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Wildcat Helicopters is launch customer for Bell 212 FastFin System from BLR Aerospace

Feb. 16, 2009, Everett, Wash. – Wildcat Helicopters Inc. will become the first fleet customer to install and operate the BLR Aerospace FastFin™ System for Bell 212 helicopters. Wildcat, based in Kelowna, British Columbia, has purchased six FastFin Systems to enhance safety and performance for demanding missions that range from aerial firefighting, rappelling and rescue hoisting, to heli-skiing and precision external load operations.

“The addition of the BLR FastFin allows Wildcat Helicopters to remain the industry leader in safety design and innovation by enhancing the already reliable Bell 212 with an added level of safety and performance,” said Mike Michaud, President of Wildcat Helicopters. “Having operated for years with BLR’s Dual Tailboom Strakes, we are looking forward to experiencing the full benefit of the complete system.”

“Today’s operators are looking for every competitive advantage,” said Dave Marone, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for BLR Aerospace. “Our technology expands the envelope for these operators and helps them achieve maximum return on their capital investments.”

The FastFin tail rotor enhancement and stability system gives a marked improvement to safety and productivity while reducing workload and fuel burn for helicopter operators. The patented FastFin System modifies the tailboom with two parallel stall strips (Dual Tailboom Strakes) and a re-shaped vertical fin, optimizing airflow around the tailboom for dramatically improved handling and performance.

A recently completed BLR flight test program shows that Bell 212 helicopters equipped with the FastFin System significantly outperformed standard configured Bell 212s and other Bell medium helicopters in OGE, IGE, wind azimuth tolerance, and hover stability. FastFin is available for Bell 212s and a range of UH-1 derivatives. It will soon be available for Bell 412s. The Bell 212 system is certified and ready for immediate delivery to customers in the U.S. and Canada. EASA certification is pending.

Marone and other BLR representatives will be answering questions and providing information about FastFin’s aerodynamic improvements daily during Heli-Expo (Exhibit 2970).