Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (Enstrom) has announced that the Thermacool Electric Air Conditioning will now be available as an option on Enstrom 280FX when deliveries of the type re-start following approval by the FAA of a supplemental type certificate (STC) held by Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems.
Enstrom says the approval makes another step in the 280FX return to production with the company progressing towards certification of the type’s new crashworthy fuel system developed in association with Safran Aerosystems essential for a production re-start. Like the turbine 480, the type’s original production certificate was paused as a result of the company’s bankruptcy meaning that grandfather rights were lost and new build aircraft must be certified to current standards.
“This certification is another example of our commitment to continuously improving the ownership experience,” said Chuck Wade, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer excellence at Enstrom Helicopter Corporation. “While we’re excited to bring this new comfort option to our customers today, it’s just one of several advancements underway for the 280FX. We’re looking forward to sharing additional certification milestones in the months ahead as we prepare to deliver the next generation of 280FX aircraft to customers.”
While certification of the new build 280FXs is not yet complete it is advanced to the extent that Enstrom are now taking orders for new aircraft.
Image: Enstrom
