Features MRO
Vector gets approval for Bell UH-1 maintenance and overhaul

Sept.23, 2009, Andalusia, AL – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (www.vectoraerospace.com), the world’s largest independent provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
has received Bell Helicopter approval for both its UH-1 airframe maintenance fixture as well as for the repair and overhaul for UH-1 dynamic components at its Andalusia, Alabama helicopter maintenance operation.

Ronnie Kearns, Vector’s director of business development for military programs says the new Bell Helicopter maintenance approvals allow Vector to expand its repair and overhaul capability and assist the many United States, foreign military and commercial customers currently operating the UH-1 helicopter.

 “In response to our knowledge of the helicopter market and operator feedback, Vector has recently introduced a number of new capabilities that we know are urgently required by operators of legacy helicopters.  Based on the industry-wide trend to repair versus replace existing aircraft, we strongly believe Vector offers many of the OEM-approved repair and overhaul capabilities that will allow our customers to safely and reliably operate these legacy helicopters. The addition of the UH-1 maintenance fixture coupled with the dynamic component approval allows us to expand our support in this area.”

In addition to Vector’s capability to perform structural, dynamic component and engine repair and overhaul on a wide range of Bell, Sikorsky and Eurocopter products, operators can also elect to enhance their helicopters through upgraded flight equipment such as ‘glass cockpit’ installations; of which Vector’s world-class team of avionics specialists have developed various Supplemental Type Certificates for products including:  Bell 205 / Bell 206 / Eagle 212 / Bell 407 / Sikorsky S61 / Sikorsky S-76 / Eurocopter AS350.

Vector Aerospace Corporation is an independent provider of aviation repairs and overhaul services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Africa, Vector provides services to commercial and military customers for various types of gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. It also provides information technology solutions to an international customer base.

Principal operations include Vector Aerospace Engine Services Atlantic (formerly Atlantic Turbines), Vector Aerospace Engine Services UK Limited (formerly Sigma Aerospace), Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services (formerly ACROHELIPRO Global Services), Vector Aerospace International Limited (rotary and component repair business of DARA acquired from the Ministry of Defense in the United Kingdom) and Pathix ASP.

The Company has approximately 2,500 employees.