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Business Air News Bulletin
Business Air News Bulletin
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.
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Enstrom Helicopter Corporation
Aircraft

Enstrom 480

BAN's World Gazetteer

Michigan
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

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Enstrom helicopter takes fresh flight under new ownership
The latest 480B turbine helicopter is a completely new build model that will go some way to helping Enstrom bounce back after filing for bankruptcy.

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is excited for the flight of the first new 480B helicopter after reopening just eight months ago. The manufacturer was purchased by Surack Enterprises in May 2022 after it filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy earlier that year.

The turbine-powered 480B is the 1,317th Enstrom helicopter built and the 255th 480 series helicopter. This aircraft wasn't an unfinished left-over airframe, but was built using components procured, machined, fabricated and assembled on site.

The stunning black and grey helicopter was piloted by Enstrom production test pilot Cody Parkovich. “It flew great,” he says. “No issues. We were able to complete all our flight test steps on schedule. The team did a great job putting this helicopter together.”

Chief operating officer Adam Richardson adds: “This was a critical milestone in our plan to not just bring back Enstrom, but to start to reinvent ourselves and the way we operate. It took all functions to focus on the objective: new supplier relationships, new machinists and fabricators and, luckily many from prior years, better print definitions, a high standard of workmanship and everyone onsite helping each other cross-functionally to bring us back online.”

The new helicopter will be showcased at HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia in March. Enstrom will retain the aircraft and use it to certify new upgrades and planned future improvements.

Other News
 
Enstrom selects Genesys autopilot for 480B
February 29, 2024
Enstrom is collaborating with Genesys to certify the latest three-axis VFR helicopter autopilot, and says what really stands out is the auto-recovery and the ability to shoot fully coupled approaches.
Enstrom adds Airwolf lithium-ion battery as 480B option
February 28, 2024
480B pilots can now expect faster, cooler engine starts with a higher voltage for powerful starts. An automatic, built-in battery heater can keep them flying, even in bitterly cold weather.
Aviation Specialty Insurance and Enstrom resurrect insurance programme
February 26, 2024
By promoting safety, prioritising maintenance and encouraging pilots to better their skills, the original programme reduced claims and kept costs low. Enstrom is hoping that owners will welcome it back.