Rotorcraft
Schweizer Looks to Future, Continues To Rebuild
With new manufacturing certifications in place, the OEM looks to ramp up production and support
Artist rendering of the Schweizer S444
Though Schweizer Helicopter currently lacks the funding to pursue development of its next-generation S444 light helicopter, the Fort Worth-based company views the design as a future goalpost.

Schweizer Helicopter has had a busy year, according to CEO David Horton. Last March, the light helicopter manufacturer received its unlimited production certificate from the FAA, which supplanted the limited production certificate it received in August 2020. This authorization allows the Fort Worth-based OEM full production of the S300C and S300CBi piston-powered helicopters without FAA oversight of each aircraft.

Additionally, the manufacturer has received approval for a crash-resistant fuel system STC in response to Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) SW-17-31R1. The first installation on a new-production Schweizer will take place by April and it is retrofittable. This approval also allows the company to resume U.S. sales of its helicopters.

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