Safomar Aviation (Pty) Ltd is pleased to introduce the piston powered Enstrom 280FX to Heli-X* as a training helicopter, to perform the conversion of two former fixed wing agricultural spraying pilots to become helicopter pilots. The pilots have now completed their helicopter PPL licenses and will be preparing to start helicopter crop spraying training soon. “It is easier to fly than it looks and the three blade design makes training safer and auto rotations easier” said one of the pilots.

The training exercise is an ongoing project looking to facilitate the conversion of more pilots to the Enstrom range, particularly with regard to commercial use of the helicopter. The Enstrom is designed with the student and instructor in mind. Its rugged frame with robust, energy-absorbing landing gear delivers wide margins of safety during the learning process .The high inertia main rotor provides excellent autorotation characteristics and, coupled with the airframe design, contributes to the helicopter's unparalleled stability. The high inertia main rotor blades and articulated hub combine with the unblocked tail rotor to produce amazing controllability. Mechanical controls provide direct feedback to the pilot, and basic systems prepare the student for a variety of future flying opportunities. With plenty of head and leg room and quiet cabin environment, the instructor experiences many hours of quality training and comfort with the student pilot.

Safomar Aviation (Pty) Ltd is the sole authorize distributor for Enstrom in Africa. Enstrom Helicopters have made their unique mark all over the world–offering safety, value and reliability for military pilot training, speed and agility for law enforcement and emergency medical use, and workhorse capabilities for the commercial and agriculture markets. In addition to this functionality, Enstrom builds a fun helicopter to fly for the private pilot. For commercial helicopter pilots working in the corporate, transportation, tour operations or agriculture business, Enstrom is one of the most versatile aircraft available for the price.