TH-480B Fleet Reaches 100,000 Flight Hours

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation President Todd Tetzlaff and VP of Product Support Doug Smith traveled to Japan to celebrate with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) on its fleet of TH-480B helicopters achieving 100,000 flight hours.

The milestone was commemorated in a special ceremony in Utsunomiya, where Tetzlaff delivered a speech to celebrate the achievement and highlight Enstrom’s long partnership with the JGDSF.

In his remarks Tetzlaff said, “Enstrom is grateful to the JGSDF for placing its trust in Enstrom for 14 years and counting. Reaching 100,000 flight hours is an incredible achievement that is unmatched.”

Tetzlaff and Smith also visited the Force’s Aviation School in JGDSF Camp Akeno, in Ise. There they met with JGDSF personnel to discuss maintenance best practices and usage. Tetzlaff said during that visit, “I share a common experience with many of the Aviation School’s students: my first helicopter lesson was in an Enstrom!”

He added, “The training of pilots, especially those tasked with flying critical missions in less-than-ideal conditions, is a challenge Enstrom takes very seriously. The TH-480B is designed specifically to fill that role. It is strong, safe, and possesses an inherent stability and ease of operation not found in many other helicopters.”

The executives also went to Tokyo to visit with personnel at the Aero Facility Company, who have been Enstrom’s sales reps for many years. Smith said he enjoyed meeting his Japanese colleagues there, many of whom he met in person for the first time.

Smith said, “It is extremely satisfying to see the fleet of TH-480Bs – helicopters manufactured in Menominee – being successfully utilized as part of the JGSDF training program. Enstrom owes Aero Facility our tremendous thanks for its unwavering support and guidance. We look forward to continuing our relationship into the future.”

The JGDSF operates a fleet of 30 TH-480Bs, the largest Enstrom customer of turbine helicopters. They are primarily used for disaster relief, civil protection, and promoting international cooperation.

FMI:  enstromhelicopter.com/