Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Features Prominently at EAA AirVenture
For an event that welcomed 734,000 attendees, 10,000 aircraft, 6,000 volunteers, and more than a thousand exhibitors, Enstrom Helicopter still managed to stand out with its terrific rotorcraft display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.
Enstrom showcased a 280FX and 480B at its booth, where company representatives welcomed a steady flow of aviation enthusiasts, current Enstrom supporters, past employees, and prospective customers. The combination of brand loyalty and new interest made AirVenture 2026 especially meaningful for Enstrom representatives this year, including Company Owner Chuck Surack, President Adam Richardson, and SVP of Product Sales & Customer Excellence Charles Wade. Booth visitors were awed by Enstrom’s latest paint schemes, aircraft features, and the opportunities to speak directly with knowledgeable members of the Enstrom team.
Wade said he enjoyed hearing directly from customers how Enstrom can help fit the individual needs and lifestyle of pilots.
“AirVenture gives us a unique opportunity to connect with people at every level of aviation,” said Wade. “The value proposition we bring to the market is starting to resonate. The safety record, ease of operating, and maintenance programs help our products stand out from the competition.”
Enstrom also featured a fresh 480B helicopter in EAA’s brand new Vertical Lift Center, providing additional visibility for the brand and another opportunity to connect with the broader vertical aviation community.
Beyond showcasing aircraft, EAA AirVenture offered Enstrom an opportunity to share the people, history, craftsmanship, and momentum behind the Enstrom name.
Enstrom transported VAI President and CEO François Lassale from Oshkosh to Enstrom’s Menominee-based facility aboard an Enstrom 480B. The flight offered an opportunity for Lassale to experience the aircraft in motion and receive a behind-the-scenes look at Enstrom’s manufacturing operations. Lassale noted the close-knit company culture and employee pride.
Wade said, “We’re excited about what we’ll have to share with the aviation community next year. AirVenture continues to be an important opportunity to showcase not only the Enstrom aircraft of today, but our vision for the company’s future and products of tomorrow.”
For more information on EAA AirVenture 2027, visit the EAA website.
About Enstrom Helicopter
From Rudy Enstrom’s early designs in 1943 to initial testing in a Michigan Quarry in 1957 to aircraft operating on six continents, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. Based in Menominee, Michigan and proudly made in the United States, Enstrom has a rich history for design innovation. The goal is to provide helicopters to the customer’s exact specification and deliver support and maintenance worldwide.