Enstrom TH180 makes first flight

Enstrom TH180

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation’s TH180 helicopters completed its first flight on 6 February 2015 at its facilities in Menominee, Michigan.

Tracy Biegler, president and CEO of Enstrom, said: “This is a milestone achievement for Enstrom and we look forward to continuing our flight test program as move toward the certification program.”

Bill Taylor, director of engineering and chief test pilot, said: “Its rugged frame, robust landing gear, and very forgiving handling qualities are a great combination for hands-on learning. They provide wide margins of safety for student confidence.” As Bill said after completing first flight of the TH180: “It flies just like an Enstrom!”

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Orlando Alaniz, director of sales and marketing, added: “Enstrom unveiled the TH180 mockup at last year’s Heli-Expo, and one year later we are showcasing the actual flight test helicopter. If all goes as planned, production deliveries should begin early next year.”

The TH180 is designed as a training helicopter and is powered by a Lycoming HIO-390 engine.

Justin Munroe, director of operations for Longhorn Helicopters, a 141/135 operation based in Denton, Texas, said: “In the first few months of 2015, Longhorn Helicopters successfully incorporated two F28F/F280FX model helicopters into our training fleet. We could not be more pleased with the results. Enstrom’s product support has been unparalleled and our customer responses have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Enstrom’s existing product line has exceeded our expectations and we are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to put the new TH180 into service.”

“The flight instructor will experience quality training and comfort with the student pilot and the TH180 will be an economical addition to any training fleet,” said Orlando Alaniz, director of Sales and Marketing.