In 2013, SAI, along with its OEM, MRO and legal partners, began working closely with the FAA to allow use of German manufactured UH1 Composite Main Rotor Blades in the United States.

In 2017, SAI (via its MRO partner) was granted the first and only FAA exemption ever allowing foreign military surplus parts to be used on an FAA certificated aircraft.

Since the original exemption was granted, approximately 15 Bell UH1 operators in the United States have been able to legally install 20+ sets of these German built rotor blades on their helicopters for use in Restricted Category operations.

SAI is the only company allowed to legally sell and represent these rotor blades as suitable for installation on any Restricted Category helicopter.

FAA guidance and prohibitions on foreign military surplus parts can be found in FAA guidance, 14 C.F.R. § 21.9(c) , and click here to see the exemptions.