search and rescue

The versatile, multi-mission aircraft is heading to the country’s defense and border security agency.

A team of pilots and engineers tested the high-altitude capabilities of the AW101 helicopter in Colorado at Buena Vista and Leadville, which sits nearly two miles above sea level (9,933 feet msl at the airport, KLXV).

The industry has lobbied the FAA to allow light sport aircraft to perform more aerial work tasks.

“What we didn’t want to do was leave him up there for another couple days, because he would have died,” the pilot of an Alaska Army National Guard Medevac flight told FLYING.

The annual convention takes place in Dallas, Texas, from March 7 to 10.