Story ID: 
Schweizer Completes First OEM Certified Helicopter
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The program adds new life to older Schweizer helicopters
Word Count: 311
A refurbished S300CBi is the first helicopter that Schweizer has completed in its OEM Certified Helicopters Program. The program offers two options: OEM Certified Refreshed or Refurbished.
Schweizer installed a new engine, blades, interior, and low-time components in the S300CBi and then repainted it. Maintenance requirements are brought up to date via 400-hour and 800-hour, annual, and 24-month inspections. Schweizer provides a one-year/1,000-hour warranty on parts replaced or repaired by the company. Buyers can select various avionics options.
According to Schweizer, this program is the “only one of its kind in the [helicopter] industry.” The Fort Worth, Texas-based company will accept any Schweizer helicopter “regardless of their airworthiness, for intensive inspections, repairs, and component replacement.” If an owner wants a new helicopter, they can trade in their older Schweizer and receive a discount equal to its value towards a new one, or Schweizer will sell the helicopter after running it through the program and give the owner a percentage of the sale price.
Helicopters traded in to Schweizer will be either refreshed or refurbished, depending on their condition. A helicopter that qualifies for refreshment will have low time and need fewer repairs and parts replacements. In addition to conducting the aforementioned inspections, Schweizer replaces parts and components that are near life limits. Blemishes are repaired and the helicopter is professionally detailed. Refurbishment is more detailed and involves many new parts, along with fresh paint and interior.
“The former owners of the Schweizer brand did not maintain parts availability, leaving a number of aircraft to be cannibalized,” said Schweizer president and CEO David Horton. “We created our new OEM Certified Helicopters Program to help bring the fleet back to life and provide a more affordable way for customers to get into helicopter ownership or upgrade to a new helicopter.”