HANGAR TALK Industry news relevant to your business
Enstrom Helicopter Under New and Stable Ownership
Chuck Surack, founder of Surack Enterprises, recently announced he has purchased The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation of Menominee, Michigan, to rebuild the Enstrom brand into one of the leading American-made helicopter manufacturers as it once was. In a letter to the Enstrom leadership team, Surack shared his appreciation to the employees for their devotion and dedication over the years and particularly during the last few difficult months.
Surack is widely known for founding Sweetwater Sound, the largest online retailer of musical instruments and professional audio equipment, growing it to a $1.5 billion business out of the back of his Volkswagen bus. His entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and enthusiasm for aviation are just a few reasons why under his ownership, the future is bright for Enstrom.
Matt Francour, president & CEO of Enstrom, said, “Earlier this year, it looked as if MidTex Aviation would step in and buy Enstrom, but when they had unexpected problems securing the funding, Chuck was able to step in and save the company, which ended a lot of sleepless nights here for us in Michigan! With the help of Carson LLP and Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, the trustee’s attorney, the purchase was able to proceed quickly.”
BY THE NUMBERS 470
The approximate number of priority exhibitors scheduled to be at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) this October in Orlando, Florida. Rotorcraft Pro will also be there with bonus print distribution of our July/August issue.
38 May/June 2022
Additionally, Surack’s history with Enstrom dates to 2008 when he learned to fly helicopters. Before even obtaining his pilot’s license, he purchased a brand new Enstrom 480B. Surack said, “I am excited to have purchased this outstanding company that manufactures helicopters here in the United States and employs workers right here in the Midwest.”
The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation joins the Surack Enterprises portfolio of aviation-related businesses including Sweet Aviation, which provides charter flights, training, and rental for fixed-wing aircraft; Sweet Helicopters, which does the same for rotorcraft and is the official helicopter services provider of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; and Aviation Specialty Insurance, which insures the aviation industry including corporations, light aircraft, flight schools, drones and UAVs, and more.
Enstrom has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. The immediate goal will be to continue supporting pilots who already own an Enstrom helicopter by providing parts and support. The company is excited to start building helicopters again, and is planning to improve and update the Enstrom helicopter fleet.
100 The approximate number of exhibitors
scheduled (as of our publication date) to display at AAMS Elevate 2022 (formerly known as the Air Medical Transport Conference). Rotorcraft Pro will be in Tampa, Florida, with bonus print distribution at the October event. Between this event and NBAA-BACE, October should be a full, fantastic time for our advertisers to shine in the Florida sun!
40
The number of years that Medal of Honor recipient Michael Novosel was a military aviator. “The Home of Army Aviation,” Fort Rucker, will be renamed after the Alabama native as part of a Congressional commission plan to rename bases that honor U.S. Civil War Confederates. Novosol ended his distinguished career at the base.
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