Edwards & Associates

2008 was a sensational year for Edwards & Associates, Inc. Our customizing house completed more than 100 new aircraft and appreciates the continued support and trust of our customers. This year several of our customizations were dedicated to the support of law enforcement, and fire and rescue missions; two of those customers were the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, California, and North Carolina Highway Patrol.

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) purchased two new Bell 412 aircraft in 2008. Edwards won a competitive bid in order to get this opportunity to customize these fire and rescue helicopters. Chief Brian Stephens, with OCFA, said they were very pleased with the process and with their product. These two 412s are replacement aircraft for two 1966 UH-1s that OCFA put into service in 1995. These are the first two brand new helicopters for this agency. Their new helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment such as a night vision lighting system by AeroDynamics, a rescue hoist, an Avalex mapping system with a digital video recorder, and a full complement of tactical radios. OCFA will be accepting their second new helicopter at HAI (Helicopter Association International) in Anaheim, California this February. These aircraft will be used primarily for firefighting and rescue missions.

North Carolina Highway Patrol also added their first new Bell 407 helicopter to their operation in 2008 and is hoping to have the opportunity to follow with additional aircraft to supplement their statewide fleet. Their new 407 is equipped with an extensive law enforcement package including a FLIR Ultra 8500, high visibility crew doors and sliding doors manufactured by Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., an Avalex moving mapping system with dual monitors and a digital recorder, rappelling fixtures, a Chelton synthetic EFIS system, Nightsun, and multiple tactical radios to enhance statewide communication capabilities.

It is supporting operations such as these that have made Edwards & Associates, Inc. an established industry leader providing the finest service and selection of quality helicopters to customers worldwide. First time buyers, as well as previously satisfied customers, seeking new or pre-owned helicopters, depend on Edwards & Associates for all their rotorcraft needs.

Textron’s acquisition of Edwards & Associates in 1999 allowed the vertical integration of Bell Helicopter and Edwards, therefore providing unsurpassed capabilities and support to the helicopter industry. Edwards & Associates, Inc. leads the industry as the premier helicopter completion center in the world.

Everything necessary to return a used helicopter to its former glory or customize a new aircraft to each customer’s unique specifications can be found at our new facility in Bristol, Tennessee, USA. New aircraft customizations are accomplished quickly with the highest degree of quality in workmanship and service — the driving force behind the Edwards team.

Come by and visit us at HAI. We are co-located with Bell Helicopter in Booth #3975.

Edwards & Associates, Inc.

PO Box 3689

Bristol, TN 37625-3689

Ph. (800) 251-7094