Helicopter kit factory loan is OK'd

Red Willow County Commissioners approved a $300,000 loan from the Community Development Block Grant revolving fund for a Colorado company which plans to begin construction of helicopter kits in McCook.

Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the loan, after a hearing that included testimony from Dick Trail, retired Air Force pilot and former county commissioner and city councilman, and Bob Chambers of McCook, who asked several questions about the proposal.

Founder Ron Willocks, who is also chief operating officer for Pawnee Aviation, announced plans to open a factory here earlier this month, after commissioners gave initial approval to the loan through a letter of intent.

The company is in the process of locating a factory building, and first plans to produce kits for a three-place helicopter powered by a V-8 engine, and a single-place version powered by a rotary engine.

The company was recruited through the efforts of the McCook Economic Development Corp.

It plans to employ the equivalent of 10 full-time workers, with employment to be expanded as demand allows.