Enstrom Helicopter Corporation representatives traveled across the Pacific to celebrate the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) reaching 100,000 flight hours in their fleet of TH-480Bs.
The JGSDF focuses on disaster relief, civil protection, and the promotion of international cooperation. It is also Enstrom’s largest customer to date with 30 turbine helicopters purchased.
Enstrom President Todd Tetzlaff and Vice President of Product Support Doug Smith were invited to attend a special ceremony to commemorate the milestone at the JGSDF facility in Utsunomiya. Tetzlaff delivered a speech celebrating the achievement and Enstrom’s continued partnership with the JGSDF.
“Enstrom is grateful to the JGSDF for placing its trust in Enstrom for 14 years and counting,” Tetzlaff said in his remarks. “Reaching 100,000 flight hours is an incredible achievement that is unmatched.”
Tetzlaff and Smith also visited the JGSDF Aviation School in JGSDF Camp Akeno, which is located in Ise. There they met with JGSDF personnel to discuss maintenance best practices and usage.
“I share a common experience with many of the Aviation School’s students: my first helicopter lesson was in an Enstrom!” Tetzlaff said.
He added, “The training of pilots, especially those tasked with flying critical missions in less-than-ideal conditions, is a challenge Enstrom takes very seriously. The TH-480B is designed specifically to fill that role. It is strong, safe, and possesses an inherent stability and ease of operation not found in many other helicopters.”
The trip also brought Tetzlaff and Smith to the Aero Facility Co., Ltd. offices in Tokyo. Aero Facility has served as Enstrom’s sales representative in Japan for many years. Smith, whose team is responsible for supporting the JGSDF fleet of TH-480Bs, said he enjoyed meeting with his Japanese colleagues, many of whom he was meeting for the first time in person as new members of Aero Facility’s team.
“It is extremely satisfying to see the fleet of TH-480Bs – helicopters manufactured in Menominee – being successfully utilized as part of the JGSDF training program.” said Smith. “Enstrom owes Aero Facility our tremendous thanks for its unwavering support and guidance. We look forward to continuing our relationship into the future.”
About Enstrom Helicopter
From Rudy Enstrom’s early designs in 1943 to initial testing in a Michigan Quarry in 1957 to aircraft operating on six continents, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. Based in Menominee, Michigan and proudly made in the United States, Enstrom has a rich history for design innovation. The goal is to provide helicopters to the customer’s exact specification and deliver support and maintenance worldwide.
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