Table Stakes

The ghost of Schweizer past

Started with a Sikorsky briefing in which the VP admitted that as far as Sikorsky was concerned Schweizer is dead. The company felt that as Schweizer made every part of the 300 it was just too expensive to continue the production line. They claimed that each 300 cost twice as much to make as it brought in. RIP 300. They will continue to maintain the remaining 300s, he said, but we know what bullshit that is: these guys are about to join the Brantlys and Bell 47s in the graveyard. Bye bye Schweizer we loved you well but alas no more.

Marenco Swiss Helicopter

Rather more optimistically, the Marenco Swiss Helicopter continues on its path to certification and use. Watch this space for updates.

We also had the Russian Hour (well three hours actually but who is counting when the food is good and there is free booze). The state of the Russian industry is great. There are new helicopters being made, most importantly the Kamov Ka-62 and the updated version of the Mil Mi-8 the Mi 171A2.
More on all of these subjects in Helicopter Life magazine Spring issue out in April. One of the few still available in print.