Thursday, March 27, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
I was more than a little disturbed to read some of the comments in the article, in particular one that stated "Across the nation it happens all the time." I can assure the public that the majority of the helicopter industry is highly professional with exceptional safety records and that it is very rare that a fleet of helicopters is grounded for unscheduled maintenance.
The majority of mechanics, pilots and FAA inspectors are highly trained individuals with very high standards. I have been in helicopter management positions for 16 years as well as being a pilot with more than 8,000 hours flight time. Until recently, companies I have managed have all operated Bell helicopters and we have never had any of these very reliable and safe helicopters grounded. LAPD until recently operated safely a Bell Helicopter that had more than 26,000 hours flight time on it! In recent years, the NTSB voted the Bell Jetranger as the safest single-engined aircraft in the world. With good maintenance, which involves strict compliance with FAA regulations, it is much safer to fly in a helicopter than drive a car.
Heli USA, of which I am president, (with a 100 percent safety record), operates the Eurocopoter A Star helicopter so it is not necessary for us to defend the Bell Helicopter but I feel it is right to correct the image that was portrayed in this article.
Nigel Turner, president, Heli USA
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