye can see and tall peaks and deep valleys to fly into. At one point I made the decision to veer off to the right and climb through a valley to cross the peaks before diving back down again on the other side. The H125 is plenty capable even while carrying passengers like I was.

Eventually we hit the coast and then flew the remaining distance up to Tofino. What a flight!

First thoughts on the H125

I like this helicopter. A lot! My first CowanSim helicopter was the B222 for X-Plane 11 and I thought that was very good. Then I bought the 500E for MSFS that I’ve been struggling to like. Was it the helicopter or me? I think its the 500E that I just haven’t connected with the way I thought I might…. but this H125 is definitely for me and I can already say I’m impressed with the work by CowanSim.

More flights again with it soon!