Enstrom Helicopter Corporation celebrated delivery of the first model 480B-G to Rick Boswell of New Hampshire today. The 480B-G is equipped with the Garmin G1000H glass cockpit.
“I’m a tech junkie,” said Boswell. “When I heard about the Garmin G1000H, I had to have it. Partner it with the Enstrom 480B, and it’s my perfect helicopter.”
“I learned to fly helicopters in an Enstrom,” said Boswell. “On my first day of training, I knew this was the right aircraft for me.” Boswell was instrumental in upgrading the avionics in his previous 480B as well.
Roger Sharkey of Sharkey’s Helicopters served as Boswell’s instructor. “The 480B has always been a phenomenal ship, rugged and reliable,” said Sharkey. “They have taken the unbeatable reliability of an Enstrom helicopter and paired it with the best avionics suite available today, bar none. This is the future.”
Certification of the 480B-G was completed in July 2014, making the 480B-G one of three helicopters in the world ? and the only helicopter in its class ? to offer a G1000H integrated flight deck system. “This configuration just made sense in our aircraft,” said Eric Gjesdahl, an avionics design engineer at Enstrom. “It mimics the current 480B configuration, allowing seamless transitions. It also makes the screens equally accessible from both seats, which is important in training.”
“Combining the G1000H with the safety and handling qualities of the 480B makes this an exceptional helicopter for anything, including personal use, police work and training,” according to Bill Taylor, Enstrom’s Director of Engineering. “We partnered with RSG Aerodesign during the design phase, and that really helped get the project moving. We would not have been able to accomplish this in the time we did without their support early on.”
The G1000H reduces pilot workload and presents all critical flight and engine information at a glance, thereby increasing simplicity, safety, and situational awareness. “We are excited to bring this technology into the helicopter market,” said Orlando Alaniz, Director of Sales and Marketing at Enstrom. “It is a logical addition to our line of aircraft designed for safety, performance and innovation.”
After his initial flight, Boswell’s comment was: “Spectacular! There’s a lot to learn, but after some study time and a few hours flying, it’ll be second nature.” He is also thrilled with the paint scheme, which he chose to honour the Blue Angels.
“Rick says the Enstrom 480B is one of the best-kept secrets in the aviation world,” said Orlando Alaniz, Director of Sales and Marketing at Enstrom. “That got my attention, and the 480B-G demonstrates we are working to change that.”
Garmin stops by
“We are thrilled to be a part of the 480B-G programme and proud of our strong partnership with Enstrom,” said Chris Bauer, Aviation OEM Sales Manager at Garmin. “Both our products are known for safety and reliability, making the G1000H a great fit for the 480B-G. The industry-leading situational awareness features of the G1000H provide Enstrom 480B-G customers great value.”
