NEWS

Technisonic Announces All-Band Analog Module for TDFM 9200 /9300 Series Radios

Technisonic Industries Ltd. announced this month its new All-Band analog module designed for the TDFM9200 and 9300 series radios called the “T6” at a special customer social in Reno, Nevada at APSA’s annual APSCON convention.

Recognizing that the communication requirements of mission-based aircraft continue to grow in scope and capability, Technisonic recently undertook the challenge posed by its federal, military, and law enforcement operators to expand the band capability of its TDFM-9000 series radios. The result of this challenge is the all-new T6 module. The T6 module fully supports the additional critical bandwidths previously only available separately. These include “Low Band” inclusive of 30-50 MHz, VOR Voice 108-117.9MHz AM allowing for legacy communications across provisioned VOR navigation facilities, VHF-AM “Airband” 118-156MHz, as well as UHF-AM 225-400MHz.

“The new T6 module represents a considerable jump in the communications spectrums now available in the TDFM -9200 and -9300 products; by offering all analogs bands in one module, operators will no longer need to balance FM vs. analog needs,” said Technisonic Director of Business Development Jim Huddock. “This addition makes the TDFM-9000 series easily the most scalable and capable on the market.

The new T6 allows for both programming of channels via newly developed TDP software, or the operator can choose to program channels such a tower frequency, with the radio automatically defining the channel as simplex via the FREQ option, support of more complex programming such as Duplex channels, setting PL Tones, and channel names the operator can choose the FPP option. The ability to scan and assign appropriate bandwidth spacing, 12.5Khz, 25KHz, and 8.33KHz, is fully supported by the T6.

“Technisonic is very excited about the direction the TDFM line has taken the last few years. With the full integration of its MCP technology, which allows for the quick onboarding of external radio sources such as portables, and satellite, to its advancement in firmware, allowing greater flexibility that allows operators to enable or disable features as needed or desired, to today’s announcement of the T6 Module. The TDFM-9000 series is now scalable up to as many as eight integrated radios in one package, all backed by the team’s full support at Technisonic,” said Huddock.

European Based “Turnkey NVIS” Solution Announced

UK-based HeliSpeed Academy and American-based REBTECH announced on June 22, 2022, that they would join forces to provide a European-based “NVIS Turn-key Solution” to support the increasing requirement for NVIS operations within Europe.

HeliSpeed Academy, based in Blackpool, holds a UK & EASA ATO & ISO 9011 approval and uses an R44 NVIS compatible single engine helicopter to support NVIS & NVG training. This helicopter has been specially configured in-house by HeliSpeed using European and UK Approvals to support its NVIS / NVG flight training programs within Europe and at Blackpool. These flight training operations are also supported using top-of-the-range +4G white phosphor NVG goggles.

HeliSpeed’s CEO Geoff Packer stated, “We believe this unique flight solution delivers a cost-effective in-flight training package. The Academy has also ordered, for January 2023 delivery, an NVIS-compatible Bell 429 simulator which will allow HeliSpeed Academy to support the two-tier NVIS training recommended under EASA. Using the R44 and B429 simulator will cost-effectively address all the training requirements needed to support the EASA schedule.”

The total “Turnkey” engineering solution is also met by REBTECH, who, for over 26 years, has been delivering market-leading NVIS systems to a diverse international client base. As the market-leading provider, REBTECH are experts in designing, integrating, and installing complex NVIS systems to an extensive portfolio of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and holding FAA & EASA 145 repair station certification and ISO 9100 2015 and AS9100D places them as the ideal partners in this joint venture.

“We are extremely pleased to have partnered with Geoff Packer and the Helispeed team to bring this much-needed NVG Flight Training academy to the European market,” said Richard Borkowski, CEO and owner of the REBTECH brand.

He further commented, “REBTECH has a long history of designing, supplying, and integrating high-quality night vision systems into civil and military aircraft worldwide. Additionally, we are proud to support other prestigious companies such as Bell and Airbus. Partnering with HeliSpeed was the perfect opportunity to combine our skill sets to provide a significant enhancement to flight training and to the future NVIS / NVG operating environment within Europe.”

In joining forces, Helispeed and REBTECH now provide a common contact within Europe, supporting and delivering either at your base or Blackpool a flexible solution of hardware and training to present to all future and current NVIS operators.

ROTAK Helicopter Services accepts delivery of two CH-47D Chinook Helicopters from Columbia Helicopters. Featured left to right: Bob Buchanan - Columbia Helicopters, VP of Maintenance Services, Kevin Greenfield - ROTAK, Partner, Steve Bandy - Columbia Helicopters, President and CEO, Ely Woods - ROTAK, Founder and General Manager, Martin Cude - ROTAK, Director of Sales & Marketing, and Rob Roedts - Columbia Helicopters, VP of Aircraft Solutions.

Columbia Helicopters Delivers Two CH-47D Chinooks to Rotak Helicopter Services

Heavy-lift helicopter pioneer Columbia Helicopters announced on July 5, 2022, that the company has sold two Columbia CH-47D Chinook helicopters to ROTAK Helicopter Services of Anchorage, Alaska. The helicopters include Columbia’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) safety modifications and firefighting and external load modifications. As part of the sale, Columbia will also provide full lifecycle sustainment, airworthiness, and technical publication services for the aircraft.

“ROTAK is an exceptional external load and utility helicopter operator performing heavy-lift work in some of the most remote and inhospitable locations on earth,” said Mike Tremlett, Columbia’s Executive Vice President. “The Columbia CH-47D Chinook helicopter is an ideal addition to their fleet, providing them with increased lifting power, range, and capability to fight fires, perform vertical construction, and support a variety of other projects requiring unparalleled muscle and lifting power.”

“We are honored to be the first company to purchase a tandem helicopter from Columbia; adding these aircraft to our fleet and expanding our relationship with Columbia is a major milestone for the future of our operations,” said Ely Woods ROTAK’s Founder and General Manager. “Columbia Helicopters pioneered the application of Chinook capabilities in the world of commercial heavy-lift and has evolved to become a proven and trusted provider of the critical manufacturing, maintenance and materials support that ROTAK will rely on into the future.”

Columbia Helicopters holds the FAA Type Certificate for the CH-47D, with the capability to modify and overhaul the aircraft. Columbia designs and incorporates its own proprietary modifications for the CH-47D, developed through decades of commercial tandem rotor helicopter operational experience, and as the OEM of the Model 234 Chinook and Model 107-II Vertol helicopters. Columbia’s worldwide MRO services and support span 50 years of maintaining, overhauling, and updating this aircraft type, both in the company’s FAA-approved Part 145 Repair Station and in the field.

A heavy-lift utility helicopter operator, ROTAK Helicopter Services specializes in transmission line and tower construction and repair. Since its founding, supporting telecom customers in rugged Alaska, the company has expanded its services to include heli-logging, crew transport, mining support, and firefighting across the United States. The new Columbia aircraft joining its fleet will be used primarily for firefighting and super-heavy-lift long-line operations.

The two CH-47D Chinook helicopters are former U.S. Army aircraft. Both helicopters underwent phase inspections and were upgraded by Columbia. ROTAK selected from a menu of services for the aircraft’s completion and support, including:

• A variety of Columbia-designed modifications and upgrades to reduce weight and increase the helicopters’ capabilities and efficiency in performing firefighting and long-line operations

• Columbia’s proprietary system to operate the SEI PowerFill

Bambi Bucket, which is required equipment to support

U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE contracts for firefighting

• Avionics to improve situational awareness of other aircraft and terrain

• Columbia’s proprietary bubble window design to facilitate direct visual operational control, reconfigured the cockpit to improve pilot effectiveness and control and removed the third crewmember station to reduce weight – all to support effective long-line operations

• Columbia’s own in-house design modifications to the overall aircraft to improve reliability and maximize availability

• Full flight and maintenance training for pilots and mechanics

• Multiple-year post-sale contracts for maintenance services and phase inspections, technical and AOG services, component sparing and support, and ongoing pilot training

GPMS and Helisul Achieve Brazilian STC for Foresight on Airbus H125 Helicopter Platform

GPMS announced on August 11, 2022 that the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate for Foresight MX. The certificate was based on a prior Federal Aviation Administration STC and covers the installation of Foresight MX on the Airbus H125/AS350 B3 platform. Helisul Aviation assisted in the certification and is the first Brazilian customer to implement Foresight’s advanced HUMS capabilities.

“We are excited to have worked with a great partner like Helisul to achieve this certification,” said Todd Powers, GPMS VP and Head of Sales. “Thanks to their help, H125 operators in Brazil can now install and utilize Foresight’s comprehensive and predictive HUMS capabilities.”

Luis Cravo, Helisul Technical Director, explained that this was an important project for the company. “We were able to work very closely with the GPMS team during the STC process and learned a lot about the capabilities of the Foresight system. With its comprehensive monitoring and predictive capabilities, Foresight will be able to provide valuable insight into the performance and health of our aircraft.”

Powers noted that this certification is an important achievement for GPMS in South America. “Brazil has a large number of H125/AS350 operators, and this STC is a great first step to bringing our advanced Foresight HUMS system to operators in Brazil and throughout South America.”

“The H125 is a workhorse in our fleet and performs a variety of missions. Using Foresight on this platform is seen as an investment because it will help us increase availability, lower maintenance costs, and improve these aircraft’s operational safety,” declared Cravo.

While the H125 is one of South America’s more popular helicopter platforms, many operators like Helisul have mixed fleets. Foresight is already certified on most of the popular helicopter platforms in North America, and Powers said GPMS expects similar certification and sales success throughout South America.

“Foresight is certified to deliver comprehensive aircraft and fleet monitoring for the majority of helicopters in service today in the United States,” he said. “As we continue to expand our global footprint, we will work with customers and aviation authorities to expand our list of Foresight STCs to meet the growing demand.”

To support the demand for Foresight in North and South America, GPMS recently announced the expansion of their Certified Installer Network to fifteen full-service helicopter MRO and completion centers to help ensure customer success.

Perimeter Solutions Names New Head of Business Development for Foam Products for Government & Municipal Markets

Perimeter Solutions announced that it has hired Norbe Puroll as its new head of Business Development for foam products in the Government and Municipal market segments.

Puroll has worked in the fire and emergency response industry for 34 years, including 18 years as a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). He has extensive experience managing municipal distribution, sales, product training, and new product development for foam hardware systems. He also sold apparatus and equipment in Michigan for 28 years.

“Norbe is joining the team at a critical time, as many organizations in the government and municipal markets are currently transitioning to fluorine-free alternatives. There is great opportunity, and with Norbe’s knowledge and experience, he will play a key role in helping Perimeter Solutions to expand its footprint in this market,” says McDonnell.

Puroll joins Perimeter Solutions from SAFE FLEET, where he worked in the company’s Fire and EMS division, managing relationships with original equipment manufacturers, dealers and fire departments.

“I have spent my entire career serving organizations in the fire and emergency response industry. Perimeter Solutions has built a great reputation as a trusted, reliable company throughout the industry. I am proud to be working here to help support their mission to save lives and protect property,” says Puroll.

Perimeter Solutions provides aerial firefighting retardant for use around the world. Photo by Marty Wolin.

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ASIA PACIFIC UNITED STATES EMEA

Goodrich hoists adorn thousands of helicopters around the world, coming as standard on many SAR purposed aircraft.

TAE Aerospace Announce Goodrich Hoist Reseller Deal

Collins Aerospace and TAE Aerospace (TAE) announced that they have signed an agreement whereby TAE will now be a reseller of the entire product range of Goodrich® Hoists and Winches. This agreement covers sales of these products throughout Australia, New Zealand, and much of the Pacific Islands and builds upon TAE’s existing relationship with Collins Aerospace, covering multiple business lines such as Kidde and L’Hotellier Fire Extinguishers and Automated Fire Extinguishing Systems, Smoke Detectors and Winslow Life Rafts.

TAE CEO Andrew Sanderson stated, “It is great to continue expanding our capabilities and build upon our longstanding partnership with Collins Aerospace as we continue on our journey to a top 100 global aerospace company.” With more than 45 years of design, manufacturing, and field experience, Collins Aerospace is a world leader in developing, manufacturing, and supporting rescue hoists and cargo winch systems for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Their rescue hoists and winches are found on major helicopter platforms, including Airbus, Bell, Boeing, Leonardo, Sikorsky, and many more. They offer various electrically and hydraulically powered and internally and externally mounted hoists.

“Collins Aerospace is pleased to extend our business into Australia and its surrounding region with TAE Aerospace,” said Nick Demogines, Director of Business Development with Goodrich Hoist & Winch, a part of Collins Aerospace. This agreement supports regional customers with potential for future opportunities for the product range of Goodrich® Hoists and Winches.”

U.S Forest Service Takes Delivery of Two King Air 260s

Textron Aviation announced Thursday, August 18th, 2022, that it has delivered two Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft to the U.S. Forest Service. The aircraft will perform wildfire mapping missions.

‘We are honored the U.S. Forest Service has added the King Air 260 to its fleet,’ said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation. ‘Whether for the wildfire detection and mapping, resource management, aerial supervision module/lead plane, or air attack, the King Air continues to demonstrate its leadership in this mission. Customer faith in our legendary products and trust in our company and our team are at the core of our enduring relationship with the U.S Forest Service.’

The King Air 260 aircraft have been modified for the installation of the latest infrared (IR) sensing technology, the Overwatch Imaging TK-9 Earthwatch Airborne Sensor, along with legacy U.S. Forest Service sensors that can accurately map wildfires, even at night and through the smoke. This information is critical for firefighters to have when the exact extent of a fire is not known due to darkness, smoke, size of the fire, rapid spread, or complex terrain. IR mapping aircraft can also be used to detect new fires started by lightning when they are very small. More than 7,700 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers worldwide since 1964, making it the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62 million flight hours in its 58 years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S. military and flying commercial and special mission roles worldwide.

The cockpit features the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle system, which supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people or cargo by automatically managing engine power from the takeoff roll through the climb, cruise, descent, landing, and go-around phases of flight. This enhancement reduces pilot workload and is designed to prevent over-speed or under-speed, overtemp, and over-torque conditions.

The King Air 260 cockpit also features a digital pressurization controller, automatically scheduling cabin pressurization during both climb and descent, reducing pilot workload and increasing overall passenger comfort. The pressurization gauges have been integrated with the powerful Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.

The aircraft includes the Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar, providing pilots with a fully automatic system that detect short, mid, and long-range weather.

Aviation Specialties Unlimited Appoints Tony Tsantles to FAA Part 135 Director of Operations

Aviation Specialties Unlimited announced July 13th, 2022 that ASU veteran Tony Tsantles was promoted to FAA Part 135 Director of Operations.

“Tony has led the ASU training team through many successes worldwide. They have included the award and performance of multiple FAA training contracts, ongoing training with the Irish Air Corps, and unmatched custom training for air medical, law enforcement, and firefighting aircrews in the Treasure Valley’s diverse terrain,” said ASU

Vice President of Aviation Operations Kip McDermott. “With more than 20 years of experience operating with night vision goggles, as both a crew member and pilot, Tony has brought professionalism and expertise to our team and our customers, ensuring the safe and effective use of NVGs.”

The FAA mandated and approved position is critical in overseeing part 135 operations, including night vision training and aircraft maintenance. In his new role, Tsantles will bring valued know-how to the leadership team and lead new aviation initiatives as ASU continues to evolve.

Before joining the ASU here in Boise, Tsantles spent over twenty years developing his credentials in the U.S. Army. He spent nearly half of that time as an instructor, both as a crewmember and pilot. This unique background of functioning in both instructor roles has given him the ability to adapt quickly in civil instruction, particularly where he’s training pilots and crewmembers collectively, including EMS, law enforcement, and select groups. His Army career, spanning two decades, allowed the capability to work with two Army workhorse aircraft, the UH-1H “Huey” and UH-60A/L/M “Blackhawk,” both of which employ rather complex systems that prepared him well for the dynamic civil industry he now manages. Having spent much of his time in the military—11 years—in EMS, he is quite familiar with the challenges that can affect our civil EMS pilots and crews. Although he’s no longer being asked to fly in combat, with two trips overseas as a MEDEVAC pilot, he’s certainly ready for the new challenges ahead.

“I guess it’s rare to catch me speechless, but I may be just that. I love this organization and what we stand for; the core of what we believe is genuinely centered around the safety of aviators and crews,” said Tsantles. “I want to acknowledge our history with reverence and continue to focus on the future with partnerships in training, education, and culture.”

In recent months, Tsantles has spearheaded several educational engagement initiatives, including two such events, the Air Medical Transportation Conference and Heli-Expo trade shows. Later this month, Tsantles will be instructing several courses at the Airborne Public Safety Convention in Reno, Nevada, from July 27 to 29. The sessions include a technical presentation on Spatial disorientation and NVGs with co-presenter Tyson Phillips of AT Systems Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m. and an education session at 3:30 p.m. on NVGs—Keeping it Cloud Free.

Tangent Link Announces Dates for 2023 Aerial Firefighting Shows

After several years of hiatus due to Covid restrictions, Tangent Link, hosts of the Aerial Firefighting Trade show and conference series announced today that they would be returning to Australia in 2023. In addition to the Australia show, Tangent Link also announced the United States show location, which is changing next year to be held in Washington State in addition to the European show being held in late 2023 in Greece.

Listed below are the 2023 show dates and locations for Aerial Firefighting 2023.

Pacific Northwest Wildfire Conference and Exhibition, 3-4 April 2023, Seattle, Washington

Tangent Link will host three conferences in 2023, one each in North America, Australia and Greece.

“The inaugural Pacific Northwest Wildfire Conference will be held in Seattle, Washington. This strategic conference and exhibition will take place on April 3 and 4, 2023. The event will be the first Pacific Northwest-focused wildfire conference, including live and static demonstration opportunities and a focused two-day conference agenda featuring regional State leaders, key Federal stakeholders, and local fire services. The Pacific Northwest Wildfire Conference will be an integral event in terms of reporting best practices, sharing resources for prevention, suppression, and recovery, and understanding the opportunities provided by the latest innovations and technologies.” Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands, Washington State

Aerial Firefighting Asia Pacific, 2-3 August 2023, Dubbo, New South Wales Australia Aerial Firefighting Europe, 16-17 October 2023, Athens, Greece

In partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS), Tangent Link looks forward to welcoming aerial firefighting and aerial emergency response professionals to Australia after a long absence. At the NSWRFS Training Academy, dedicated to improving the skills and knowledge relied on when responding to bushfires and managing emergencies, AFFAPAC will also include sessions on aerial search and rescue capabilities and opportunities for aircraft static displays.

AFFAPAC, a 2-day conference and supporting exhibition, provides an ideal opportunity to re-connect with Australia’s State and Federal firefighting and emergency service sectors, with representatives from the wider international government, military, and commercial aerial firefighting communities also expected to attend.

“AFFAPAC23 provides a valuable assembly point for us to come together to develop and promote international best practices in this field to boost our emergency response capability.

I look forward to joining you for lively debate and valuable outcomes for, not only our services but the communities we serve.” Commissioner Rob Rogers, AFSM, New South Wales Rural Fire Service

The Tangent Link, Aerial Firefighting series, returns to Greece for 2023, the leading event for Aerial Firefighting professionals in Europe. The two-day conference and exhibition will provide a platform for AFF specialists to debate and present on current aerial fighting challenges in Europe, emphasizing Southern and Eastern Europe/ Mediterranean stakeholders.

Tangent Link is delighted to invite all stakeholders to this forum to directly engage with government experts, aerial operators, and technology providers worldwide. The event is supported by Christos Stylianides, Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.