Having re-read both links and another article I’m actually confused now, one article that is behind a paywall calls it a “military to Civil conversion”. So which is it?
I agree that a new build machine would be expensive, although Ericsson Aircrane S-64F features extensive use of new build structures unless I’m mistaken, and they’ve had decent success so maybe they (Columbia) are harvesting CH-47Ds for dynamic components?
Perhaps the CH-47D is closer to a civil 234 that a conversion is more straightforward than getting say a UH-60 into the same category? Most of the former Army H-60s I’ve seen out and about are registered as experimental but I think there are a few Restricted category? I’m not sure on anything may have to do so more reading.
FltMech