BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK

UNCLAS STATE 055618

SIPDIS
PRETORIA FOR BAIMBA YILLA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC SF
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK
ON APPLICATION 050101974

REF: 2006 BLUE LANTERN GUIDEBOOK


1. This is an Action Request. See paragraphs 2-4.


2. The Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls
Compliance (PM/DTCC) requests post's assistance in conducting
a pre-license check on application 050101974 for the export
of a Bell UH-1H helicopter to South Africa. Post is
requested to complete this Blue Lantern check within 30 days.
Lack of response to a Blue Lantern check will affect pending
and future licenses involving parties to this license.


3. Reason for request: Leading Edge Aviation, unfamiliar
foreign end user.


4. ACTION: Embassy is requested to make inquiries with
appropriate Leading Edge officials to determine if it has
ordered the Bell UH-1H helicopter and plans to use the
aircraft for the purpose stated on the license. Department
requests that Embassy conduct a site visit to Leading Edge
(if this is geographically/financially feasible, otherwise
contact by phone and request documents via email or fax) in
order to provide an assessment of its business operations,
on-site security, and general reliability as a recipient of
United States Munitions List (USML) items. POC at Leading
Edge is Mark Jackson, President, TEL: 27-13-741-3654,
reference PO # 5874 dated March 25, 2008. The following
questions are offered as suggested guidance with Leading
Edge:

- Can Leading Edge provide documentation firmly establishing
its order for the helicopter from the U.S. applicant,
Tamarack Helicopters?

- For what purpose will the helicopter be used?

- Does Leading Edge understand that the aircraft may not be
operated in prohibited countries, per Section 126.1 of the
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)?

- Does the company understand the restrictions on Unites
States Munitions List (USML) articles, particularly regarding
re-export and retransfer?

- Who are the company's main clients?

If a site visit is not possible, please inform PM/DTCC case
officer. END ACTION.



5. Details of license application:

DTC Case: 050101974

QUANTITY/COMMODITY:

1 UH-1H complete helicopter N641BV, SN64-13623

License Value: USD 750,000


SELLER:

Tamarack Helicopters, Inc
2849 McIntyre Road
Stevensville, MT 59879

FOREIGN CONSIGNEE:

None

FOREIGN END-USER:

Leading Edge Aviation, CC Mark Jackson
Hanger A#1 Nelspruit Municipal Airport
PO Box 1276
Nelspruit, South Africa

PURPOSE:

Fire Fighting



6. Please slug reply for PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR
and include the words "Blue Lantern" and the case number in
the subject line. Department can fax license documentation
to post upon request. POC is Tim Watkins, Phone:
202-663-2814; Email: WatkinsTR@state.gov; SIPRNET:
WatkinsTR@state.sgov.gov. The Blue Lantern Guidebook (ref)
is available as a PDF file in the Bunche Library's E-Book
Collection on the DOS Intranet:
http://buncheelectroniclibrary.state.gov/eboo ks/
BlueLanternGuidebook2006%20 final .pdf


7. Department is grateful for post's assistance in this
matter.
RICE