helicopter. Designed entirely in-house from the ground up, including avionics and engine, the sleek carbon-fiber aircraft was surrounded by a steady, curious crowd throughout the show. Te HX50, which more resembles a luxury automobile than a conventional aircraft, is not yet in production. However, Founder and Chief Engineer Jason Hill reported that more than 1,200 orders are already in for the experimental helicopter and its commercial counterpart, the HC50. Meanwhile, underdogs Schweizer and
Enstrom reported steady progress and growth, with the two piston OEMs announcing industry-first insurance programs and advancements for their airframes. Both manufacturers have negotiated with insurance providers to develop favorable rates for their aircraft’s owners and operators based on their helicopters’ lower accident and incident rates compared with other aircraft in their categories—mainly Robinsons. With the cost of insurance becoming a
barrier to aircraft ownership, both Schweizer and Enstrom noted the importance of securing lower-cost insurance. Schweizer also hinted about conducting research into a future five-seat model. Te current S300 series seats up to three people, while the OEM’s turbine S333 seats four. Both companies reported international
sales and busy assembly lines, and Schweizer highlighted its new OEM Certified Helicopters offering, an overhaul and refurbishment program in which the OEM purchases Schweizer 300C and 300CBi models regardless of airworthiness and either overhauls or refurbishes them for sale at lower than new prices. “Tere are a lot of good aircraft still out
there that have [been waiting for] parts,” Schweizer CEO David Horton said. “Tis program helps get that existing fleet back in the sky while giving customers options based on their budget.” As the lights went down on HAI HELI-
EXPO 2024, attendees were reminded again of a new chapter for the annual trade show, with an invitation to join VAI at VERTICON in Dallas, Texas, Mar. 10–13, 2025 (exhibits open Mar. 11–13).
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verticalavi.org/benefi ts JUNE 2024 ROTOR 39
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