Letting Lusaka …

Enstrom, the U.S. helicopter manufacturer based on Michigan’s Menominee–Marinette Twin County Airport (MNM), hosted aircraft mechanics hailing from the south-central African nation of Zambia during a week-long training event germane to the maintenance and repair of the company’s popular helicopters.

The Zambian military recently purchased a number of Enstrom 480B turbine helicopters, deliveries of which are imminent. Subject aircraft will be used primarily to support pilot training operations; so state Zambian officials.

Enstrom vice-president of sales & marketing Dennis Martin set forth: “They took their studies seriously, studying every night. We also had the opportunity to share Midwest American culture with these mechanics. They seemed to love the Upper Peninsula, particularly the bountiful farmland, Halloween decorations, and the famous Menominee lighthouse. All of them said they felt very welcomed and desired to visit the U.S. again on vacation.”

Enstrom offers comprehensive, regular, and scheduled maintenance curricula, the next of which, a piston helicopter course, is slated for 03 June 2024; a turbine course will follow on 10 June. Each training event spans one week, with classes meeting Monday-through-Friday from 08:00 to 16:00 CDT.

Mechanics party to Enstrom’s training are instructed in the robust architecture of Enstrom’s helicopters, which feature unique main-rotor engineering. Trainees glean valuable insights on the machines’ workings, and are able to practice newly-acquired skills by dint of provided hands-on display models and special tooling.

Mr. Martin added: “If you want to learn how to best care for your Enstrom, go to where the experts are. You’ll hear all manner of shortcuts and tips directly from the technicians who work on Enstrom helicopters every day. Chip Zeismer, a 34-year employee of Enstrom, has been teaching the class since 2010, and we’re so grateful for the knowledge he brings.”

All Enstrom maintenance courses are I.A. renewal accredited. Moreover, Enstrom offers two options for certification. The first was developed for A&P mechanics, while the second is tailored to the needs of non-mechanics seeking certificated familiarization with Enstrom aircraft. The training is open to the public. Attendees of past training events are welcome to return for refresher courses as often as they so desire.

Class sizes are limited, however, and attendees are responsible for making their own lodging, transportation, and meal arrangements.

FMI: www.enstromhelicopter.com