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Designed to
be the worlds first multi-engine utility helicopter, the Omega
Aircraft Corporation's BS-12 first took to the air in April
1956 from the ramp of Massachusetts Air Industries. After over four
years of design and development, Bernard Sznycer's ground-breaking
craft turned more than a few heads. Capable of lifting heavy loads
and delivering them to remote sites, the helicopter promised to
change how the world viewed helicopters as equipment. A small number
of the helicopters were built before the company went bankrupt in
1957. The Omega offices were even visited by Igor Sikorsky who was
busy himself designing the Sikorsky Sky Crane. Most of the test
flights were flown with David
E. Frawley at the controls. Mr. Frawley was an investor in the
Omega project as well as being their primary test pilot. David still
resides in the area. Although David doesn't do much expirimental
test flying anymore, he is now an FAA Designated Examiner. Most
of the flying he does now is while giving type rides in a B-17,
B-24 or other warbird. David doesn't just fly warbirds though, he
spends time in his restored Waco UPF-7 and doing ratings in Cessna
Citations too!
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