Cablegate: Blue Lantern Level 3: Post-Shipment End-Use Check On

VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHWL #0521 1902212
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 092212Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 2992

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000521

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC NZ
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK ON
LICENSE 05-979157

REF: STATE 108328

1. Following instructions in reftel, post contacted Steven Johnson,
director of Heli Cam Aviation Limited. Johnson confirmed that he
has received an R44 Raven II helicopter, manufactured by Robinson
Helicopter Company, with gyro stabilization equipment installed.

2. Johnson said that possession, operation and security of the
helicopter remain under his control. The helicopter is parked in a
hangar at Ardmore Airfield in South Auckland, New Zealand. One
other company has access to the hangar.

3. Johnson confirmed that the helicopter is being used for
broadcasting by commercial television stations, as well as by other
customers for taking photographs from the air. His clients include
Radio New Zealand and Bayleys real estate agency. Keith Slater,
Auckland bureau chief of TV3 broadcasting station, confirmed that he
has flown in Heli Cam's helicopter and seen the stabilization
equipment in operation.

4. Johnson said he is familiar with restrictions regarding the
transfer or re-export of U.S. Munitions List articles. He
understands that he must seek U.S. Department of State permission
before transferring or selling the gyro stabilization equipment (or
the helicopter with the equipment installed).

5. Johnson said he began Heli Cam Aviation three to four months ago,
after reading about such a helicopter service in the United Kingdom
and studying the market in New Zealand. His company has one
helicopter, the R44 Raven II. Johnson is a former member of the New
Zealand air force and most recently worked as a marine engineer. He
learned how to fly a helicopter about three years ago.

6. Johnson's company is located at DeHavilland Lane, Ardmore
Airfield, South Auckland, New Zealand; its website is
www.helicam.co.nz. Johnson's cellular telephone number is
64-21-844-059; his home number is 64-9-268-0308.

7. Based on the information gathered, post believes the company to
be a reliable recipient of USML items.

MCCORMICK

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