Lots of Optimistic Expressed at Heli-Expo 2003

Schweizer Aircraft displayed an extrensive array of wares at the Helicopter Association International (HAI) convention. This year's display included a Model 333 Helicopter equipped for utility operation with a three place interior, a 300C equipped with a small profile instrument panel for maximum visibility, and a 300CBi heading for flight training in Ireland.

Schweizer's Model 333 has proven it can compete in the light turbine market, starting 2003 with orders for 5 new aircraft.. with more expected to follow. 333 helicopters are now flying a multitude of different missions in the US and around the world including airborne law enforcement, powerline/pipeline patrol, military flight training, aerial wildlife surveys, security patrols and light utility operations.

The West Palm Beach Police Department recently took delivery of a new Model 333. They were the launch law enforcement customer for the Model 330 when they took delivery of their first 330 in March, 1996. Subsequently, the West Palm Beach Police Department upgraded their aircraft to a 330SP in 1997 and then to a 333 in 2000. After flying 4700 hours on that aircraft, it was traded in for the new 333, which they are currently operating.

The 300C on display at the show was displayed courtesy of Bill Murphy of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Murphy took delivery of his 300C in late 2002 and currently uses it in his construction business for personal transportation between construction sites. He also leases the helicopter to Rotors of the Rockies where it is used for flight training.

The Schweizer Model 300C continues to hold a firm position in the light piston helicopter market. A number of new operators are purchasing their first new 300C and long time operators are replacing their old aircraft with new. During the past year, Schweizer sold new 300C's to operators who are employing the helicopters in a variety of uses including mountain flight training, construction sight survey and transportation, law enforcement patrol, personal and business use. Beginning with aircraft delivered in 2003, the 300C comes standard with a new splined M/R driveshaft and hub, which have increased retirement lives of 3,200 and 8,000 hours, respectively. The hub and shaft are no longer a matched set and are easier to remove and replace which translates to lower maintenance costs and further cost savings.

A new 300CBi was displayed courtesy of European Helicopter Academy of Dublin, Ireland. European Helicopter Academy currently operates a Schweizer 300CB and 300CBi in their flight training operation. The delivery of the new 300CBi will bring their fleet of Schweizer helicopters to three.

Since its initial delivery in the summer of 2002, the 300CBi has been extremely well received in the field and the demand for the helicopter continues to grow. The impressive flight handling and safety characteristics of the 300CBi have to date generated a market for the aircraft in flight training and light utility operations in Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States. For commercial training schools, Schweizer feels that the 300CBi provides a cost of ownership equal to or less than that of any other training helicopter.

When asked for his comments on Heli Expo 2003, Schweizer President, Paul Schweizer stated that, "Our Company is extremely optimistic for 2003 and beyond. With the introduction of the 300CBi, we now have the most cost effective and the world's best flight training helicopter. The 300C continues to be successful with numerous operators purchasing their first new 300C's and long time customers adding new 300C's to their fleets. When we developed the 333, we knew we had a helicopter that could successfully compete in the light turbine market. Although it is not all things to all people, we are seeing the 333 fill important market niches in which it can perform more effectively than any other helicopter. 2003 should be an exciting year for Schweizer."

FMI: www.sacusa.com