US-based light helicopter manufacturer Enstrom hosted mechanics from Zambia for a week of maintenance training. The Zambian military had previously purchased Enstrom Turbine 480Bs, with delivery expected shortly, pending aircraft completion. Zambian officials said they plan to use the aircraft for helicopter pilot training.
“They took their studies seriously, studying every night,” said Dennis Martin, Enstrom’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “We also had the opportunity to share Midwest American culture with these mechanics. They seemed to love the Upper Peninsula, particularly the bountiful farmland, Halloween decorations, and the famous Menominee lighthouse. All of them said they felt very welcomed and were looking forward to returning to the US again on vacation.”
Enstrom regularly offers maintenance courses throughout the year. The next piston class is set to begin on 3 June 2024 at the Enstrom factory in Menominee. The turbine class will start at the same location a week later, on 10 June. Each course will run for one week, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“If you want to learn how to best care for your Enstrom, go to where the experts are!” said Martin. “You’ll hear all manner of shortcuts and tips directly from the technicians who work on Enstrom helicopters every day. Chip Zeismer, a 34-year employee of Enstrom, has been teaching the class since 2010, and we’re so grateful for the knowledge he brings.”
