Vertical announces results of 2016 Helicopter Manufacturers Survey

Bell Helicopter continues to lead in customer satisfaction in the commercial and public use sectors of the helicopter industry, while Enstrom has the most satisfied customers in the private and training sectors, according to more than 700 industry professionals who took part in the second annual Vertical Helicopter Manufacturers Survey.

Conducted in April 2016 in partnership with the independent research firm PMG Intelligence, the Vertical Helicopter Manufacturers Survey asked current members of the helicopter industry to rate their satisfaction with helicopter manufacturers’ products and services. A total of 723 respondents participated in the survey, providing feedback on a wide range of questions related to customer support and aircraft performance.

Those evaluations were used to rank seven major helicopter manufacturers on their performance by industry sector. Bell Helicopter received top marks in the airborne law enforcement, firefighting, helicopter emergency medical services, leasing, offshore, and search-and-rescue sectors of the industry, while Enstrom had high scores in the private, corporate, training, and general utility sectors.

Complete results can be found in the June-July 2016 issue of Vertical. The survey report also provides an overview of respondents’ comments for each manufacturer, with detailed responses from the manufacturers.

“When we launched the survey last year, we wanted to give all of our readers the chance to provide meaningful feedback to the companies that design and build their aircraft,” said Vertical publisher Mike Reyno. “Now in our second year, we’re starting to see which helicopter manufacturers are improving or slipping in customer service, and whether those OEMs are delivering on their promises.”

Reyno noted that 43 percent of respondents indicated that they have been employed in the helicopter industry for 20 or more years, reflecting the depth of their experience and insight.

“Thanks to that wealth and diversity of real-world experience, our respondents are uniquely qualified to provide manufacturers with guidance on how to improve their products and services,” Reyno continued. “We’re proud to be able to provide a comprehensive survey by the helicopter industry, for the helicopter industry — all with the goal of making our industry better and safer.”

MHM Publishing is a family-run publishing firm founded in 2002 by husband and wife duo Mike and Linda Reyno. The company employs a core 18-person staff, as well as nearly three dozen contracted, regular contributors. With a focus on aviation magazine titles, MHM publishes Vertical, Vertical 911, Skies, RCAF Today, and Insight magazines.

The MHM family of aviation magazines, along with the as-it-happens exclusive online coverage provided at www.verticalmag.com and skiesmag.com, remains committed to delivering current and relevant stories from the front lines of the aviation industry. From timely news and key insights, to stunning photography and unique stories, MHM’s team of contributing editors travel the world to bring readers the stories that affect their operations.