Maverick unveils quieter new chopper

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Friday, April 18, 2003 | 10:33 a.m.

A new American Eurocopter EC 130 B4, owned by Maverick Helicopter Tours was part of a demonstration at the Maverick Grand Canyon Tours Terminal at Signature Flight Support in Las Vegas Thursday.

Maverick's new chopper has an automatic rotor speed control system and a Fenestron tail rotor that is encased -- as opposed to exposed to the wind, which reduces the noise the helicopter makes.

Gregg Rochna, president of Maverick, said the new helicopter puts out 55 percent less noise in flight than the ASTAR jet helicopters the company has been using. Officials hope quieter helicopters result in fewer noise complaints.