Nevada Dept of Wildlife refurbish their 1978 JetRanger

9-Jan-2010 Source: Nevada Dept of Wildlife

With the help of Nevada Bighorns Unlimited—Reno and the Wildlife Heritage Trust Account, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) recently refurbished its vintage 1978 Bell Jet Ranger helicopter.
The helicopter N 2 FG, affectionately referred to as “Old Blue” by NDOW Air Operations staff, was purchased 13 years ago and is used by NDOW to conduct aerial surveys of game animals as well as support construction and repairs of guzzler sites. The refurbishment of this helicopter was no small task.
“It was completely disassembled,” said Michael King, chief pilot at NDOW. “This included stripping of the old paint, electrical wiring, fuel cell and more. The airframe was transported to Southern California for structural inspection, repair and a new paint job. Using many new or remanufactured components, the helicopter was then meticulously reassembled by NDOW pilot Bob Lloyd who is also an accomplished, licensed mechanic. This extended the service life by as much as ten years and saved the state several hundred thousand dollars.”
A significant amount of the funding for these repairs, $160,000, was funded by two sources. The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners accepted and approved a recommendation that $80,000 from the Wildlife Heritage Trust Account be obligated for these repairs and refurbishment.
The Wildlife Heritage Trust Account is administered by the Board of Wildlife Commissioners. The money in the account is to be used for the “protection, propagation, restoration, transplanting, introduction, and management of any game fish, game mammal, game bird, or fur-bearing mammal and the management and control of predatory wildlife in this state.”
Additionally, one of NDOW’s outstanding partners in wildlife conservation, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited—Reno Chapter, also committed $80,000 towards these repairs.
“The generous contribution from Nevada Bighorns Unlimited—Reno has significantly enhanced the longevity and reliability of this particular helicopter,” said Bob Haughian, chief of NDOW’s Operations Division. “Without the assistance of Nevada Bighorns Unlimited—Reno, it’s highly doubtful that we could have adequately addressed all the required repairs and component replacements needed to continue this helicopter’s service to NDOW.”
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.

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