Schweizer has completed the first refurbished S300CBi as part of its new OEM Certified Helicopters Program, which aims to offer potential customers with a more affordable route into helicopter ownership.
The refurbished S300CBi includes a new engine, blades, interior, paint, and low-time components, the Fort Worth, Texas-based manufacturer said.
“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 in a press release announcing the news. “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.”
Under the Certified Helicopters Program, customers can trade in their older Schweizers for either a discount equal to the value of the aircraft on a new helicopter, or receive a percentage of their aircraft’s sale price when Schweizer sells it after refurbishment.
Once at Schweizer, traded-in aircraft are evaluated and moved into one of two categories: OEM Certified Refreshed Helicopters, or OEM Certified Refurbished Helicopters.
Schweizer describes “refreshed” helicopters as relatively low-time aircraft requiring few repairs or part replacements. The aircraft receive an intensive inspection, and parts and components needing replacement or nearing life limitation are replaced. Schweizer then completes full 400-hour, 800-hour, annual, and 24-month inspections. Finally, the aircraft are professionally detailed with blemishes repaired.
Each OEM Certified Refreshed Helicopter comes with a one-year/1,000-hour warranty on parts replaced or repaired by Schweizer, and can be customized to a customer’s specifications before leaving the factory.
Helicopters under the “refurbished” program undergo a deeper inspection, repair, and replacement process. These aircraft receive new or overhauled engines, new blades, and component replacements where needed. Schweizer said this results in overall low-time components, a completely new interior, and fresh paint, with avionics entirely customizable. The aircraft also undergo full 400-hour, 800-hour, annual and 24-month inspections.
Like refreshed helicopters, refurbished helicopters come with a one-year/1,000-hour warranty on parts replaced or repaired by Schweizer.
The Schweizer OEM Certified Helicopters Program is in full operation and available to anyone wanting to trade in an older Schweizer for a new one, or have a Schweizer they own certified and sold by the OEM.
