Well visible on this AS-350B3 is the modified Maximum Pilot View Kit (MPVK) designed and distributed by Swiss Rotor Services. Allowing the pilot increased visibility during external sling load operations, the kit does not come cheap but is appreciated by operators around the globe. Also visible is the so called "black tear" on the tailboom, a special high thermal coating protecting the tailboom from the hot exhaust gases as external sling load operations often require extended hovering.