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carson-helicoptersThe Fort Monroe Authority and the City of Hampton are pleased to announce that Carson Helicopters has selected Fort Monroe for its new location.

Based in Pennsylvania, Carson Helicopters has been in the helicopter business for more than 50 years. The company rebuilds and updates the S61 helicopter and other aircraft and holds over 35 STCs (supplementary type certificates) for improvements and modifications to Rotor Wing Aircraft.

Carson’s capabilities also include research, design, and development. The Carson Composite Main Rotor Blade, which was certified by the FAA in 2003, is used on Marine One, the helicopter that carries the President of the United States.

“Hampton Roads’ business-friendly environment, the area’s diversity and its strong workforce were all incentives for our coming here,” said Frank Carson, President of Carson Helicopters. “We’re very satisfied with our new location and believe it’s an ideal fit with both our current criteria and our plans for the future.”

“We are extremely pleased with Carson Helicopter’s decision to take advantage of the buildings that are ready to move in at Fort Monroe,” said Glenn Oder, Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority. “The FMA now controls commercial buildings, homes, beaches, boardwalks, restaurants, and public programs that create a great quality of life for employers who locate at Fort Monroe.” Fort Monroe was granted national monument status in 2011 and its historic buildings are preserved and managed by the Fort Monroe Authority, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The City of Hampton first identified the project last year. “We are excited to welcome Carson Helicopters, a pioneer in the rotor craft industry, to Hampton,” said Mayor Molly Ward. “They are a testament to our established aerospace industry and emerging composites initiatives. We look forward to their future success.” With an investment of millions and numerous new jobs expected, Carson plans to manufacture S61 Helicopter Composite Tail Rotor Blades and focus on composite rotor blade manufacturing process research at the new facility.

“A project that will repurpose a portion of Fort Monroe to create jobs and investment is great news for Hampton Roads and Virginia,” said Governor Bob McDonnell. “We welcome Carson Helicopters to the Commonwealth, and are confident that the company will be a great addition to the composites manufacturing industry cluster in Hampton Roads.”

The Fort Monroe Authority and the City of Hampton worked with the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and Divaris Real Estate in bringing Carson Helicopters to the region.