Composite Helicopters International has announced its intention to certify its composite helicopters by filing a Type Certification application with the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.  This marks the end of the first phase of their development program, and opens an opportunity for further expansion of the NZCAA/FAA Bi-lateral Airworthiness Agreement which will allow for follow-on FAA Type Certification.

At Heli-Expo next month, CHI will have two helicopters on display:

• KC630 – a five seat helicopter with an RR300 engine in executive configuration
• KC650 – a six seat helicopter with an LTS101 engine in utility configuration

The company is also working on a third model – the KC640 – which which have the RR250 C20B engine.  Current plans are anticipating certification of the KC630 in 2017, with the KC640 and KC650 following in 2018.  All models feature the EvoStrength™ composite technology that the company is built upon.

At Heli-Expo, CHI will be accepting “Expressions of Interest” for customers wishing to reserve early production numbers and a show-special price offer, although they have not made it clear what terms will be attached to signing such a document.  They will also be looking for organisations interested in becoming distributors and/or service centres.

John Burcote – HeliHub.com