Columbia Helicopters receives FAA Production Certificate

Columbia Helicopters Inc (CHI) has announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has completed its evaluation process, and has awarded the company a Production Certificate for the Columbia Model 234 and Columbia 107-II helicopters.

This step follows Columbia’s acquisition of the Type Certificates for both aircraft in December 2006. The issuance of the FAA Production Certificate will enable Columbia Helicopters to manufacture and certify parts for the Columbia 107-II and Columbia Model 234 aircraft under an FAA approved production system.

This certificate is the highest level of production authority granted by the FAA and is reserved for aircraft manufacturers holding the FAA approved Type Certificates for aircraft such as Columbia’s 107-II and Model 234 helicopters. “This is another very significant milestone in our company’s history,” says Mike Fahey, president of Columbia Helicopters. “This certificate will allow us to expand our logistical ability to support our fleet, and further ensures the operational availability for which our company is renowned. In addition, this forms the basis for potential expansion of our fleet.

“The issuance of the Production Certificate is the culmination of many months of preparation, process vetting and evaluation that have ensured Columbia Helicopters is capable of meeting the extensive qualifications and responsibilities required of an FAA production approval holder,” adds Fahey. “We greatly appreciate the work of the Seattle MIDO and Seattle ACO and thank them for their efforts.

Along with this designation comes CHI’s continuing responsibility of ensuring that it maintains the highest standards of quality, reliability and safety of its aircraft and products. Columbia Helicopters is the only commercial operator of the Model 234 and 107-II helicopters in the world.”