Helicopter Guide April 2022 by Flyer & Aviation Publications

HELICOPTER

GUIDE

April 2022

AIRSHOW

HAI 2022 – REVIEW

After the Covid motivated cancellation of the 2021 expo, Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Heli-Expo bounced back this year drawing 13,083 attendees and 590 exhibitors. That brought the attendance to more than 90% of the 2020 Heli-Expo. THE FOUR-DAY EVENT, produced by Helicopter Association International, welcomed 13,083 helicopter professionals from 72 countries. Attendees thronged the floor that hosted exhibitors featuring the latest aircraft, engines, avionics, and other goods and services for

rotorcraft and uncrewed (formerly unmanned) aircraft businesses. More than 40 rotorcraft were spread across the show floor. From the largest manufacturers to the smaller businesses that are the backbone of the industry, each company had the opportunity to share their products and services with eager buyers.

HAI 2022 drew 590 exhibitors, including Robinson Helicopter that sold all four of the helicopters it brought to HAI. Image AIN.

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Bell featured their now well-established 505 Jetranger.

HAI by the numbers.

For HAI safety remained a central focus, including the Safety Symposium that kicked off Heli-Expo and a Rotor Safety Zone on the show floor housing the latest virtual-reality flight simulators, a helicopter configured for pre-flight test inspection, and safety experts from around the world. For expo visitors, safety, networking, and education remained a focus. More than 2,000 visitors took advantage of the Rotor Safety Challenge education sessions. HAI’s Rotor Safety Challenge education sessions drew more than 2,000 attendees. As is traditional, HAI Heli-Expo kicked off with the HAI Safety Symposium, featuring firstperson stories about pilots who survived accidents—and the lessons that others can use to avoid similar experiences.

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Bell's 429 displayed as an AMS rescue helicopter.

Directly inside the main entrance to the show floor was the HAI Rotor Safety Zone, which included virtual-reality training devices and, perhaps still in the aftermath of the Kobe Bryant crash, the 56 Seconds to Live IFR training program, as well as representatives of aviation safety programmes from around the world. “This was a dynamic event, thanks to the extremely positive response by the industry,” said HAI president and CEO James Viola. “I can see that our industry—and our people—could not wait to get together in person.” “Sharing safety information throughout our industry and around the world is critical to the ongoing health of

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rotorcraft operations,” Viola said. “The active interest in our safety programming shown by attendees is a sign of our strengthening safety culture.” Looking ahead, plans are under way for HAI’s 75th anniversary celebration at HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Featuring a theme of “Celebrate!” HAI is holding the show at the Georgia World Congress Center, March 6–9, with exhibits open March 7–9 2023. j

COMPANIES

AT THE RECENT HELI-EXPO convention in Dallas, Robinson exhibited two R44s and two R66s, all of which were sold and delivered immediately following the show. Robinson President, Kurt Robinson announced during his press conference the company’s production numbers for 2021 easily surpassed those of 2020 and the upward trajectory is expected to continue. He also noted that for the first time the R66 Turbine out sold the company’s perennial top selling R44 Raven II. “The R66 has clearly found its niche… operators are realizing the vast potential of this aircraft”, said Robinson.

Powered by Rolls Royce’s RR300 turbine engine, the R66 is closing in on 1.5 million flight hours, demonstrating a level of reliability that exceeds EASA’s stringent requirements for single-engine helicopters. The RR300 features a simplified single-stage centrifugal compressor for high reliability and less maintenance. The R66 is available in police, electronic news gathering (ENG), and float configurations, and has gained favour among news and police agencies for its performance at hot and high altitudes. The turn-key R66 ENG copter provides an economical aerial platform with state-of-the-art broadcast equipment. SKY Helicopters, a Robinson dealer, operates five Robinson R66 helicopters providing news to major cities throughout the U.S.

T h e R6 6 i s the world’s top s elling helicopter

This is a fact confirmed by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s 2021 Year-End Report which showed the R66 Turbine is the helicopter industry’s best-selling light turbine helicopter as well as the world’s top selling helicopter.

Florida’s Polk County Sheriff’s Office recently placed orders for two more R66 Police helicopters bringing the department’s fleet to three R66s. “We are adding a second and

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The R66 is the world's best selling turbine helicopter and has taken top-selling helicopter position from Robinson R44.

CMY

third R66 because of our confidence in the helicopter’s ability and functionality. It’s a great aircraft that has reduced our operating costs by nearly fifty percent,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. Robinson continues to expand the utility of the R66 by adding new options including, but

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not limited to, an autopilot, auxiliary fuel tanks, and impact resistance windshields. With the continued enhancements, the R66 is well positioned to remain the world’s best-selling light turbine helicopter.

TURBINE

WORLD’S #1 SELLING TURBINE HELICOPTER*  

   

 

2 + 3 Configuration Over 1400 lb Useful Load Derated Engine for Excellent Hot & High Perforomance Wide Range of Options

Under $1 Million US (Standard MSRP)

Learn More www.robinsonheli.com

*GAMA 2021 Year-End General Aviation Aircraft Shipment Report. R66 is a registered trademark of Robinson Helicopter Company. Price subject to change without notice. April 2022

Companies

BOSE Acclaimed performance. The difference is clear. Bose A20 Aviation Headset Around-ear configuration for higher noise environments like those found in turboprop and piston engine aircraft. No matter why you fly, the Bose A20 Aviation Headset is engineered to improve the experience. It provides 30% greater noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets, which helps you stay focused on your flying. It provides clear audio with active equalization. And its minimal clamping force makes even your longest flights more comfortable. In addition, the A20 headset offers a full range of features, including a Bluetooth® audio and communications interface,* customizable audio prioritization control with “mute” and “mix” settings, simple, intuitive operation for plug-andfly convenience, and an optional coil cord.* You can choose the left or right earcup to connect the mic. There’s also flexible power circuitry* with auto-on that switches to and from battery power and aircraft power. The A20 headset is certified to FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139 standards. It’s among the lightest of all active noise cancelling headsets, with a weight of just 340 grams and (12 ounces). No other headset offers this unique combination of features and benefits.*Available in certain variants of the headset.

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About Bose Corporation Bose Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1978, Dr. Bose began research on what would become the world’s first active noise cancelling headset. Bose innovations have spanned decades and industries, creating and transforming categories in audio and beyond. Bose has a simple mission: think of better solutions, create better products, help people enjoy the things they truly love. Everything we do supports this mission and points us forward. Contact us: Bose Aviation Africa Gorslaan 60 1441 RG Purmerend The Netherlands E-mail: aviation_africa@bose.com Web: www.boseaviation-EMEA.aero Social media: @BoseAviation Tel.: +31 299 390 777

AV I AT I O N

B O S E A 2 0 AV I AT I O N H E A D S E T

Flying is your passion. Active noise cancellation is ours.

The Bose A20 Aviation Headset features 30% greater noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets, with technology developed through decades of research and development to help pilots focus on flying the aircraft. The A20’s noise cancelling microphone provides clear outgoing communication, and a comfortable fit improves your flying experience, no matter how many hours you fly.

Get yours at boseaviation-EMEA.aero/shops

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BY JOHN BASSI: PART 1

LOOKING BACK AT LOCKDOWN THE MOMENT OUR LIVES FOREVER CHANGED. 22 March 2020 – The Day Before

The Maluti mountains reach up to 9,000 feet. They sweep away southward from the massive 12,000 feet jagged cliffs of the Drakensberg, unfolding in softer grass-covered rolling valleys and hidden plateaus, broken by exquisite sandstone formations. THERE ARE MANY HUGE CAVES AND overhangs, all tinted in shades of red and eggshell that appear almost golden in the afternoon sunlight, many with waterfalls and forests, all of them places that must have been sacred to the early San hunters. Dappled sunlight broke through the banks of mist that hugged the eastern facing escarpment, highlighting a carpet of small yellow flowers, making the late summer grass appear to shine with an almost iridescent glow. I had to keep reminding myself to stop looking at all the magnificence around me, and focus on flying the contours.

We were finishing off the last few contours along the slope of a mountain, having completed a four day helicopter game census in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park including Qua Qua. There was an air of excitement in the helicopter, our programme was full and we had shared many beautiful moments flying together and seeing some of the most pristine and remote places left in South Africa. We still had a lot planned and our little crew of three were anxious to get on the road to Augrabies National Park as soon as possible. We were to meet up there the following day to commence a four day game census in the arid but magical desert.

I was deeply tired of all the k ak in aviation

“Grey reedbuck six, one ram, five ewes,” Cathy called out from the left open door of the helicopter, breaking the spell for a moment. The little brown grey animals effortlessly leapt and bounded up the hill, flashing their cotton wool white tails as they escaped our intrusion into their paradise.

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I banked left alongside the towering sandstone buttress of Golden Gate for my final approach, relieved to see Clinton at the Landcruiser with our fuel already waiting at the LZ, also packed to capacity with all our kit. The sky towards Bloemfontein was swollen with deep grey, almost black, storm clouds and I was very anxious to get going and avoid any hail.

Flying the Drakensberg on a game count at 8500 feet.

“Okay guys, dice you to Augrabies then, first one there gets the fire going” I said laughing, knowing that their drive half way across South Africa was a long one. For me it would be a 1-hour hop to New Tempe, our base, a relaxed night in my comfortable apartment, after stocking up on fresh rations at Woolworths and packing some clean clothes. I could leave the following morning at a leisurely pace since the ferry to Augrabies would only take two and a half hours compared to their 9-hour road trip.

I caught myself smiling, sighing with satisfaction, the year had barely begun and so far it was turning into the perfect year, with so many amazing flying/conservation projects lined up. 2020 had begun for me long before the hugs and kisses at midnight 2019. Lions had escaped from the Karoo on the morning of December 31 and I had received frantic calls to be in position in the Karoo as early as possible on the 1st January. I lifted off from Cape Town International before first light, floating away over a hungover and sleepy landscape below. The helicopter, Jenny the veterinarian and I completely detached from the world below, the air was cool and calm and we cruised effortlessly over the deep dark crevices and sun tinted peaks of the Cape mountains. Work had not stopped since then, and I had already seen most of South Africa, from the Cape to the Limpopo.

Fe r r y i ng between jobs is my sacred time

Ferrying between jobs is my sacred time. No one can get me. It’s the only time I am alone with peace in my heart, me, the sky, the soothing whine of the turbine, blurring blades flashing above, and complete harmony with freedom. The aircraft and I become one, controlling the helicopter requires no thought, it’s an extension of my hand, reacting perfectly to invisible pressures from my fingers. It is where I belong. My mind wanders off reflecting, my senses automatically operate the aircraft.

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My mind returned to the present as a blinding bolt of lightning flashed ahead, followed by rumbles of thunder. Twenty minutes out of Clarens the heavens opened up, deep purple grey masses of heavy wet sky obliterated the way ahead. Everywhere I looked was water. Rivers and streams, pools and glinting marshlands saturated from a cloud-burst.

The Jetranger buttoned down for the night at the Golden Gate.

It was not yet the end of March, and already I could feel the knots of stress and anxiety clawing at my shoulders. Headaches were again my familiar companion. No matter how I twisted and turned and stretched, there was no position in my seat that could dull the ache in my back. My temper was short and I was deeply tired of all the kak associated with being in the aviation business. Our annual CAA audit was due, office admin was behind, I had a plate overfull with logistics and planning and operational decisions, and deep down I dreamed of escaping to the aromas of freshly baked Italian pastries and coffee in some remote Alpine village. I had been denied my annual holiday and been blessed instead with heaps of flying. Alas, a break would just have to wait until Christmas. The thought of such a long slog made me feel like crying. Huge blobs of water exploded on the windscreen with loud smacks and made fantastic patterns as the droplets scurried off, blown by the airflow like little rivers in a symmetrical design that was almost mesmerising, had it not been for the reality of a big storm. Fortunately, the horizon to the north

was open and the helicopter was just getting a nice wash from stray raindrops away from the monster from which had created them. That storm was a harbinger of just how the fates would come to toss us around. j Interesting weather for the flight back to Bloem.

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Aircraft Powerplant Co. (Pty) Ltd

AIRCRAFT POWERPLANT COMPANY (APCO) was born in 2001 as a result of the management buyout of the PLACO Engines Division. Under the guidance Tony Rodrigues and Henk Joubert, both equipped with wealth of experience and knowledge, APCO has earned a reputation for excellence within the aviation community. APCO’s Team of highly qualified factory and locally trained technicians have developed full in-house capacity to perform all required maintenance and turn key repair services, including bench testing on both Lycoming and Continental Engines. In addition APCO

have an in-house component division, engine hose shop, machine shop, aluminium welding shop and also offer cadmium engine plating. The newly introduced NTC engine shop specialise in the repair and overhaul of many brands of NTC engines including Gypsy, NTC Lycoming and Superior Kit Engines to name but a few. As an optional extra they offer a balancing and porting service as well as many types of corrosion protective applications, ranging from polyurethane base paints to the more lavish and durable ceramic coatings.

Aircraft Powerplant Co. (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 12 543 0775 / 0181 Fax: +27 12 567 3630 Hangar 5A, Wonderboom Airport

ENGINE DIVISION

Complete overhaul facility with test bench

MACHINE SHOP

tonyrodrigues@mweb.co.za Cell: +27 82 558 9388 henkjoubert@mweb.co.za Cell: +27 83 258 5272 www.apcosa.co.za

Machining, repair, modification o/h of cylinders and crankcases

TESTING

NDT, MPI, Dye Pen and Zyglo

COMPONENT DIVISION

Servicing, overhaul, repair

SUPPLIERS OF AIRCRAFT APPROVED ENGINE LUBRICANTS

• SHELL • Phillips • AVBLEND and Camguard

PLATING SHOP

Cadmium Plating

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Companies

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS AIRBUS IS A GLOBAL LEADER in aeronautics, space and related services. It has maintained a presence in South Africa since 1994. Airbus Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is a oneroof (shared services), incorporating Airbus Commercial, Helicopters and Defence & Space and has its headquarters at Grand Central Airport in Midrand, South Africa. As a world-leading aerospace company,

Airbus has an extensive South African industrial network engaged in the design, engineering and manufacture of components, sub-assemblies and equipment for aircraft and satellites.

Airbus designs, manufactures and supports a range of 100-600 seat commercial airliners, military transport and special missions aircraft, helicopters, rocket-launchers and satellites. It also provides a comprehensive array of aviation, space and geo-intelligence systems and solutions to government and civilian customers.

Similarly, since 2006 Airbus has worked closely with South African research institutes, including the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research, the National Aerospace Centre of Excellence and several universities on a diverse range of projects.

Airbus Helicopters provides the most efficient civil and military helicopter solutions to Southern African and Indian Ocean customers who operate an in-service fleet of around 300 turbine helicopters, to serve, protect, save lives and safely transport passengers in highly demanding environments. This arm of the business also supports customers from its branch in Nairobi. Airbus Defence and Space is responsible for sales and support of military transport aircraft in

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service with the SA Air Force and other armed forces in the SADC region. It also supplies satellite images, geo-intelligence and space data solutions to government, research and commercial customers.

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Worldwide, including South Africa, Airbus employs a workforce of around 130,000 people.

airbus.com

THE DIFFERENCE IS H E A R T B E AT

Seconds count when lives are on the line. It’s why every feature of the Airbus H135 has been designed for safe, effective, and fast operations. With easy patient loading, state-of-the-art avionics to reduce pilot workload and a safer working area on the ground, the H135 ensures people get the medical care they need as fast as possible. All of this has made the H135 the emergency medical services market leader around the globe – helping people every single day and making sure the world remains a beautiful place. April 2022

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Companies

AERONAUTIC SOLUTIONS AERONAUTIC SOLUTIONS is a wellestablished family owned and managed helicopter charter company that has provided a safe and reliable service to South Africa and African markets for the past 19 years. Aeronautic Solutions is dedicated to bring the customer a SAFE and professional helicopter service in the aviation industry. We constantly strive to grow our business while being innovative in looking for new ways to operate more safely, more efficiently and more competitively. Our services include customized charter solutions, ranging from scenic flights to executive charters and corporate day trips. We also provide utility operations (assisting

contractors with infrastructure repair, erecting towers, moving large structures) across the length and breadth of the continent. Our focus is on precision and efficiency. We strive for minimum impact on the environment. Aeronautic Solutions is also a SACAA approved AMO. Our in-house maintenance provides the best care and OEM parts. We offer third party maintenance on various Airbus types. Our fleet includes the BK 117, AS350, MD 500E and the EC130. Contact: Tel: +27 83 225 9344 Email: info@aeronauticsolutions.com www.aeronautiscsolutions.com

FLIGHT SAFETY THROUGH MAINTENANCE Hangar no 4, Wonderboom Airport , Pretoria PO Box 17699, Pretoria North, 0116 Tel: (012) 543 0948/51 • Fax: (012) 543 9447 email: aeroeng@iafrica.com

AMO No: 227

SA Flyer 2022|04

We at AEP offer full engine maintenance on Robinson R44 & R22 helicopters

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This include but is no limited to: • PISTON ENGINE OVERHAUL • ENGINE BENCH TESTING • MAGS April 2022

Call us today, let us see what we can do for you.

Company Vision Aeronautic Solutions is dedicated to bring the customer a SAFE and Professional helicopter service in the aviation industry. We constantly strive to grow our business while being innovative in looking for new ways to operate more safely, more efficiently and more competitively.

SPECIALISED SERVICES: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Personal, Private & Executive Charter Airport Transfers Scenic Flights Photographic Flights Cargo and Precious Goods Transfer Event Promotion and Team Building Security and Surveillance Services External Cargo Operations FBO Services Conservation work Powerline inspection Agricultural Wildlife darting and capturing Aircraft Management and Storage Humanitarian Aid

FLEET:

• • • •

BK117 - 850D2 AS 350/ H125 MD 500E EC130

CONTACT:

info@aeronauticsolutions.com www.aeronauticsolutions.com : @aeronautic_solutions Tel: +27 (0)11 312 1443 Aeronautic Solutions (PTY) LTD Limeroc Business Park Knoppieslaagte 385, Centurion Eagles Creek Aerodrome South Africa

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AIRPORT SUPPORT EQUIPMENT C.W. Price and Company has been involved in aviation and meteorological instruments for over 71 years. They also import aircraft ground power units and aircraft towing and push-back equipment. Based in Midrand, C.W Price are the appointed agents for airport support equipment from aircraft ground power to man portable rugged Redbox power packs for aircraft starting. They are also agents for Eagle All Wheel Drive aircraft tow tugs for regional, corporate and military applications.

Companies

C.W. PRICE AND COMPANY They are also importers of Precision Airmotive fuel injector parts and overhaul kits along with some starter generator spares. Weather stations stand alone for regional airports or their well established online VitalWeather system for remote or sms monitoring of small airports is a specialty of theirs. Contact Kelvin on: Tel: 011-805-4720 Email: cwp@cwprice.co.za Website: www.cwprice.co.za

C W Price & Co Start Power Units

The Red Box range of jump start batteries and aircraft start units are the ideal solution for starting the majority of DC aircraft. They are designed to start aircraft from the very smallest up to the largest business jets.

Hybrid Start and Continuous Power 28V DC

This Red Box unit combines a petrol engine with a bank of batteries to offer the slickest combination unit in the world. The weight and size of this unit is unrivalled, making it the obvious choice of Business Jet owners and operators. It allows for starting and continuous power away from the normal hanger environment so that aircraft on the flightline can be serviced as an alternative to being moved via an aircraft tug into the hanger.

Tel: (011) 8054720 • Fax: (011) 315 6275 • Email: cwp@cwprice.co.za April 2022

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Companies

CENTURY AVIONICS EXCELLENCE IN AVIONICS Century Avionics specialises in Flightdeck- and Avionics upgrades for general aviation fixedand rotary-wing aircraft. Careful evaluation and planning of every project is essential – from the placing/positioning of glass displays and other avionics in the panel to enhance ergonomics and aesthetics to the final set-up and configuration of the installed equipment. We are proud and excited to have completed several extensive upgrades in the recent months with the Garmin G1000Nxi, Lumatechnologies Annunciator Panels, Bendix King Aerowave100 Connectivity and Flight Display Systems DO-Capsule into a King Air 350 being a highlight. Another highlight was the avionics upgrade of four Airbus EC-130 helicopters with a combination of Garmin G500HTxi MFD/ PFD, GTN-750HXi/650HXi NAV/COM/GPS, GTS-855 TCAS I, GTS-800 Traffic Advisory, Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS Autopilot &Stability Augmentation system, Midcontinent MD302 Standby Attitude Module and various configurations of the very popular high-powered TA-360 USB’s. Century Avionics excel in Avionics Sales/ Marketing, Upgrades/Installations, Repairs/ Maintenance, Support and Certification making us a convenient, knowledge based avionic retrofit facility.

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April 2022

We are an in- and out of warranty service centre for Bose, David Clark and Lightspeed headsets as well as Garmin, McMurdo (Orolia/Kannad) ELT’s, and many other avionics manufacturers. We are approved dealers for a host of avionics manufacturers (Garmin, Honeywell, Bendix King, Avidyne, McMurdo ELT, Genesys Aerosystems and many others) and constantly aim to offer our valued customers the widest range of products and capabilities. Longstanding customers attest to our professional commitment, and fast and friendly service. Century Avionics is excited to welcome back more aviation events and airshows returning to the circuit in full swing and will be exhibiting at several events this year. Our AMO and Design Organisation is approved in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Century NAVCOM, our Design Organisation, along with our qualified and experienced Certification Department and SACAA appointed DAR will assist with Avionics STC Application/Development and/or Modification Approvals. Please contact us for all your avionic requirements. Tel: +27 11 701 3244 E-mail: sales@centuryavionics.co.za or marketing@centuryavionics.co.za Website: www.centuryavionics.co.za

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Companies

F. GOMES UPHOLSTERS AIRCRAFT UPHOLSTERY F. Gomes Upholsters is a family based upholstery company. Established in 1979, the company specialises in aircraft, as well as motor vehicle, boat and furniture upholstery. F. Gomes Upholsters will refurbish your aircraft interior to look like new, giving it the class it deserves. They use only the best quality materials, and their craftsmanship is outstanding. Mr Gomes, the founder of F. Gomes Upholsters, has been in the upholstery business for close on 40 years and as such brings many years of experience and professionalism to the company.

Landline: 011 614 2471 Mr. Gomes: 082 412 6669 Carla: 083 602 5658

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A Dynamic team to meet all your requirements. Refurbish your aircraft and / or helicopter. Best prices guaranteed

F. Gomes Upholsters provides an expert re-upholstery and upholstery service that caters to any upholstery need. No job is ever too small or too large. F. Gomes Upholsters is based in Johannesburg. For exceptional craftsmanship at the best prices, contact F. Gomes Upholsters on: Tel: (011) 614 2471 Fax: (011) 614 9806 Email: gomesuph@netactive.co.za