Experimental Four-Place Seeks And Wins Weight Exemption

Vertical Aviation Technologies tells ANN that it can now be licensed to fly in Canada.

According to VAT, previous regulations restricted Amateur Built helicopters to a gross weight of 1540 lbs and seat capacity of no more than two people. The Hummingbird is a four seater that exceeds that weight, so something had to change... and it did. Vertical Aviation Technologies, Inc. filed for an exemption to the rule on January 2008 in order to expand the restrictions to a gross weight of 2700 lbs and four seats. Transport Canada recently decided to remove gross weight and seat capacity restrictions for not only Amateur Built helicopters but for all Amateur Built aircraft.

"There has always been a tremendous following of the Hummingbird program from Canadians. A special thanks to Transport Canada for moving so quickly" says Brad Clark, President of Vertical Aviation Technologies, Inc.

The Hummingbird was introduced in 1991 and is the only four place helicopter sold in kit form and based on a formerly FAA certified design (Sikorsky's rugged S-52). Simple in design and easy to assemble, VAT claims that this concept of selling a commercial helicopter in kit form reduces the acquisition costs making this helicopter affordable for private, government, and commercial use worldwide.

FMI: www.vertical-aviation.com