Enstrom Helicopter First Flight
Enstrom is excited to announce the flight of the first new 480B Helicopter after reopening just eight months ago. The turbine-powered 480B is the 1317th Enstrom helicopter built, and the 255th 480 series helicopter. This aircraft wasn’t an unfinished left-over airframe, but was built using components procured, machined, fabricated, and assembled onsite.
The stunning black and grey helicopter was piloted by Enstrom Production Test Pilot Cody Parkovich. “It flew great,” said Parkovich. “No issues. We were able to complete all our flight test steps on schedule. The team did a great job putting this helicopter together.”
Enstrom Chief Operating Officer Adam Richardson had this to say. “This was a critical milestone in our plan to not just bring back Enstrom, but to start to reinvent ourselves and the way we operate. It took all functions to focus on the objective. New supplier relationships, new machinists and fabricators and luckily many from prior years, better print definitions, a high standard of workmanship, and everyone onsite helping each other cross-functionally to bring us back online.”
The new helicopter will be showcased at HAI. Stop in booth C2820 at Heli-Expo to see for yourself. Enstrom will retain the aircraft and use it to certify new upgrades and planned future improvements.
About Enstrom Helicopter Corporation
From Rudy Enstrom’s early designs in 1943 to initial testing in a Michigan Quarry in 1957 to aircraft operating on six continents, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. Based in Menominee, Michigan and proudly made in the United States, Enstrom has a rich history for design innovation. The goal is to provide helicopters to the customer’s exact specification and deliver support and maintenance worldwide.
About Surack Enterprises
Surack Enterprises passionately serves the Midwest by creating lasting job opportunities and resources for the community to thrive.