1957

A photo of Rudy Enstrom testing one of his homebuilt helicopters in a quarry in the Upper Peninsula town of Crystal Falls, Michigan. This shows his third attempt in the winter of 1957. An iron mine mechanic with little knowledge of helicopter design, Rudy was able to patent three designs that were initially used to design this aircraft.

1960

Founder Rudy Enstrom, President Jack Christensen and Salesman Fred Hill try out N195D, a two-bladed experimental helicopter called the F-27. October 1960. Photo taken by Enstrom Engineer Al Ballauer.

1965

Enstrom reputation reaches France at the Le Mans 24-hour race, possibly the most famous motorsports race in the world.

1975

The Enstrom 280C, FAA certified in 1975 and recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 25 best designs of that year.

1980

Enstrom introduces the F28F Falcon as the workhorse of the Enstrom fleet. This helicopter serves police forces, agricultural sprayers, training organizations, utility workers, private fliers and wildlife conservationists around the world. FAA Certified in 1980, the F28F has a long history as a safe, hard working, quality product.

1993

The 480 series of Enstrom turbine helicopters were introduced upon FAA certification in November 1993. It quickly established itself as the best value-for-the-money aircraft in the light turbine class.

2012

Between 2011 and 2013 Enstrom Helicopters delivers 30 models 480B to the Japanese Self Defense Force where they serve to train military pilots.

2015

Through its representative Helinautica Internacional in Venezuela, Enstrom Helicopter delivers 16 models 480B to the Air Force of Venezuela. The latter had already operated two Enstrom 280FX since 2002, as had the National Guard, which had operated four since that same date. The flying qualities of the 280FX have been appreciated by the military so it is quite natural that, twelve years later, they have chosen the 480B.

2016

Enstrom’s historic factory in Menominee, Michigan, has been completely rebuilt.
The extremely modern site covers 15,000 m2 and employs 230 highly specialized technicians.

2017

Through its Global Services & Solutions representative in Pakistan, Enstrom Helicopter delivers 19 models 280FX to the Pakistan Army. The 280FX, thanks to its turbo engine, was selected as part of an international tender against competitors who proposed atmospheric engines. Given Pakistan’s hot and high conditions, Lycoming’s 225 shp turbo engine was considered the most efficient for Pakistani military’s ab initio training.

2018

Through its DSA representative in the Czech Republic, Enstrom Helicopter delivers 8 models 480B to the state company LOM Praha at the Pardubice military base. Formerly LOM Praha operated Mil Mi-2, and the Enstrom 480B-G, equipped with glass cockpit and Garmin 1000, are the first US helicopters operated by the Czech military for the training of their pilots.

2019

Through its representative in Thailand, the company M-Landarch, Enstrom Helicopter records the order of 6 models 480B for the training ab-initio and advanced pilots of the Royal Thai Army. This new order brings to 24 the number of 480B operated by the Thai military. The latest models will be delivered with dual EFIS Aspen, compatible NVIS and NVG.

1957

A photo of Rudy Enstrom testing one of his homebuilt helicopters in a quarry in the Upper Peninsula town of Crystal Falls, Michigan. This shows his third attempt in the winter of 1957. An iron mine mechanic with little knowledge of helicopter design, Rudy was able to patent three designs that were initially used to design this aircraft.

1960

Founder Rudy Enstrom, President Jack Christensen and Salesman Fred Hill try out N195D, a two-bladed experimental helicopter called the F-27. October 1960. Photo taken by Enstrom Engineer Al Ballauer.

1965

Enstrom reputation reaches France at the Le Mans 24-hour race, possibly the most famous motorsports race in the world.

1975

The Enstrom 280C, FAA certified in 1975 and recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 25 best designs of that year.

1980

Enstrom introduces the F28F Falcon as the workhorse of the Enstrom fleet. This helicopter serves police forces, agricultural sprayers, training organizations, utility workers, private fliers and wildlife conservationists around the world. FAA Certified in 1980, the F28F has a long history as a safe, hard working, quality product.

1993

The 480 series of Enstrom turbine helicopters were introduced upon FAA certification in November 1993. It quickly established itself as the best value-for-the-money aircraft in the light turbine class.

2012

Between 2011 and 2013 Enstrom Helicopters delivers 30 models 480B to the Japanese Self Defense Force where they serve to train military pilots.

2015

Through its representative Helinautica Internacional in Venezuela, Enstrom Helicopter delivers 16 models 480B to the Air Force of Venezuela. The latter had already operated two Enstrom 280FX since 2002, as had the National Guard, which had operated four since that same date. The flying qualities of the 280FX have been appreciated by the military so it is quite natural that, twelve years later, they have chosen the 480B.

2016

Chongqing General Aviation Group (CGAG) is investing millions of dollars to modernize and expand the historic Enstrom Mill in Menominee, Michigan. The site, extremely modern, covers 162000 sq. ft. and employs 230 highly specialized technicians.

2017

Through its Global Services & Solutions representative in Pakistan, Enstrom Helicopter delivers 19 models 280FX to the Pakistan Army. The 280FX, thanks to its turbo engine, was selected as part of an international tender against competitors who proposed atmospheric engines. Given Pakistan’s hot and high conditions, Lycoming’s 225 shp turbo engine was considered the most efficient for Pakistani military’s ab initio training.

2018

Through its DSA representative in the Czech Republic, Enstrom Helicopter delivers 8 models 480B to the state company LOM Praha at the Pardubice military base. Formerly LOM Praha operated Mil Mi-2, and the Enstrom 480B-G, equipped with glass cockpit and Garmin 1000, are the first US helicopters operated by the Czech military for the training of their pilots.

2019

Through its representative in Thailand, the company M-Landarch, Enstrom Helicopter records the order of 6 models 480B for the training ab-initio and advanced pilots of the Royal Thai Army. This new order brings to 24 the number of 480B operated by the Thai military. The latest models will be delivered with dual EFIS Aspen, compatible NVIS and NVG.