the aircraft wasn’t working as hard,” says Chapman. “Te blades are just one more innovation. Erickson was the first to successfully log timber with a helicopter. We innovated many of the systems for power-line construction that improved productivity and safety. We developed the tank for helicopter firefighting.”
Always Moving Forward Today, Erickson employs 565 “problem solvers” who keep the global fleet of 30 S-64 Air Cranes flying, including the 14 owned by other oper- ators. In addition to its civilian aviation services, Erickson flies, maintains, and modifies fixed- wing and rotary-wing aircraft for the US Department of Defense and other national security and government agencies. Erickson provides a variety of air services, from shipboard deliveries and troop transport to assisting with search-and-rescue missions, nighttime oper- ations, and more. As with any company, the accomplishments
come with hardships—recessions, shifting regulations, declining log values, ownership changes, bankruptcy, pandemic-driven supply chain challenges, and more. Still, Erickson perseveres. “It’s kind of like the US Marine Corps. Teir slogan is ‘improvise, adapt, and overcome.’ Tat’s Erickson’s model. We keep going until we figure out how to make it work, to overcome the issue,” says Sembach. “We’re constantly pushing the aircraft to be more useful and more versatile.” “We’re constantly working to ensure the Air Crane is always best in class. Most recently, in partnership with Helicopter Transport Services, we developed, produced, and received final FAA approval for the composite main rotor blades, allowing for increased performance and payload. We’re also finalizing flight testing on a new and improved water cannon that will really enhance the aircraft’s capabilities and effectiveness for a variety of mission types, including urban firefighting,” says Brittany
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Black, senior vice president of sales, marketing and business development, who has worked for Erickson for nearly six years. Clearly, Jack Erickson’s pushing hard during
the company’s early days has instilled a cultural mindset of try, try, and try again until it works. Te employees continually tweak, add to, and perfect the S-64. “It’s easy to just see the airframe. It’s an
impressive machine. But we can’t forget the people. Te real asset is the people who keep the aircraft flying, making sure that it’s operated safely and accomplishing the mission. I don’t think anyone realizes the commitment, amount of care, and maintenance that go into making sure these machines stay in great condition. I know from experience, when you’re a crew chief, the aircraft becomes a part of your life. I love that machine. I’ve spent more time with the Air Crane than with my own kids,” says Foote, who served as crew chief for “Incredible Hulk.” “It’s a labor of love. Tere’s an enormous amount of pride.”
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WWW.BECKER-AVIONICS.COM MARCH 2022 ROTOR 29
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