BROUSSARD, LA - Meridian Helicopters, an industry-leading helicopter refurbishment, leasing, and brokering company, is pleased to announce the successful delivery of a custom-refurbished Bell Helicopter 206L4 aircraft to Clearview Air LLC, a private company based in Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Bashlor, the Managing Partner at Meridian Helicopters, commented on the specifications of the refurbished helicopter: "This Bell 206L4 is a full, ground-up refurbishment tailored for corporate operations. It's equipped with a new Garmin avionics package featuring Bluetooth technology, a Bose headset system, a glass cockpit that includes G500 TXI, GI 275, Heli SAS auto-pilot, NVG, air conditioning, and custom leather seating." Upon completion, the aircraft showcases an approximate 70% average time remaining on components, demonstrating the extensive effort invested in overhauling its main components, engine, and airframe to restore a condition akin to that of a new aircraft. Clearview Air's Kevin Reed expressed high praise for the refurbished Bell Helicopter model: "This is my second Bell refurbishment from Meridian Helicopters. After owning a Bell 206 L3 model for the last five years, I decided it was time to upgrade. The specifications were meticulously detailed, and the final product exceeded my expectations. This Bell is one of the most advanced and elegantly finished L4 models in recent years. I intend to enjoy this aircraft for years to come, and I can't thank Mike Bashlor and his team enough for realizing my dream helicopter." Meridian Helicopters, a subsidiary of the Cadorath Group of Companies, operates out of Broussard, Louisiana, USA specializing in ground-up refurbishments, leasing and brokering of helicopters. Over the past 13 years, they have completed 25 Bell Helicopter 206L3 and L4 aircraft refurbishments, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to quality in the industry. For further information, please contact: Michael Bashlor, Managing Partner, [...]

The Meridian Refurbishment model will calculate a significant increase to the value of the helicopter before the addition of equipment and cosmetic options values to the final appraisal. In response to market and sales comparison data, HeliValue$, Inc., has released an adjustment to the Bell 206L3 and 206L4 model in The Official Helicopter Bluebook® as of Jan 25, 2023. This adjustment includes new values for all model configurations, increasing the appraised values of the helicopter when a thorough refurbishment is completed by Meridian Helicopters, LLC. The Bluebook for these models now offers both the base model and Meridian Refurbishment model. Meridian Helicopters has now completed 25 complete refurbishments for many operators. Airframes are stripped and repainted with attention given to the previous operating environment and the final aircraft weight. The engine, components and airworthiness limited items are calculated to supply maximum return in value on the investment in the refurbishment. Mission specific equipment and the latest avionics suites are installed including customer creature comforts as asked. Interiors are typically re-done in multi tone leather combinations with new carpets and trim installations. “After seeing how the market has reacted to the extensive refurbishment process by Meridian Helicopters, we felt it is necessary to show the public how much of an impact the process has had on the overall value of the helicopters,” states Jason Kmiecik – President of HeliValue$, Inc. “Processes like this are what give aircraft a new purpose and we are glad to have the “Meridian Helicopters Refurbishment” added to The Official Helicopter Blue Book®.” “We are grateful for the recognition on the value by the resale market of a completely refurbished Bell 206L3 or Bell 206L4 by Meridian helicopters,” states Michael Bashlor – Managing Partner. “This confirmation of hard [...]

Meridian Helicopters has completed its 24th tip to tail refurbishment of a 1997 Bell 206L4 and delivered it to New York Helicopter Charter Inc. New York Helicopter Charter is a Part 135 charter and tour operator out of Kearney, New Jersey. The scope of the refurbishment included overhaul of the engine and dynamic components prior to installation providing a 70% weighted time remaining to the helicopter. The airframe was stripped and repainted with a modern 3-tone with matching 3-tone leather seating throughout. Completing the interior is a new avionics suite from Garmin with Bluetooth technology and full environmental control from Air Comm. Rounding out the customer specifications included wire strike protection, an inlet particle separator and lightweight pop-out float system. Michael Bashlor, the managing partner of Meridian Helicopters, said, “We are honored to be chosen again by New York Helicopter Charter Inc. This is the 3rd refurbished Bell 206L4 delivered to fill their operational needs. I believe they appreciate the value and time put into restoring the aircraft to a like new status. Our goal is to give our customers an excellent quality product that they can count on every time.” Michael Roth the CEO of New York Helicopter Charter added, “We are ecstatic with all our ships that came from Meridian Helicopters, all details starting from inside to outside of the ships are impeccable.” Roth continued, “They go above and beyond to give you the best equipment possible. Mike Bashlor and the entire crew are amazing and detailed perfectionists - couldn’t be happier with our Helicopter.”

Meridian Helicopters had a record year in 2021 despite the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic presented. Among their current lease fleet numerous lease extensions have been added along with a new lease to a current customer. Adding to that, Meridian Helicopters completed the sale of seven helicopters for brokerage customers and their current fleet of helicopters. These were comprised of four Bell Helicopter 206B Jet Rangers, two Bell 206L3 and one Bell 206L4 Long Ranger. Among Meridian Helicopters current lease customers, the extension of three helicopter leases were agreed to and another new lease was added. Meridian Helicopters prides itself in the quality of the aircraft refurbishments. Complementing this was the ground up refurbishments of four helicopters during the calendar year. Each refurbishment could include specific avionics capabilities such as NVG, mission specific equipment and interior packages which include air conditioning and/or VIP interiors. Moving into Heli-Expo 2022, Meridian Helicopters now in their 12th year in business, has completed its 23rd tip to tail custom refurbishment of a Bell 206L4 for an unnamed customer. Looking forward, Meridian will begin another Bell 206L4 complete refurbishment and conversion for a lease customer.

English Air Services, a part 133, 135 and 137 operator out of Santa Maria, CA USA specializing in utility operations for agriculture, LIDAR/Mapping platforms and power line maintenance has taken delivery of a completely refurbished Bell Helicopter 206L3 from Meridian Helicopters. This marks the eighteenth completed and delivered Bell Helicopter 206L3 and 206L4 aircraft refurbishments in recent years from Meridian Helicopters. “Our goal with this aircraft was a multi-mission capable turnkey solution,” stated Michael Bashlor – Managing Partner, Meridian Helicopters. “Once completed the aircraft measured in at approximately 90% component and engine time remaining and it simply looked and performed great.” The 1990 Bell 206L3 was equipped for basic utility operations with a great deal of care placed of cosmetics and avionics giving the aircraft a corporate appeal. A complete Garmin avionics package with Bluetooth technology, air conditioning and 3 tone leather seating complimented the interior specifications, in addition to other modifications. A modern 3-tone paint scheme was added with wire strike protection, cargo hook provisions and an inlet barrier filter system. “When looking for an aircraft to purchase, English Air Service, LLC looks for quality craftsmanship and a company that takes pride in their work. Meridian exceeded that. Looking for this specific aircraft took some time, we found some for less money, but there was no comparison in the work that was put into this 1990 Bell 206L3. The team at Meridian were so easy to deal with. The placing of a “good luck bell” added at each sale is just their final way to put their personal touch to their impeccable work standards. We highly recommend Meridian Helicopters for any helicopter purchase,” stated Mark English with English Air Services. Meridian Helicopters is currently refurbishing a 1996 Bell Helicopter 206L4 [...]

Located within the trade show floor of Heli-Expo 2020, Meridian Helicopters will display a Bell Helicopter 206L4 owned by Southern Utah University. The aircraft can be viewed at static display booth #15. The Meridian Helicopters completion of the aircraft consisted of many freshly overhauled components and engine. A complete Garmin avionics package was installed with compliance to the FAA ADS-B out requirements. The avionics package was finished with ¬night vision (NVG) capabilities and Bose headsets. Cosmetically, the aircraft was treated to all new interior and SUU custom exterior paint. Additionally, a new interior including seating, complete interior trim and windows were installed. The aircraft was equipped with full external cargo equipment from Onboard including cargo hook with load cell, an external torque meter and long line. Finishing the SUU requirements was a particle separator and dual aircraft controls. “Our relationship with SUU began with the lease of two Bell 206L4’s a few years ago,” states Michael Bashlor – Managing Partner, Meridian Helicopters. “When the opportunity to deliver a mission equipped aircraft for them presented itself, we did not hesitate. A complete aircraft refurbishment is a large responsibility and we approached this extension of trust from SUU with pride." Southern Utah University’s Aviation Department is the nation’s premier helicopter flight school and will be utilizing the refurbished aircraft for the advanced training of its students. All SUU helicopter students will receive 20 hours of flight training in this and their other Bell 206L4 aircraft. In addition to standard flight training, this aircraft will be the primary ship for the Iron County Sheriff’s Department’s Air Operations Unit which utilizes SUU instructor pilots and aircraft for search and locate, and law enforcement missions.  

Meridian Helicopters delivers a beautiful Bell Helicopter 206L3 to Kevin Reed owner of Clearview Air. The Bell helicopter was completely refurbished with new metallic black paint, new leather interior, new trim, and windows. In addition, the Bell Helicopter was outfitted with a modern avionics package, Bose and Standard headset jacks, air conditioning, Bluetooth and ADSB compliant.

PRESS RELEASE Meridian Helicopters Delivers Completed Bell Helicopter 206L4 to Southern Utah University Meridian Helicopters LLC, announced it has sold and delivered a Bell Helicopter 206L4 to Southern Utah University (SUU). The Meridian Helicopters completion of the helicopter consisted of many freshly overhauled components and engine. A complete Garmin avionics package was installed with compliance to the FAA ADS-B out requirements. The avionics package was finished with night vision (NVG) capabilities and Bose headsets. Cosmetically, the helicopter was treated to all new interior and SUU custom exterior paint. Additionally, a new interior including seating, complete interior trim and windows were installed. The helicopter was equipped with full external cargo equipment from Onboard including cargo hook with load cell, an external torque meter and long line. Finishing the SUU requirements was a particle separator and dual aircraft controls. “Our relationship with SUU began with the lease of two Bell Helicopter 206L4’s a few years ago”, states Michael Bashlor – Managing Partner, Meridian Helicopters. “When the opportunity to deliver a mission equipped helicopter for them presented itself, we did not hesitate. A complete aircraft refurbishment is a large responsibility and we approached this extension of trust from SUU with pride." Southern Utah University’s Aviation Department is the nation’s premier helicopter flight school and will be utilizing the refurbished aircraft for the advanced training of it’s students. All SUU helicopter students will receive 20 hours of flight training in this and their other Bell Helicopter 206L4 helicoptee. In addition to standard flight training, this aircraft will be the primary ship for the Iron County Sheriff’s Department’s Air Operations Unit which utilizes SUU instructor pilots and helicopters for search and locate, and law enforcement missions Meridian Helicopters LLC is exhibiting this Bell Helicopter 206L4 at Heli-Expo 2019 and can [...]

PRESS RELEASE Meridian Helicopters to Display Two Bell Helicopter 206L4’s at Heli-Expo in Dallas, TX. Meridian Helicopters is increasing its presence in the helicopter leasing and brokerage markets this year at Heli-Expo in Dallas, Texas. Two Bell Helicopters will be available for public viewing in static display booths 20 and 21. The first aircraft on display is a 2006 – 206L4 Long Ranger. The aircraft, owned and operated by Southern Helicopters of Sunshine, LA is currently being listed for sale by Meridian Helicopters. “The aircraft brokerage portion of the organization continues to grow each year” comments Michael Bashlor – Managing Partner. “We are grateful to Benji Seal (Owner – Southern Helicopters) for the opportunity to display this first rate aircraft at Heli-Expo.” Meridian Helicopters currently represents 26 helicopters for sale today. All listings can be viewed at www.meridianhelicopters.com. The second aircraft on display is a 2004 – 206L4 Long Ranger. The newly refurbished aircraft boasts new interior and an exterior 3 tone paint scheme. The aircraft is offered for sale or lease. “On the leasing side of our business we see continued growth in the demand for our services” comments Bashlor. “Our clients appreciate the peace of mind provided by our ‘power by the hour’ program.  It covers all engine, component and airworthiness time limited items.” Heli-Expo will be hosted at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center is Dallas, Texas from March 7th to 9th, 2017.