RotorWay International is hoping to boost sales of its Exec 162F in Australia following approval of the kit-built helicopter by the country's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Approval of the Exec 162F in Australia, under rules that are more restrictive than the experimental category regulations applied in the USA, could boost the two-seat helicopter's ability to compete against the factory-completed Robinson R22, RotorWay believes.
The Exec 162F, at a kit price of $62,350 including engine, is one-third of the cost of an R22, the most popular light piston-powered helicopter in Australia, says RotorWay. Existing 162F owners range from ranchers and farmers to businessmen, adds the Chandler, Arizona-based company.
CASA approval required a number of "minor" improvements, some of which are incorporated at the factory, some by the Australian dealer and the last by the builder.
Australia is already one of the biggest Exec 162F markets outside the USA. Others include Canada, Russia and the UK.
Source: Flight International
