U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for March 8

To: NATIONAL EDITORS

Contact: Rick Reed of the U.S. Census Bureau, +1-301-763-2812,Richard.Thomas.Reed-at-census.gov

WASHINGTON, March 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is thedaily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

MONDAY, MARCH 8: FIRST COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER

Profile America-- Monday, March 8th. The first helicopter forcommercial use was licensed on this day in 1946 -- just seven monthsafter the end of World War II. The Bell Model 47B was operated bythe New York Journal -- American newspaper for news coverage and todeliver photographs. The helicopter proved ideal for moving aroundthe crowded metropolitan environment, with its ability to rise anddescend vertically, hover, move sideways and even backwards. Itcould fly forward at speeds up to 100 miles an hour. Helicopterscontinue to grow in popularity. There are nearly 9,600 in thegeneral aviation fleet today -- up 25 percent since 2000. You canfind these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau,conducting the 2010 Census beginning April 1st.

Sources: Kane's Famous First Facts, 1560

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 1047

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office ofthe U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available asproduced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internetat http://www.census.gov(look under the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau