Mon, Apr 28, 2014
Corporate AStar First One Equipped With Garmin G500H Glass Cockpit
One of America’s leading entrepreneurs is the proud owner of a new, customized AS350 B3e helicopter produced by Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI). David MacNeil, owner of MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd. in Bolingbrook, Illinois, has taken delivery of the aircraft that he will use in business travels for his highly successful company that manufactures the WeatherTech line of automotive products.
Airbus Helicopters’ AS350 B3e is the latest evolution in the highly successful AS350 AStar series. The MacNeil aircraft is the first equipped with a Garmin G500H glass cockpit multifunction electronic flight display system installed by AHI under its FAA Supplemental Type Certificate.
The AStar helicopter, which will be operated by MacNeil Aviation, will be a valuable asset that, MacNeil said, will enable him to conveniently travel and meet with his company’s customers.
“I researched all the helicopters on the market and the AStar came out on top as the best aircraft for our mission. It is a time machine. It compresses time and furthers our goals of manufacturing in America and hiring American workers,” MacNeil said. “I’m really impressed with the helicopter, the AHI team and the company. I have confidence in the factory and the people that produced it and that will support it.” His new helicopter was assembled by American workers at AHI’s plant in Columbus, Mississippi.
“We are pleased and honored that an extremely successful businessman like David MacNeil selected an Airbus Helicopters AS350 as the best aircraft for his company,” said Marc Paganini, President and Chief Executive of Airbus Helicopters Inc. “David’s choice is a vote of confidence in the capabilities of our helicopter and of the ability of our people to provide him with world class customer support.”
(Image provided by Airbus Helicopters)
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