I want to share with you the experience I had in building the Bell 407-53760 with Edwards & Associates. We are all guilty of not taking sufficient time to acknowledge when things go according to plan and expectations. Fortunately, that is what I choose to report to you again.
We took delivery of 407-53760 in October of this year. It is the third helicopter that I have built with Edwards and Associates. I have worked with Paul Schrader and, most recently, Jim Fogle. The process was smooth, thorough, and conducted with a high level of creativity and competency that is very comforting. I do believe they remain on the front edge of what customers want and, unlike many companies today, they still listen to us. They are accommodating and yet practical.
In each case, I could have spent less to finish the helicopter elsewhere, but, after my first experience in 2003, I knew I would be dealt with fairly and without surprises. I have another 407 and a 429 on order, and a major part of the decision process has been the relationship with Edwards and their fine people. It is a culture that permeates the work they do and the attitude of everyone I have met. You quickly realize that they, too, love helicopters and it translates into an old-fashioned work ethic.
As a former 417 customer, we had the pleasure of meeting at the HAI meeting in Orlando in March of 2007. Although I wanted to share these thoughts with you at the NBAA in October 2007, I understand your reluctance to attend under the present circumstances. Unfortunately, I think you missed an important opportunity to interact with your loyal customer base.
In our hotel and banking business I have found it is not merely about innovation and the technical end of our business; rather, it is about people, and I commend you for the team of people at Edwards that represent the very best of American ingenuity. Thanks again.
Louis S. BeckChairman of the Board, U.S. Bancorp