Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES
Heli Fly is close to completing negotiations with Boeing over the Belgian company's purchase of the twin-engined MD-902 Explorer product line. An announcement is imminent.
Talks have been under way for several months and, although the Halen-based company will not disclose the reasons for the hold-up, the sale is now expected to be completed by the end of September, two months later than expected. Boeing, meanwhile, continues to look for a buyer for its other light commercial helicopter models, following the surprise action in June of the US Government's Federal Trade Commission in blocking the sale to Bell Helicopter Textron of its other non-military helicopter activities.
As the Explorer sale activity reaches its conclusion, the 27 airworthiness authorities across Europe have been cleared to begin issuing amended type certificates for the helicopter. The move follows validation by the Joint Aviation Authorities, making the Explorer the first helicopter in its weight category to meet Category A classification, which certificates it as fully capable of continuing flight during a landing or take-off on a single engine. It also enables Explorers to continue unrestricted operations throughout Europe beyond the October deadline when interim certification expires.
Boeing says the first 902, delivered in May to Tomen Aerospace of Japan, is also "on the brink" of obtaining Category A clearance from the Japan Civil Aeronautics Board. The approval is already about two months overdue.
The second of two 902s was delivered to the UK's Police Aviation Services on 31 August. The first aircraft, which was shipped in 1997, is expected to be issued with an amended UK Civil Aviation Authority type certificate later this month and should be delivered to the Wiltshire Constabulary by the end of September, according to Boeing.
Source: Flight International
