2009 Wasn't So Hot, But 2010 Shows Signs Of Life

Face it, 2009 was not a year that most denizens of the aviation industry will be able to think of fondly. It was a tough brutal year and it was one that truly tested the staying power of many a company in the GA and BizAv industry... especially when it comes to the rotorcraft segment. One of the survivors is Enstrom Helicopter... which admits that 2009 was one of the most trying years that they have ever dealt with... while also noting that 2010 is showing some serious signs of life.

The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is a privately owned company dedicated to the design, production, and support of light piston-powered and turbine-powered helicopters. They note that their "primary corporate objective is to achieve the proper balance of performance, safety, functionality, reliability, and affordability in a family of light helicopter designs.

If we are to err in the over-emphasis of one element of this balancing act, it will be to over-emphasize safety. We are proud of a record of low accident rates and we are particularly proud of an exemplary record of few serious or fatal accidents. Our high mass, high inertia rotor system may add to the cost of our helicopters, but the dividends it returns in the form of increased safety are well worth the investment."

Enstrom's 280FX and F28F piston-powered helicopters are the only turbo-charged helicopters produced in the world today. They out-perform all competitors at altitude. In addition to excellent performance, they feature the roomiest cockpits in class and best finish level. Enstrom's 480B light turbine helicopter combines outstanding performance with a superior cabin and the lowest acquisition and operating costs in its class. Exceptionally easy to pilot and with wide safety margins, the 480B is well suited to a wide range of applications.

And the market IS improving... Enstrom Helicopter points to the sale of 16 480B advanced turbine training helicopters to the Royal Thai Army as clear evidence of that.

The 480B was selected in a competitive bidding process that included aircraft from 7 different major manufacturers. In October of 2009, Enstrom hosted a delegation of officials from the Royal Thai Army led by Major General Pittaya Krachangwong, who came to Menominee to inspect Enstrom's manufacturing facilities and fly the different models of Enstrom helicopters.

FMI: www.enstromhelicopter.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews