Last Friday, 4th May, the Certification Department of Civil Aviation held the final meeting in Beijing to discuss the few outstanding issues on the type certification of the AC311 helicopter.  Chaired by Yan Shijun, Deputy Director of Airworthiness, the Type Certificate Examination Committee concluded the meeting with a recommendation that the AC311 be issued a Type Certificate.

The AC311, built by AVIC, bears a strong resemblance to a Eurocopter AS350 and has a max take-off weight of 2,200 kg and can take a total of six on board.

In September 2011, Turbomeca announced the signature of a new cooperation agreement on Arriel 2B1A with SAIC (South Aero-engine Industry Corporation) and AVIC International (AVIC International Holding Corporation). This cooperation includes engines deliveries which are scheduled in the course of this year.

Harry Shu – HeliHub.com Beijing correspondent