Aircraft Rolls Out Of 'Heliplex' Completion Center

On December 14th, 2006 Keystone Helicopter Corporation was issued a Standard Airworthiness Certificate by the FAA for the first Sikorsky S76C++ helicopter (file photo of type below) manufactured in Keystone's Coatesville, PA plant it calls the "Heliplex." The aircraft received a blessing from the FAA's airworthiness inspector for the regional MIDO office.

The C++ upgrade to Sikorsky's venerable S76 includes a more powerful engine and upgrades to the aircraft's avionics. The chopper is a popular for use as executive transport.

Marc Poland, newly appointed Vice President of Commercial Programs for Sikorsky Aircraft, stated, "This is a very impressive achievement and an important milestone in accomplishing Sikorsky's plan to increase production capacity to meet the demands of our customers."

Sikorsky acquired Keystone in a deal completed just over a year ago. Up to that point, Keystone was involved in completion work on Sikorsky S-76 and S-92 helicopters for a broad range of missions including VIP, offshore oil, EMS, and multi-mission utility.

Keystone Helicopter's President, David Ford, commented that, "To make this first Type Certificated assembled aircraft a reality, many of our employees dedicated long, hard hours. We're proud of everyone involved."

After its acquisition of Keystone, Sikorsky decided to allow it to continue operations under its own brand name. Keystone Helicopter is a full-service maintenance and completion center anchored by the Heliplex, its new, state-of-the-art technical services depot in Coatesville, PA.

Keystone is also a factory authorized service provider for Bell, Eurocopter, MD Helicopter, Rolls-Royce, Turbomeca, Pratt & Whitney, and Sikorsky products.

FMI: www.keystonehelicopter.com