For Phoenix Heliparts, this year’s Heli-Expo show resulted in the sale of two helicopters, thanks to the display of the rebuilt MD500 flown for the television show Magnum, P.I. Based in Mesa, Ariz., Phoenix Heliparts celebrated its 10th anniversary at the show, where on March 5, Magnum, P.I. stars Larry Manetti and Roger Mosley signed “The Chopper.” On June 3, The Chopper receives its official Hawaiian blessing as it enters service in the Paradise Helicopters fleet at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu.
The Chopper had more than 20,000 hours on its airframe by the time the Phoenix Heliparts technicians started the rebuilding project. About 98 percent of the fuselage was replaced, according to Phoenix Heliparts president Tina Cannon, including most of the ribs, main longerons, turtleback, tailboom and vertical and horizontal stabilizers. All other components are either zero time since overhaul or new. “With the downward financial health of the government and the economy,” she said, “people are really looking toward integration and upgrades of older legacy aircraft.”
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