Enstrom Helicopter has scored yet another performance upgrade for its turbine whirlybird. Enstrom has received FAA certification for a change in the 480B operations limitations that increases the maximum altitude for takeoff and landings at 3,000 pounds gross weight from 2,100 feet density altitude to 10,000 feet density altitude.

“Enstrom worked with the FAA to clean up some loose ends from when the certification basis changed from CAR 6 to FAR 27 and eliminate the Takeoff/Landing Gross Weight Limitations from the Rotorcraft Flight Manual,” said William Taylor, director of engineering. This is the latest development in Enstrom’s ongoing product improvement program to enhance its turbine model.

It applies to all models of the 480 series helicopter.

The 480 was certified in 1993 and the 480B was certified in 2001. Among other improvements, the 480B increased the turbine’s gross weight from 2,850 to 3,000 pounds.

Four-eighties are certified throughout the world and serve a variety of commercial and private functions. They offer a spacious, versatile cockpit with outstanding visibility from all five seats. A world class helicopter, Enstrom claims that their turbine model provides outstanding safety, maneuverability, speed, comfort and good looks at the most affordable price of any other helicopter in its class.

Founded in 1959, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation manufactures a complete line of helicopters including the three-place, piston-powered F28F and 280FX, and the turbine-powered 480B. The 480B is available as a three-place advanced trainer or as a three- to five-place VIP aircraft.

For law enforcement applications, the 480B is known as the Guardian and the F28F is called the Sentinel.

FMI: www.enstromhelicopter.com