Today’s Top Pick is a 2007 Schweizer 300C.

The tiny Bell 47 helicopter might have been good enough to earn a place in the collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, but more people might recognize the Hughes 300, developed a decade later and used for a range of missions, including flight training, police patrol, traffic reporting, and agricultural work.

Its rounded fuselage and distinct oval-shaped side windows have become familiar over more than 60 years since the model’s commercial introduction in the early 1960s.

Schweizer, known for manufacturing a range of gliders, began building the helicopter under license from Hughes in the early 1980s and later acquired the rights and FAA type certificate for the aircraft, which became the Schweizer 300.

The later model 300C for sale here is well-suited for duty as a reliable, economical training helicopter or personal transport machine. Its familiar piston engine and traditional construction make it easy to maintain compared with larger, more complex turbine models.

This 2007 Schweizer 300C, also called a 269C, has 2,196 hours on the airframe and 144 hours on its Lycoming HIO-360-D1A engine. The aircraft’s empty weight is 1,233 pounds and its maximum takeoff weight totals 2,050 pounds. Useful load is 817 pounds.

The panel includes Garmin Aera 660, King KX 155 Nav/Comm, Garmin GTX 327 transponder, GDL 82 ADS-B Out, GDL 50 ADS-B In, and PS Engineering PM1000 intercom. The aircraft comes with two Lightspeed Zulu headsets with Bluetooth and active noise reduction.

Pilots looking for a basic, economical two-seat helicopter with modern equipment and vintage appeal should consider this 2007 Schweizer 269C, which is available for $250,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Schweizer Finishes First Factory Refreshed S300CBi Helicopter
• FLYING Magazine: Schweizer S-300 Production to Resume After Sale by Sikorsky
• FLYING Magazine: Schweizer Receives FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certificate
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Robinson R22
• The Aviation Consumer: Can Workhorse Reinvent the Helicopter?
• AVweb: Schweizer Aircraft Acquired by Sikorsky

The post This 2007 Schweizer Is a Classic, Rotor-Wing ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

From search and rescue to aerial photography, the possibilities for helicopter pilots are endless. Here is how to land a job as a helicopter pilot.

How Do You Become One?

The licensing process is similar to that of fixed-wing pilots. Aspiring helicopter pilots need to be a minimum of 17 years old and be able to obtain an FAA medical certificate.

A private pilot certificate is the first step in the journey to a career as a helicopter pilot. The training for this license teaches you the basics of flying a rotary-wing aircraft and prepares you to fly helicopters recreationally.

To make money while flying, you will need a commercial pilot certificate. You can work as a helicopter pilot with this license, opening the door to jobs in industries such as flight tours, medical transport, and law enforcement.

The airline transport certificate is the top-level license and requires significant training. Although it is not required for many helicopter pilot jobs, having it can make you more competitive during your job search.

Where Do You Train?

While they are less prevalent than fixed-wing flight schools, there are many schools offering helicopter flight training across the country.

 After you have researched local training options, your chosen flight school will be able to help you learn more about the process and requirements for obtaining your certificates. Once you have completed the necessary training for each, you will need to pass written and oral tests to earn your license.

Is It Expensive?

The cost of becoming a helicopter pilot varies greatly depending on your situation, but a private pilot certificate typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000. Earning your commercial license can cost upward of $100,000.

What Types of Companies Can Employ You?

Once you have your commercial pilot license, you can begin applying for helicopter pilot jobs. There are many types of companies and organizations in need.

Medical airlift and evacuation companies commonly use helicopters to transport patients, and therefore have a significant demand for pilots. Similarly, search and rescue operators also require pilots to operate their helicopters.

Helicopters are often used for observing the world beneath them or capturing imagery of the ground. There are companies that employ helicopter pilots for aerial photography and videography, and news organizations hire them as well. If you want to fly passengers, corporate transport and tour companies hire helicopter pilots.  

Government bodies also have a need for commercial helicopter pilots. For example, the military employs pilots to work as instructors, and the U.S. Forest Service  for their firefighting operations. Law enforcement agencies  hire civilian pilots to fly their aircraft.

Do You Make Good Money?

The salary for helicopter pilots can vary depending on their experience and employer, but you can expect salaries to start at around $70,000 per year. With more experience, one can easily earn upward of $100,000 to $200,000 annually.

Is There a Demand?

There is a significant need for helicopter pilots across the United States. Many employers are actively seeking new pilots, and the demand is forecasted to grow over the coming years.

Helicopters perform specialized tasks that are vital to society. Despite the cost and effort required to gain the necessary licenses and experience, helicopter pilots are rewarded with exciting career prospects and competitive salaries.

The post How to Land a Helicopter Pilot Job appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary in Poland, has picked up a contract to deliver a next-generation Black Hawk utility helicopter to be used for emergency services. The contract was awarded by Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Department of Emergency Situations on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin and Aerostar S.A. inaugurated the first certified S-70 Black Hawk helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service center in Europe.

• READ MORE: Trust Is the Cornerstone for This Alaska Air Rescue Team

According to Lockheed Martin, the aircraft will join Romania’s existing fleet of European Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawks that are used for maritime and land search and rescue, firefighting, transport, and medical emergency support.

In 2023, Romania received seven S-70Ms as part of a framework agreement for up to 12 Polish-built S-70M Black Hawks. This additional aircraft increased the fleet to eight.

• READ MORE: First F-16 Block 70 Fighters Head to Bahrain

“This Polish-built S-70M Black Hawk will further extend the reach of the existing Romanian Black Hawk fleet and supports Romania in its commitment to contribute to strengthening European preparedness for disasters,” said Dennis Goege, vice president of Lockheed Martin in Central and Eastern Europe. “These new-generation aircraft will be a long-standing asset for Romania, offering enhanced features and flight safety to its high-payload role, as demonstrated worldwide, but especially by firefighting forces in the United States.”

According to Lockheed Martin, it has produced more than 5,000 Black Hawks that are operating in 35 countries.

The post Romania Adds Next-Gen Black Hawk to Fleet appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The New York City Council’s Committee on Economic Development included proposals in its agenda to implement a noise tax on “nonessential” helicopter and seaplane operations, urge the FAA to ban charter and tourist flights, and limit city heliport operations to electric-powered rotorcraft only.

Advocacy groups, including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), spoke out against the council’s proposed restrictions, arguing the measures would harm the local economy.

“The proposed restrictions on helicopter operations at the city’s heliports would be devastating to New York City’s economy, operators, businesses, and workers that contribute to the creation of 43,200 jobs and generation of $8.6 billion in total economic output,” said NBAA Northeast regional director Britany Davies during a hearing this week.

The groups also said noise-based restrictions may violate federal regulations, specifically the Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA), which grants sole authority to the FAA to regulate aeronautical activities.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Aviation Groups Push Back on Proposal Targeting New York Helicopter Operations appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The helicopters, which are manufactured by partners Boeing and Leonardo, are scheduled to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of Bell UH-1N Hueys that perform missions such as off-base nuclear weapons convoy surveillance and routine missile site support. The service has operated the military variant of the Bell 212 since 1970.

• READ MORE: MH-139A Grey Wolf Training Unit Activates at Maxwell AFB

“Aircrew from the 550th Helicopter Squadron took the MH-139 for a spin yesterday, marking the occasion as the Grey Wolf’s first flight from Malmstrom AFB,” Air Force Global Strike Command said in a March 21 post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The squadron activated last year and is responsible for Air Force Global Strike Command’s training and conversion to the MH-139 Grey Wolf. The first helicopter arrived at the air base earlier this month.

• READ MORE: Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf Progresses into Flight Testing

“The aircraft will play a crucial role in a variety of missions, including intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) security operations, search and rescue efforts, and personnel transport,” the Air Force said.

The Air Force, which initially planned to order 80 MH-139s, has reduced its projected buy to 42, Air and Space Forces Magazine recently reported. Malmstrom AFB is one of three ICBM bases where the helicopter will be stationed. Malmstrom, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and Minot AFB, North Dakota, will each receive 11 of the aircraft.

Grey Wolf in a Blue Sky

Aircrew from the 550th Helicopter Squadron took the MH-139 for a spin yesterday, marking the occasion as the Grey Wolf’s first flight from Malmstrom AFB. @usairforce @US_STRATCOM @BoeingDefense pic.twitter.com/xdXXjVoamb

— Air Force Global Strike Command (@AFGlobalStrike) March 21, 2024

The post Air Force MH-139A Grey Wolf Makes First Flight in Montana appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

This year’s event from February 26-29 included the announcement that the show’s producer, Helicopter Association International (HAI), was rebranding as Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

• READ MORE: HAI Rebrands as Vertical Aviation International

VAI is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry, which encompasses all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing.

According to James Viola, VAI president and CEO, during the four-day event you could feel the excitement and optimism.

“Both our attendees and exhibitors reported experiencing an outstanding show in Anaheim,” Viola said. “Every exhibiting company I spoke with reported high-quality traffic, and our attendees took advantage of the hundred-plus networking and education opportunities.”

The rebranding of the event plays into the growth in the industry, according to Nicole Battjes, chair of the VAI board of directors.

“We chose to announce our rebranding at the show because each year it becomes the center of the vertical aviation universe,” Battjes said. “Our theme for the 2024 show, ‘Building Tomorrow,’ perfectly aligned with our reasons for rebranding.”

Expo by the Numbers

Part trade show, part conference, Heli-Expo brought in 15,000 professionals from 87 countries. For four days, they had the opportunity to visit with some 625 exhibitors and get a close look at 63 aircraft.

The show also represents an opportunity to network and see and learn about the latest in technology and services for vertical aviation businesses.

Issues and Advancements in the Industry

Traditionally, Heli-Expo has been a good place to job hunt, and this year was no exception. VAI offered numerous opportunities for industry professionals, such as pilots, mechanics, and engineers, to network and connect with employers through its Industry Career Fair. In addition, there was a well-attended Mil2Civ Workshop, a program designed to assist military members transitioning into civil aviation.

In all there were 125 educational and training courses offered, ranging from the use of automation to aerial firefighting, that attracted more than 4,180 attendees. Plus, the annual Rotor Safety Zone featured presentations, demonstrations, and access to the regulators overseeing aviation safety. 

VAI Getting Cleaner

During the conference VAI promoted greater use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by providing it to all aircraft flying into this year’s show.

“Vertical aviation must do our part to reduce our carbon footprint by incorporating SAF,” Viola said. “We want to thank Hangar 21, HeliStream Inc., Fullerton Municipal Airport [KFUL], World Energy, and Titan Aviation Fuels, who were instrumental in bringing SAF to HAI Heli-Expo.” 

Next year’s show, which will be called VERTICON 2025, will be in Dallas from March 10-13, with exhibits open March 11-13.

More information about VAI can be found here.

The post HAI Heli-Expo Sees Record-Breaking Attendance appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter models: R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44, R44 II, and R66 because of problems in the field involving the tip cap of the tail rotor blade.

According to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the AD (FAA-2023-2232) was developed after three field reports about TRB tip caps coming loose due to corrosion at the bond on Robinson Helicopter Co. (RHC) Model R44. The incidents occurred during a run-up check, after landing, and during landing on different helicopters.

The similarity of the TRB caps on other Robinson Helicopter models resulted in the expansion of the AD beyond the R44 as a precaution.

According to RHC, there have also been reports of TRBs that have “corroded to an unserviceable condition, including severe leading-edge pitting and degradation of the bond at the tip cap.”

Affected TRBs were factory-installed or shipped as spares before November 2022. 

Compliance with the AD requires visually checking and inspecting certain part-numbered and serial-numbered TRB tip caps for evidence of corrosion and, depending on the result, removing the corrosion. The AD necessitates removing all affected TRBs from service and prohibits the installation of them on any helicopter.

The FAA estimates the cost of compliance with the AD will be $85 per hour. Visual checks of the TRBs will take approximately 0.25 work hours for an estimated cost of up to $22 per helicopter cycle.

The FAA also estimates the AD will affect about 2,701 helicopters in the United States.

The post Airworthiness Directive Issued for Robinson Helicopters appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Board chair Nicole Battjes and president and CEO James Viola said in a letter to VAI members that the name change was made to reflect the “wave of expansion” being ushered in by new aircraft and technology. They said the new moniker is part of a “transformative journey” but promised members the group’s commitment to the industry wouldn’t change. 

• READ MORE: HAI Celebrates 75 Years

“While our name and appearance have evolved, the most important change is our expanded focus,” the executives’ letter read. “We support all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing—and yes, that absolutely includes helicopters. Those aircraft complete missions that no other aircraft can accomplish, and we are proud to represent them.”

The VAI leaders said the rebrand will better serve vertical aviation communities and enable the organization to better work with legislators and regulators. 

With the change also comes a new name for the organization’s annual conference and trade show, which will now be called VERTICON. 

The post HAI Rebrands as Vertical Aviation International appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Smith succeeds Kurt Robinson, who has served in the position since 2010. Smith is only the third to serve as president and CEO of Robinson, which was founded in 1973 by Kurt’s father, Frank. Kurt will be moving to an advisory role with the company and remain on its board of directors. The leadership transition is effective immediately.

“Watching and helping our company grow from our living room to become a global leader in the helicopter industry is a fantastic lifetime achievement, and I am incredibly proud of my 40-year career with the company,” said Kurt Robinson. “Moving forward, RHC requires a committed, strong leader who shares our company values, and we’ve found that leader in David Smith, who will be taking over the day-to-day leadership of the business as president and CEO.”

Smith joined RHC in early 2023 as its vice president of operations. He previously worked at Bell Flight in engineering and leadership positions, including as chief engineer then program director for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X and vice president of operations modernization. Smith also served as chief executive of Textron subsidiary TRU Simulation + Training Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.  

• READ MORE: Robinson Reports Shipment Increase, Plans Leadership on Alternative Fuels

When it comes to Robinson’s future, Smith noted that the company has made significant investments in engineering talent, particularly over the last year. He emphasized that its foundation won’t change as RHC moves forward on expanding the performance and capabilities of its current products and developing new ones. Smith said Robinson will continue to focus on safety from its factory technology to its helicopters as well as partnering with companies using company aircraft to explore technologies such as electric and autonomous flight.

“Leading Robinson Helicopter Company is an extraordinary privilege,” said Smith. “With a 50-year legacy of success, I am honored to lead the company into the next 50 years of vertical flight. I look forward to working with the more than 400 service centers and dealers and the more than 1,100 employees of RHC as we pursue new products, markets, partnerships, and technologies.” 

The post Robinson Helicopter Co. Names New CEO appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

GAMA found that aircraft shipments rose across all segments compared to 2022, coming in at 3,050 airplanes and 962 helicopters delivered in 2023. The numbers represent year-on-year increases of 9 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively. Overall airplane billings for last year rose 2.2 percent to $23.4 billion while total helicopter billings increased 11.2 percent to $4.4 billion.

“For the first time in more than a decade, the general aviation manufacturing industry has eclipsed 4,000 aircraft delivered,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “In addition to this strong showing, there are robust and growing order backlogs for all segments of aircraft. This is a testament to the resilience of our industry and the integral role that general and business aviation plays in our communities.”

Breaking down the numbers, piston airplane deliveries were up 11.8 percent from 1,505 in 2022 to 1,682 in 2023. Turboprop shipments also surged, hitting 638 delivered last year and improving 9.6 percent over the previous year. While business jet deliveries saw the least change, the segment still increased 2.5 percent with 730 delivered.

On the rotorcraft side, 209 piston helicopters shipped last year, up from 194 in 2022. Turbine helicopter deliveries jumped 10.4 percent. GAMA noted that fourth-quarter data from Leonardo Helicopters was not available when the report was published, so it excluded Leonardo’s Q4 2022 data from its comparison.

• READ MORE: GAMA Reports Year-Over-Year Increase in Aircraft Shipments In a ‘Governed’ Recovery

“While the deliveries from 2023 are very encouraging, our industry faces headwinds from ongoing supply chain issues, workforce shortages, uncertainty and unpredictability from global regulators, and shortsighted efforts aimed at curbing business and general aviation, particularly in Europe,” said Bunce. “As civil aviation’s innovation incubator, our entire GA industry is focused on new aircraft and technologies that will lead the way in safety and sustainability for the entire aviation sector. This progress is dependent on having effective, predictable, and accountable regulatory processes, and a supportive business environment.

“Therefore, it is crucial that the U.S. Congress passes a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, a fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill for the FAA, and a tax measure, which is pending, that promotes research and development.”

GAMA’s full report is available on its website.

The post GAMA: 2023 Aircraft Shipments Up Across All Segments appeared first on FLYING Magazine.