Heli Expo Convention News 2024

HELI-EXPO CONVENTION NEWS

GOES

HAI is now VAI

By Kerry Lynch

Not only is the nascent advanced air mobility (AAM) sector plying new technologies in the aviation industry, but it is also challenging how the rotorcraft segment defines itself. This latter point was made apparent last night when Helicopter Association International (HAI) announced an updated identity: Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

Likewise, the Heli-Expo name for the association’s annual gathering will be retired after the 2024 edition closes on Thursday, with the new show moniker to be Verticon, now scheduled for March 2025 in Dallas.

Unveiled during the association’s welcome reception yesterday evening at Heli-Expo, the rebranding comes as the association closes out the celebrations of its 75th anniversary. “We’ve got all kinds of great things

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Bell 412EP flew in on Friday to the Anaheim Convention Center for Heli-Expo 2024.

SUSTAINABILITY

SAF at Fullerton

VAI promotes sustainable aviation fuel for turbine helicopters at this year’s show | 06

AVIONICS

Tech upgrade

Genesys and XP Services develop add-on STC to modify “Lima” Black Hawk | 20

CONNECTIVITY

Better data exchange Leonardo‘s AW09 offers wireless real-time HUMS | 23

GFC 600H autopilot transforms IFR flight

By Matt Thurber

Garmin’s GFC 600H helicopter flight control system (HFCS) has been enhanced with the addition of a stability augmentation system (SAS), which qualifies it for IFR configuration. The first helicopter to incorporate the IFR-configured GFC 600H is Leonardo’s AW109 Trekker, which has received EASA approval—to be followed by FAA certification.

The GFC 600H IFR configuration adds collective control, making it a four-axis HFCS and also the first time collective control has been available with that Garmin autopilot.

The IFR GFC 600H includes GFS 83 smart servos in four axes and one GLA 85 smart linear actuator each for pitch, yaw, and roll. This eliminates the need for dual linear actuators in each axis and flight control computers, according to Garmin, “resulting in a digital system that is lightweight and cost

effective while still providing the redundancy required for IFR flight.” Control of the HFCS is with a console-mounted, night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible GMC 605H mode controller.

Autopilot modes include altitude acquire and hold, approach auto-level, radar height hold, vertical speed, indicated airspeed, heading select, attitude hold, and level mode for return to straight-and-level flight during inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions or to avoid disorientation in degraded visual environments. The GFC 600H can also fly various instrument approach procedures using appropriate navigation inputs.

The addition of collective control helps the pilot manage power and adds “functions that can enhance safety and reduce pilot workload,” according to Garmin. This includes flying hands-off the controls during cruise, transition to hover, and hovering. The HFCS

incorporates safety features such as low height protection, which “can help prevent controlled descent into terrain by automatically raising the collective to reduce descending vertical speed.” It also enables power limiting by lowering the collective to prevent engine exceedances. Garmin’s Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection is also part of the original GFC 600H and helps keep the helicopter inside a safe envelope when hand-flying.

Garmin also recently unveiled new slimline com and navcom radios designed for fixedand rotary-wing aircraft, with a 1.3-inch bezel height and full-color liquid-crystal displays. The GTR 205 com radio comes standard at 10-watt power output with optional 16 watts and NVG compatibility. The radio allows pilots to monitor a standby frequency while remaining on the active frequency. It also has a built-in timer, worldwide frequencies with memory and instant recall, and the ability to search the frequency database by airport identifier.

The GNC 215 navcom has the same radio features as the GTR 205 plus VHF nav, VOR/ ILS with localizer and glideslope, navaid lookup, and automatic station ID.

Retail price of the GTR 205 is $2,695 and the GNC 215 is $5,295. z

Making the transition

Those transitioning from the military to a civilian flying career were given a helping hand yesterday afternoon at the “Mil2Civ” workshop at Heli-Expo 2024. Topics covered included logging PIC and flight times in accordance with FAA rules; writing an aviation resume and nailing the interview; avoiding common stumbling points for military aviators in the commercial helicopter industry; and learning the art of networking.

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MD Helicopters keeps focus on MD500 series

By Mark Huber

“We’re not there yet.” That was the sober assessment of the state of affairs at MD Helicopters (MDH) given yesterday by company CEO Brad Pedersen at Heli-Expo 2024.

While Pedersen lauded the progress made over the last year in terms of bolstering its supply chain, he said the work is not done and it could be another six to 12 months before “we get our whole supply chain healthy.”

MDH COO Harvey Ticlo said the Mesa, Arizona company was “experiencing significant increases in lead times” in supplier parts and was working closely with them to provide better long-term demand forecasting. But even with these measures, due to inflation and other pressures, prices of some parts have tripled, while other suppliers simply have dropped out and replacements need to be found and qualified.

Despite these challenges, MDH grew its aftermarket sales by 62 percent and built nine and delivered 10 helicopters in 2023. It plans to increase deliveries to 16 helicopters this year toward an eventual ramp-up to a

production rate of 30 per year. During 2023, it secured orders for 30 helicopters: 25 military variants and five civil. Pedersen said the MDH actually has the tooling to make 50 per year.

The company is continuing its post-bankruptcy strategy of focusing on, supporting, and adding to its installed fleet of 1,700 MD500-series helicopters while preparing to jettison its Model 902 twin and possibly its Model 600 single. Pedersen admitted

that MDH “does not have the time or the capital” to resurrect the 902 and is actively seeking a buyer to take over product support and possibly restart production. MDH could have a related announcement in the next few months. With regard to the MD600, MDH is supporting it when it can, but it is clearly not a top-line priority.

To emphasize its focus on the 500 series, MDH has launched a “fielded fleet upgrades” program that the company says provides owners of the installed fleet of 1,100 of those helicopters that are likely upgrade candidates with cost-effective, performance-enhancing airframe modifications. They include longer main and tail rotor blades, tail rotor gearbox extensions, longer tail rotor drive shafts, and/or engine upgrades, depending on th e model.

Associated performance increases include almost 300 pounds of additional useful load on the Super D and Super E and significantly better hot/high hover performance on the Super N. All of these enhancements can be completed in the field by select MDH-authorized service centers or the MD Helicopters factory in Mesa.

MDH said the price of the upgrades will be approximately $400,000 plus the cost of the engine and will require approximately 350 man-hours. The company hopes to be able to offer the upgrades via service bulletin, as opposed to an FAA supplemental type certificate, beginning in the third quarter.

Several “Super” models are on display this week at Heli-Expo 2024, including a Super D, a glass cockpit-equipped Super E, and a Super N. The display also includes the Huntington Beach (California) Police Department’s new MD530F. MDH will showcase Airwolf Aerospace’s selected STC for the TSO-certified True Blue Power TB17 lithium-ion battery as a factory option for the MD500E, MD530F, and the AH530 models. The battery offers a 63 percent weight reduction and an average eight-year lifespan.

MDH is soliciting customer input at HeliExpo via survey kiosks located in its booth. Each MD operator who completes the survey will receive a $50 gift card. Another booth event is a presentation of $12,000 in WhirlyGirls and Embry-Riddle turbine transition scholarships at 2:00 p.m. today. z

MDH launched a “fielded fleet upgrades” program, which includes improvements that give both the Super D and Super E nearly 300 more pounds of useful load.

Brad Pedersen, CEO of MD Helicopters, estimates that it may take up to a year to ensure the health of the company’s supply chain.

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Sustainable fuel takes

flight at Heli-Expo 2024

By Curt Epstein

For the first time ever, Vertical Aviation International (VAI) is promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for turbine helicopters at Heli-Expo. Show organizers said 60 aircraft arrived over the weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center for the 2024 convention, including 45 flown from a staging area at Fullerton Municipal Airport, where SAF is being stocked specifically for the event.

At Fullerton, VAI has SAF sourced from Titan Aviation Fuels with the assistance of local FBO General Aviation Co. The latter company will dispense it on Thursday into static-display helicopters departing the show.

SAF is produced from organic materials such as waste oils, algae, fats, alcohols,

sugars, and captured carbon dioxide. In its neat (unblended) form, it can reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80 percent compared to traditional petroleum-based jet-A. This is important for the aviation industry, which—according to the Environmental Protection Agency—contributes up to 12 percent of the U.S. transportation sector’s emissions.

Currently, SAF makes up a tiny portion of the overall fuel supply and comes at a higher cost than jet-A—two factors that need to be overcome, according to VAI president and CEO James Viola. “VAI is doing what we can to bring down the cost of SAF and increase its use,” he said, adding that the organization recognizes the importance of reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.

“Some aviation customers or clients will

prefer using operators who use SAF as it upholds their corporate values or permits them to report a reduced environmental impact,” he noted.

VAI told AIN that it had enough SAF brought in to meet exhibiting company demand, with the organization covering the difference between the price of SAF and jet-A. At present, turbine helicopters are authorized to use up to a 50 percent SAF blend.

However, rotorcraft and engine OEMs have been steadily testing their products with higher percentage SAF blends to ensure compatibility with the renewable fuel. In November 2021, Airbus was the first to demonstrate the use of 100 percent SAF in flight, with one engine of an H225 burning it in a demonstration. That was followed seven months later by a flight with both Safran Makila 2 engines running on neat SAF.

Last February, during a test flight a Bell 505 became the first single-engine helicopter to fly on 100 percent SAF. OEMs are hoping to receive approvals for 100 percent SAF blends in their turbine helicopters in the coming years. z

Heli-Expo sponsors career fair events

Job seekers looking for pilot and maintainer positions have the opportunity to participate in two career events this week at Heli-Expo 2024—“Mil2Civ” and a job fair.

Mil2Civ, a workshop tailored to those transitioning from the military, was held yesterday afternoon.

Today, the Heli-Expo Industry Career Fair will connect job seekers and recruiters from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Anaheim Convention Center (Level 3, Ballroom AB). Job seekers are reminded to dress appropriately, bring copies of up-todate resumes, and be prepared to discuss accomplishments and goals.

Resume reviewers will be available onsite for consultation, and there will be an opportunity to print an updated resume. M.H.

Discussing the use of SAF at the fly-in were (l-r): Chris Martino, VAI’s senior director of operations; Rod Anderson, co-owner of HeliStream; Kelly Liken, a manager at HeliStream; Zac Noble, VAI’s director of flight operations and maintenance; and Chuck Street, VAI Western U.S. regional rep.

David Smith takes helm at Robinson Helicopter

By Mark Huber

After more than 40 years with the California helicopter maker founded by his father Frank, Kurt Robinson announced his retirement from Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) this morning at Heli-Expo. Robinson, 66, spent most of his professional career at the company from its inception, later becoming v-p of operations and formally taking over leadership of the company when the late Frank Robinson retired in 2010. Kurt Robinson is an experienced helicopter pilot and attorney who also holds an MBA. He said he didn’t want to lead the privately-held company anywhere as long as his father, who retired at age 80. He said he planned to remain active in the helicopter industry, offering counsel and primarily dealing with safety issues, and that the company would continue to be privately held.

Effective immediately, David Smith will take over as president and CEO. Smith joined Robinson last year as v-p of operations after a long career at Bell in engineering, program management, product development, and senior executive positions including chief engineer for the Bell 505 and supervisor of IPT engineering and systems engineering on the

NEWS • NOTE

Guardian Mobility has expanded its product line of airborne connectivity terminals, with the G6 and G6-S Certus satcoms now approved on Iridium’s Next satellite network. The terminals operate on the mid-band of the Next system with bi-directional 88 Kbps transmission speed.

“We can support applications such as live video, automated flight following, realtime images, health monitoring, and more while significantly lowering operational costs,” according to Guardian Mobility COO Stephane Momy.

Bell 525. He also led the Textron Aviation unit TRU Simulation & Training. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in aeronautics and astronautics as well as an MBA from Texas McCombs School of Business.

“Moving forward, RHC requires a committed, strong leader who shares our company values, and we’ve found that leader in David Smith,” Kurt Robinson said. “With his strategic experience and passion for our industry, David is well-poised to lead Robinson Helicopter Company into an exciting future marked by continued innovation, success, and global leadership.”

Speaking to AIN before the announcement, Smith said he planned to continue RHC’s dedication to quality and vertically integrated manufacturing but also planned to pursue new product development, noting that the company boosted its engineering staff by 50 percent in 2023. Smith said the extra engineering muscle would give RHC “the resources and depth for enhancements of our existing products including improvements in specialmission equipment.” Smith said RHC would continue to produce aircraft that are paired to customer needs. “High volume, simple, and reliable. That’s really where we’ve been, that’s where we are, and that’s where we want to continue to go.”

For now, at RHC new helicopter orders and deliveries are increasing. But despite producing significantly more parts and components in 2023 than it did in the previous two years, output is still lagging behind demand, even with nearly 300 helicopters manufactured last year. “We are seeing a surge in orders, which has not yet abated. We produced 40 more helicopters in 2023 than we did in 2022,” said Kurt Robinson. “And yet if you want an R66, you’re still looking at second quarter of 2025, which to us is unacceptable.”

Smith said the company is tackling the problem in part by beefing up its human

resources staff and placing greater focus on employee recruitment and retention, noting that RHC increased its headcount from 1,000 to 1,100 last year.

Reflecting on his career earlier this month, Kurt Robinson said, “I love this industry and I love what we are doing.” Speaking to AIN last year, he recalled helping build the company’s first hangar at Zamperini Field in Torrance, a small, ramshackle affair with an outhouse, and doing data analysis when not attending high school and later college in San Diego. While he initially had no plans to work for the company after college or graduate school, his father lured him back, in exchange for free housing. “At that point, the hook was set. From there, I don’t think there was any doubt that I was going to be part of the company,” he said. “Life is so much more interesting if you get passionate about what you do.” z

Editorial inquiries: Charles Alcock calcock@ainonline.com, +44 7799 907595

Advertising inquiries: Victoria Tod vtod@ainonline.com, +1 (203) 733-4184

David Smith (left) takes over as CEO of Robinson Helicopters as Kurt Robinson retires.

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LCI: Offshore helo shortage persists

By Mark Huber

The current shortage of offshore helicopters isn’t going away anytime soon, according to Nigel Leishman, the chief commercial officer at helicopter lessor LCI. He told AIN that demand for offshore lift is now above preCovid levels. “It’s just pure demand. There’s just more activity out there and there’s actually fewer helicopters available.”

And the problem isn’t just that the OEMs are having di ffi culties ramping production due to lingering supply chain problems. Many of the helicopters that were parked during the Covid slump are now flying elsewhere. “A lot of the helicopters that moved out of the oil and gas market during the downturn have gone on to other roles and are no longer available.”

Approximately 30 percent of LCI’s 150 helicopter fleet fly offshore energy missions, with much of the remainder deployed in the air ambulance and search-and-rescue sectors. The company mainly owns products from Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo.

However, all three of these sectors have been impacted by supply-chain disruptions,

and Leishman said LCI is working with its customers and the OEMs to mitigate those disruptions, in addition to ordering more helicopters. But he cautioned that new orders alone were unlikely to bring quick relief to surging demand.

“[We can] possibly help with new ordering, but it is not necessarily going to be to the same extent that we saw in previous years,” he said. Earlier this month, LCI placed an order for 10 and options for 11 more Leonardo new-generation twins, including the AW139, AW169, and AW189.

Rather, Leishman remarked that LCI is counseling its customers to expand their timelines. He also noted that end-users “still are not in a position where they are really planning that far in advance. They’re putting contracts out there with start dates within six months or 12 months while the lead time for new helicopter [deliveries] is 24 months or more.

“While we are looking at ways we can possibly provide some helicopters [to these clients], we also need to educate them that they just can’t expect helicopters to be sitting there on the ramp when they come out to tender

[new contracts].”

Leishman said the situation has led to LCI negotiating longer-term contracts and raising rates. He added that operator contracts with “termination for convenience” clauses were not helpful. “From our point of view, it means that it is very difficult for us to justify buying new helicopters.” He said end-users were becoming more receptive to this messaging over the last few months. z

Avidyne adds night NVG compatibility to IFD FMS units

Avionics manufacturer Avidyne has added optional night vision goggle (NVG) compatibility to its IFD series flight management system (FMS) products. These include the IFD550, IFD545, IFD540, and IFD510, and the option retails for $3,600. Avidyne is adding the NVG option for other FMS models.

Adding the NVG compatibility to the IFD avionics involved adding “special LEDs that change the spectral distribution of the backlighting—generally making reds and yellows much less bright while not afecting greens and blues,” according to Avidyne. Pilots can switch the NVG lighting to normal during daylight operations.

Avidyne’s FMS products ofer additional helicopter-specific features such as helicopter approaches, helipad database, powerline database, radar altitude, RS-170 video, wireless connectivity, and Avidyne’s “hybrid-touch” user interface, which allows pilots to use either a touchscreen or knobs and buttons to control the IFD. The wireless connectivity enables importing of ForeFlight searchand-rescue patterns. M.T.

The AW169, which carries up to eight passengers, is designed with low vibration levels to help reduce fatigue for crewmembers. It has a maximum range of 424 nm and top cruise speed of 267 km/h.

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Life-saving flights for injured K9 officers

By Curt Epstein

Utah-based aeromedical provider Intermountain Life Flight launched a program to provide medical transport for the state’s highly-trained public safety animals that require immediate

care or are injured in the line of duty.

“Operational K9s are essential to our public service community,” said company director of clinical operations Tammy Bleak. “These animals are involved in EMS, search and rescue, law enforcement, fire rescue,

Leonardo offers demo flights in VxR simulator

Leonardo brought its full-scale Virtual and Extended Reality Simulator (VxR) to Heli-Expo 2024 and is ofering demonstration flights this week during the show. The VxR simulator, configured as an IFR AW119Kx, includes a motion base attached to the cockpit and an instructor station.

The simulator’s motion base is a sixdegrees-of-freedom short-throw device, which is possible because it doesn’t need larger actuators to support a visual system dome. This also means that it occupies less space. By wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset, the trainee can interact with the simulator’s real controls, knobs, and but -

tons while seeing the outside view superimposed inside the headset.

Capable of replicating VFR and IFR

FEMS, narcotics detection, and TSA.”

She explained that training for these dogs can range between $40,000 and $70,000, and when one is injured it represents a loss to the community and the agency involved. Up until now, there was no formal process to help them when they require medical care, Bleak noted.

Designed to serve the entire state of Utah and its roster of nearly 100 service dogs, Intermountain will transport the K9 and its handler to one of several predesignated animal hospitals. “This is analogous to human medicine where a severe trauma victim might be diverted to a Level 1 Trauma hospital rather than transported to a closer or smaller medical facility,” stated Laura McClain, veterinary director for Intermountain’s K9 transport program.

The K9 service—just the third of its kind in the U.S.—was developed in collaboration with local veterinarians, animal hospitals, and public safety agencies. It comes after the West Jordan Police Department lost K9 officer Maya in 2022 when she was shot and killed by a fugitive who was trying to escape apprehension.

“This is a terrific program and a vital resource for our officers and their K9s,” said Kendall Holt, a member of the West Jordan Police Department. “The loss of Maya was an immeasurable pain that we felt from that day, and we are still trying to recover from it.” z

helicopters, the VxR is designed to meet FAA flight training device level 6 and 7 qualifications. Initial FAA certification is planned for this year, with EASA qualification to follow in 2025. Two VxR simulators have been completed and will be placed at Leonardo’s training academies in Sesto Calende, Italy, and in the U.S. in Philadelphia.

Leonardo can reconfigure the simulator to replicate the AW09, AW119, and AW109 helicopters using previously qualified level-D full-flight simulator flight dynamics and performance data, as well as cockpit components. The helicopter manufacturer is also making the VxR simulators available to helicopter industry clients. M.T.

Local veterinarians, animal hospitals, and public safety agencies contributed to the development of the Intermountain Life Flight program that provides air transport for public safety animals.

With a small footprint, Leonardo’s VR simulator takes up very little space.

Helicopter Association

International is now Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

We are expanding and strengthening our commitment to our members as they explore new heights in vertical aviation. VAI provides connection, education, advocacy, safety, and support to everyone associated with our industry. And together, we will strengthen communities around the world through the power of vertical flight. Learn more, visit verticalavi.org

VAI honors Salute to Excellence award winners at Heli-Expo 2024

By Jessica Reed

Each year during Heli-Expo, VAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards recognize individuals and organizations who achieve incredible feats while supporting their local communities and the helicopter industry as a whole. This year’s awards were bestowed upon these recipients last evening at the VAI President’s Salute to Excellence Reception.

Matthew S. Zuccaro Land & LIVE Award

Steve Buhagiar and David Sidorski received the 2024 Salute to Excellence Matthew S. Zuccaro Land & LIVE Award. This award recognizes individuals for their aeronautical decision-making skills, management of crew resources, and/or a helicopter pilot(s), flight crewmember(s), and/or maintenance personnel performing coordinated actions.

In September 2022, pilots Buhagiar and Sidorski faced a critical emergency while flying a Bristow Group Leonardo AW139 helicopter—with four passengers onboard—from an offshore oil platform to Houma, Louisiana. Seven minutes from the airport, they encountered thick smoke in the cockpit from an overhead panel fire, leading to engine racing and an unintended rapid climb. They managed to maintain control by strategically idling engines and adjusting rotor rpm. This included breaking a window for smoke clearance and performing risky maneuvers to decrease altitude. The helicopter eventually landed safely, resulting in only one minor injury. The incident, later attributed to faulty wiring, demonstrated exceptional pilot skill and teamwork during a crisis.

Pilot of the Year Award

Michael Sagely, a senior pilot with the Air Operations unit at the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD), received the 2024 Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Year Award for his exceptional professionalism and leadership in helicopter and UAS aviation.

Beginning his aviation career in the U.S. Army in 1984, Sagely distinguished himself in flight school. He served notably in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, earning multiple accolades including seven Air Medals and a Bronze Star. Post-military, he worked in aerial firefighting, leveraging his combat experience for effective wildland firefighting. Joining LACFD in 2009, Sagely quickly became a senior pilot, earning recognition for multiple rescues and lifesaving missions. “If I were to highlight one piece of my career, it is my focus on the overall health of the organizations where I work,” Sagely said, “from adjusting attitudes and approaches to work to creating processes and procedures that help everything run more efficiently and safely.”

Communications Award

Bryan Matuskey, production team leader/videographer at Rotor Pro magazine, received VAI’s 2024 Salute to Excellence Communications Award. This award honors outstanding information dissemination in the vertical aviation industry.

Matuskey, influenced by a creatively inclined family and early exposure to aviation, transformed his video hobby into a career. He formed his own business in 2006, and his work includes promotional and training videos for the aviation sector, particularly for Guidance Aviation. At Rotor Pro, he’s known for crafting immersive video narratives that complement the magazine’s content, producing more than 130 industry-specific videos, and designing editions in English and Spanish.

Matuskey remarked that, of his projects, he is most proud of “those that show the unique ways helicopters save, serve, and protect people around the world. For instance, a video I did on helicopter EMS

was instrumental in initiating foreign governments to adopt EMS helicopter operations.”

operations

Steve Buhagiar and David Sidorski, Bristow helicopter pilots

Michael Sagely senior pilot LACFD Air Ops

Bryan Matuskey production team leader/ videographer at Rotor Pro

SINGLE [R]EVOLUTION

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W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award

Catherine Press, CEO of Chinook Helicopters, has been honored with the 2024 Salute to Excellence W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award.

Recognized for her exceptional contributions to helicopter flight instruction, Press is a trailblazer in the Canadian aviation industry. Starting to fly at age 11 and becoming one of Canada’s first female helicopter pilots, she has amassed more than 10,000 hours of flight instruction time. She is Canada’s first female helicopter flight instructor and the only person in the country with Transport Canada pilot examiner status for both airplanes and helicopters.

Press transformed Chinook Helicopters into a major flight school—with 16 helicopters and 14 airplanes—and developed in-house flight training devices. She has received numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate and the DCAM Flight Instructor Safety Award.

Humanitarian Service Award

Rainbow Helicopters received the 2024 Humanitarian Service Award for aiding the town of Lahaina in Maui after a devastating fire. The award highlights the critical role of rotorcraft in community aid. Responding immediately after the disaster, Rainbow Helicopters—led by owner Nicole Battjes— organized relief efforts, purchasing and flying essential supplies such as formula, diapers, and baby wipes to Maui using the company’s Airbus AS350.

The team, including mechanics, pilots, and volunteers, worked tirelessly, extending shifts and volunteering time for this cause. A GoFundMe account raised more than $76,000, which was used entirely for affected families. Rainbow Helicopters conducted 13 relief missions, carrying some 5,500 pounds of supplies in partnership with local nonprofits. Its humanitarian efforts extended into the holiday season when it provided food and gifts and flew Santa Claus to Maui for children and families in need.

Law Enforcement Award

Andrew Edgerton, chief pilot of the Fairfax County Police helicopter division, has been honored with the 2024 Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award. Despite initial setbacks in his early aviator aspirations due to his less-than-perfect eyesight, Edgerton pursued aviation, earning various certificates and ratings and beginning his helicopter flight instruction in 2006.

Joining Fairfax County’s Police Helicopter Division in 2010 as a civilian line pilot, he became chief pilot in 2021. Edgerton played a crucial role during the division’s temporary relocation and the construction of a new heliport, ensuring uninterrupted, safe operations. Also serving as the division’s safety officer for seven years, he was responsible for risk assessment and maintaining regulatory compliance. Known for his commitment to community service, Edgerton participates in front-line duties to support his team and serve the community.

Safety Award

Rex Alexander, founder and president of Five-Alpha, has been awarded the 2024 Salute to Excellence Safety Award. Alexander, a veteran rotorcraft professional, has significantly advanced safety in the vertical aviation industry. After beginning his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army in 1985, he transitioned to the Indiana Army National Guard and eventually to the civilian sector, flying for the offshore oil and gas industry and as an air ambulance pilot. He also worked for the Indiana Association of Air Medical Services and the National EMS Pilots Association, where he served as president. Alexander’s contributions include developing heliport safety standards, co-chairing the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team’s Infrastructure Working Group, and playing a key role in the development and funding of the HEMS Weather Tool. He serves as an infrastructure advisor, teaches safety courses, and chairs the National Fire Protection Association’s Helicopter Facilities Technical Committee.

Catherine Press CEO, Chinook Helicopters

The team at Rainbow Helicopters

Andrew Edgerton chief pilot of Fairfax County Police’s helicopter division

Rex Alexander Five-Alpha founder, president

New Salute to Excellence Award Honors

Harold Summers

VAI on Monday presented a new Salute to Excellence award—the Harold Summers Legacy Award—to Zhilin Summers in honor of the legacy of her late husband. Harold “Hal” Summers worked with Petroleum Helicopters Inc. (PHI) for four decades before he took on the role of director of maintenance at HAI in 2004.

At the association, he was involved in numerous working groups. Summers was also active in industry working groups, as well as national and international regulatory committees, working until he passed away in October 2021 at age 83.

A decade before his passing, Summers was recognized with the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in honor of his 50 years of work in aircraft maintenance.

“In recognition of her unwavering support for her late husband, the inaugural award recipient of the Harold Summers Legacy Award is Zhilin Summers,” said VAI president and CEO James Viola. “This new award recognizes Harold’s passion for the industry, particularly his enduring efforts to make every part of our industry better.”

Viola added, “Throughout his career, subordinates, peers, and leaders all recognized Harold’s ‘by-the-book’ work ethic. Except when he would disagree with ‘the book.’ Then he was by the book in his efforts to change ‘the book.’ Because of his passion for our industry and his willingness to share his knowledge, our industry is indeed better as the result of his efforts.”

Harold Summers

Golden Hour Award

The neonatal/pediatric transport team at Children’s Health in Dallas has been awarded the 2024 Salute to Excellence Golden Hour Award. This award recognizes the team’s outstanding contribution to air medical transportation, particularly in neonatal critical care.

The team is noted for its efficient use of the critical “golden six hours,” the crucial period following a traumatic birth during which neonatal therapeutic hypothermia must be initiated to reduce complications and prevent brain and organ damage.

In July 2022, nurse Alex Cross, respiratory therapist Korey Roberts, and paramedic Hali Henry transported a prematurely born baby with multiple complications from a local North Texas hospital to Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Using their Sikorsky S-76C++ equipped for critical neonatal and pediatric needs, the transport team was able to significantly aid the infant’s recovery.

Maintenance Award

Michael “Yippy” Yip, director of maintenance at Becker Helicopter Services, has been awarded the 2024 Salute to Excellence Maintenance Award. This award recognizes Yip’s long-standing excellence in rotorcraft maintenance and management.

Yip, who started his career in 1977 and joined Becker Helicopter Services in 2009, has more than 40 years of experience in various aviation maintenance roles. He is renowned for his skills in maintenance, management, team building, and enhancing safety.

Yip has fostered relationships between pilots and engineers, creating a cohesive and safe working environment. He has implemented programs for staff cross-training and direct interactions as well as monthly pilot maintenance meetings. Yip’s commitment to safety extends to in-house training and contributions to industry-wide initiatives, including his proactive approach to safety management systems and night-vision goggles training for engineers.

Yip’s philosophy emphasizes investing in his team, advocating for their needs, and fostering a culture where safety is a collective responsibility.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Anthony “Tony” Cosimano has received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, which “salutes excellence in management and leadership and is granted to an individual for long and significant service to the international vertical aviation community,” according to VAI. Cosimano’s 60-year career showcases remarkable contributions to the helicopter industry.

Beginning his journey in 1956, inspired by a Bell 47 helicopter, Cosimano pursued an aviation career at the University of Michigan and West Point, earning his helicopter wings in 1963. He served in Vietnam, flying Bell UH-1B helicopters, and post-military he flew for Chesapeake & Potomac Airways. In 1968, he co-founded Decair Helicopters, providing services including support at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

Cosimano also created the Helicopter Emergency Lift Program (HELP) for community aid. His later career involved management roles in various companies, contributing to the development of the AW139 and starting International Aircraft Purchase & Lease. z

Neonatal/pediatric transport team at Children’s Health in Dallas

Michael Yip, Becker Helicopter Services director of maintenance

Anthony “Tony” Cosimano, helicopter pilot

MD Helicopters soars with comeback year

By Mark Huber

MD Helicopters booked orders for 25 helicopters last year, marking its highest annual order intake since 2008. A company spokesman told AIN that the orders were almost evenly split between military and civil models.

In addition to an order for 12 helicopters from the Nigerian federal government, recent commercial transactions involved MD530Fs designated for multi-use missions. These civil variants included VIP aircraft for Clemens Aviation and utility aircraft for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and WCF Aerospace on behalf of Skydance Helicopters, a company that specializes in power line services.

“This achievement is a testament to our dedicated team and the trust our customers have in us,” said Jason Lindauer, MD v-p of sales and marketing. “We have an aggressive campaign underway to meet face-to-face with our customers, suppliers, and prospects to gather firsthand feedback and to continue to strengthen relationships.”

MD has instituted a variety of process improvements over the last year, according to the company. They include improving customer support, increasing investment in direct communications with customers, enhancing manufacturing efficiencies, ensuring in-stock spares availability, and maintaining healthy supplier relationships.

Mesa, Arizona-based MD Helicopters

Mesa, Arizona-based MD Helcipopters is focusing on product support and ramping up production.

emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2022 and appointed a new board of directors, CEO, and senior executives with the stated intention of rebuilding product support and gradually ramping up helicopter production. z

Black Hawk Lima to fly with Genesys avionics

By Matt Thurber

Genesys Aerosystems and XP Services are developing an add-on supplemental type certificate (STC) to the Black Hawk Alpha STC to modify the Sikorsky UH-60L “Lima” Black Hawk with a full Genesys avionics suite. Completion of the STC is expected in the fourth quarter, and Seaview Aviation of Camarillo, California, will supply the first two modified UH-60Ls “for their contract deliveries to an Australian customer,” according to Genesys.

The upgraded avionics include Genesys’ IDU-680 displays with synthetic vision and built-in flight management system; helicopter terrain awareness and warning system; georeferenced hover vector; interface with Genesys’ open architecture system integration symbology toolset; dual GPS/SBAS nav receivers, U.S. Coast Guard search-and-rescue patterns; user-defined instrument approaches; engine indication and crew alerting system; four-axis IFR-certified autopilot; and Genesys digital radio navcoms.

“As the U.S. Army releases more Lima

models for civilian or foreign military use,” said Jamie Luster, Genesys director of sales and marketing, “Genesys wants to ensure operators are able to utilize fully modernized Black Hawks with a better return on their investment while increasing the aircraft’s operational life and mission effectiveness.” z

UK CAA gives OK to Horizon’s AML-STC

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has given a nod to Horizon Design Services’ approved model list supplemental type certificate (AML-STC) for installation of Avidyne IFD navigators in nine helicopter models. This approval, which was also validated by the FAA, covers the replacement of Garmin GNS navigators with Avidyne’s IFD-series FMS/GPS navigators in the Airbus Helicopters AS350, AS355, EC120, EC130, and EC135; Leonardo A109 and A119; and Bell 206 and 407.

Development of the AML-STC simplifies the replacement process, so avionics dealers and maintenance facilities don’t have to go through the time-consuming field approval process. “We are making this STC package available for helicopter MROs at a nominal cost, allowing for an easier transition from obsolete GNS systems to the highly capable Avidyne IFDseries slide-in replacement navigators,” said Michael Hodby, managing director of Horizon Design Services.

Avidyne’s IFD series are slide-in replacements for Garmin GNS 430/530/W navigators and feature knob/button and touchscreen controls, 3D synthetic vision, RS-170 video support, and more. M.T.

Airbus expands support for HUMS customers

To meet the needs of helicopter operators with contracts that specify OEM-approved health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) solutions, Airbus Helicopters has expanded its ability to incorporate information from GPMS’ Foresight MX HUMS. An agreement between GPMS and Airbus covers the helicopter manufacturer’s H125, H130, EC135, EC145, and AS332 models.

Operators of these helicopters equipped with the GPMS HUMS can share data with Airbus and have the option to enroll in the Air-

bus FlyScan service, which ofers improved remote support and proactive monitoring with maintenance guidance, according to GPMS. FlyScan enables Airbus to provide tailored recommendations and airworthiness determinations. Features of the GPMS HUMS include engine performance monitoring and flight data monitoring.

“Operators, and often contract requirements, have mandated the use of OEMvalidated and -supported HUMS solutions,” said GPMS v-p of sales Todd Powers. M.T.

Among the upgraded avionics are Genesys’ IDU-680 displays with synthetic vision and built-in flight management system, four-axis IFR-certified autopilot, and Genesys digital radio navcoms.

Offshore Energies UK recommends a combination of energy sources.

Tax hike triggers crisis in UK energy sector

By Mark Huber

In 2022, the UK raised the profits tax on North Sea oil and gas producers from 40 to 75 percent through 2028, raising $3.51 billion in its first year. Proceeds are partially directed as rebates to homeowners.

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the trade association of the nation’s more than 400 offshore industries and organizations, estimates that the move drove 90 percent of offshore energy firms to reduce spending in the region and that a continued lack of investment would lead to production cuts of 80 percent by 2030.

For the first six months of 2023, UK North Sea oil and gas production plunged by 13 percent from year-ago levels. Leading UK-based North Sea producers, including Harbour Energy and Apache, already have begun large layoffs as a result of the tax.

Apache also stopped drilling there in June. The contagion has spread to some offshore helicopter operators in the region, including Offshore Helicopter Services (OHS), which similarly has announced layoffs.

The UK’s opposition Labour Party has indicated that, if it wins this year’s general election, it plans to extend the offshore tax and raise the rate to 78 percent as a partial method

of funding green energy projects. OEUK opposes this move, claiming it would irreparably harm offshore oil and gas and make the UK more energy-dependent on foreign sources.

OEUK believes the country can become energy independent and meet emission reduction goals before 2050 by focusing on offshore sources combined with a strategic investment of $254 billion over the next decade. In a recently released policy document, the group recommended a series of initiatives designed to deliver more green energy in the coming decades. They include investment, tax incentives, regulatory reform, and workforce development.

“Choosing an energy transition, which is homegrown instead of imported, has the potential to turbocharge our economy, support jobs, champion our world-class supply chain, and deliver reliable supplies of clean energy in the UK. Our plan for a homegrown energy transition shows how, with the right support from all parties, our world-class offshore energy can remain a national strategic asset and lead the world,” OEUK said.

The group recommends a blend of energy sources as well as adopting new carbon capture technologies. It aims to domestically produce half of the UK’s total energy needs by 2030 and meet its net-zero emissions goal before 2050. z

Airbus to start Racer flight testing

By Charles Alcock

Airbus Helicopters is preparing to start flight testing with its Racer high-speed rotorcraft technology demonstrator in late March. Engineers at the company’s Marignane headquarters in France are now completing the installation and testing of all subsystems as they prepare to start the next phase of the program to define the configuration of a new-generation helicopter featuring rearfacing propellers in addition to a main rotor.

In 2013, Airbus achieved an unprecedented speed of 255 knots with its earlier X3 demonstrator, and now the company is looking to define what it can also deliver in terms of payload and range. “Our objective now is to get closer to an operational configuration, and also closer to what could be certified,” Racer program manager Julien Guitton told reporters during a media briefing on February 13. “We want to achieve the best possible compromise between cost, environment, and performance.”

Accordingly, the Racer flight trials are expected to target a top speed of 220 knots, which Airbus feels will represent the most efficient use of Racer’s hybrid-electric powertrain developed by Safran. Operating at 180 knots, it is expected to burn 15 percent less fuel than a conventional helicopter at 130 knots. Using the EcoMode, one of the two Safran Aneto-1X engines can be switched to standby during cruise flight

to increase fuel savings to 30 percent.

According to Racer’s chief engineer, Brice Makinadjian, Airbus and its partners have taken multiple design options to reduce drag by around 25 percent. These include a new fairing design, narrowing the fuselage while not reducing the size of the cabin, an asymmetrical tail boom, and a box wing featuring an integrated landing gear. By having two smaller wings, there should be less downwash from the rotors, making for more efficient hover performance.

Enstrom opens repair station in Michigan

Enstrom Helicopter has opened a new FAA-approved repair station within its factory in Menominee, Michigan, the company said. At the location, the company will provide helicopter maintenance, damage repairs, upgrades, and component overhauls at the facility, stafed with what it calls premier repair experts.

“This is a significant upgrade to what customers might have experienced before,” said Enstrom vice president of product support

Doug Smith. “We’ve completely refurbished the facility with new equipment, new tools, new storage, and countless other quality-of-life improvements. It was a huge investment of time and resources, but the results speak for themselves.”

All Enstrom repair station processes fully comply with the latest FAA requirements. Enstrom is now seeking approval from EASA and the UK CAA to better support customers in Europe. G.P.

Airbus is also looking to achieve lower noise levels during approach and takeoff by adjusting the attitude and speed of the aircraft with preset autopilot commands. “This means we can control the trajectory of the disk blade vortex and also by deploying flaps on the wing,” Makinadjian explained.

As it continues to prepare the way for a new high-speed helicopter, Airbus is aiming to achieve a high degree of system commonality with conventional aircraft in order to reduce costs. This could see it deploy the same gearbox, tail rotor, and avionics for future models.

The Racer is expected to log around 200 flight hours over the course of a two-year demonstration program. The first flight will mark the end of the European Union-backed CleanSky 2 program that has involved 40 partners from 13 countries.

“This will be the real start of the Racer program,” Guitton said. “First we will open up the envelope and explore the maximum speed, and then we will focus on payload, range, and maneuverability.”

Airbus is planning to demonstrate various civil and parapublic missions that could include emergency medical support. It is also in discussions over possible military applications. z

The hybrid-electric Racer features a box wing and a pair of pusher propellers at each wingtip.

Leonardo AW09 to offer wireless HUMS system

By Mark Huber

Leonardo is offering both on-the-ground wireless and real-time, in-flight connectivity on its in-development AW09 single. The system will allow automatic wireless data porting on the ground or live in-air transmission of health usage and monitoring (HUMS) data from the helicopter.

The system is being developed in cooperation with Spidertracks, Safran Helicopter Engines, and Garmin. It can work in concert with a Spidertracks solution or independently with another provider via a convenient plug-in port for live in-flight tracking and data transmissions, as well as enabling in-cabin Wi-Fi.

Offloaded data will be transmitted directly to Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines. The heart of the system is the Garmin GDL 60 datalink, which weighs less than 2.3 pounds. That unit connects directly to the AW09’s Garmin G3000H avionics suite via Wi-Fi or cellular to facilitate the exchange of data, including flight plans and avionics system and database updates.

The data exchange is designed to be completely transparent for both Leonardo and the

customer. “It is not just about putting a piece of technology or equipment on the helicopter. It’s about what we can do with the data and how we can simplify the life of the client,” a company spokesman told AIN

Leonardo plans to offer the basic on-theground solution as standard equipment on the AW09; however, customers will be able to expand that with optional additional services such as 24/7 predictive logistics, dashboard analytics, and enhanced technical support via Leonardo Digital Services.

The system already has undergone ground tests and will fly for the first time aboard the AW09 PS5 test aircraft that is expected to make its first flight soon. It will join aircraft PS4 in completing the AW09’s certification requirements. AW09 certification is expected around mid-2025.

Leonardo currently holds 60 commitments for the AW09. The AW09 is powered by a 1,000-shp Safran Arriel 2K engine and has a cruise speed of 140 knots as well as a maximum range of 430 nm. A mockup of the medevac-outfitted AW09 is on display at the show this week. z

MARIANO ROSALES

Leonardo is now offering wireless health usage and monitoring on its AW09.

Airbus looks to increase rotorcraft production

By Charles Alcock

Last year saw Airbus Helicopters logging encouraging—and hopefully sustainable—levels of growth, with net orders rising by more than 8 percent to 393. Announced as part of the European aerospace and defense group’s 2023 financial results on February 15, the company said the new business was spread across all its helicopter programs and amounted to a book-to-bill ratio above 1:1, both in terms of units and value.

Revenues for the division were 6 percent up at €2.7 billion ($2.9 billion). More impressively, its earnings showed the highest rate of increase among all Airbus business units, climbing by 19 percent to €307 million.

As with much of the rest of the rotorcraft industry, Airbus continues to face production and customer support challenges resulting from pinch-points in its complex supply chain. But this hasn’t discouraged it from implementing new technologies and performance improvements across its product family.

For instance, the latest innovation for the H130 helicopter will see a three-axis autopilot introduced.

This is now being developed with Garmin and should be certified in 2025, at which point it will be available for retrofit under an STC and as an option for new aircraft. This will protect pilots throughout all stages of flight and include a recovery mode.

According to Jérôme Ronssin, head of Airbus’ light helicopter program, the company is still determining whether to make the H130 capable of flying in IFR conditions. This capability is now available for its H125 sibling through a supplemental type certificate, and an example of this aircraft is on display at the Heli-Expo show this week with supplier Genesys Aerosystems.

From 2026, Airbus aims to start production of its H130 and H125 models at a new assembly line in India. This addition has been agreed upon under the government-backed “Made in India” program, with the exact location still to be announced.

Ronssin reported that 2023 saw Airbus’ largest number of light helicopter deliveries in the past 10 years. New business has included orders for the ACH VIP/business configuration, including one deal with Italy-based Air Corporate for 43 aircraft.

Demand Rising for H145

The European manufacturer reported strong demand for the H145 in 2023, with 186 orders, including 62 of the H145M military version. Axel Humpert, senior v-p and program head, told reporters during a pre-Heli-Expo show briefing that it was the most in-demand rotorcraft in the world last year.

There are now 1,676 H145s in service with 341 operators across 66 countries, and the worldwide fleet has logged 7.6 million flight hours. The Asia-Pacific region is home to 15 percent of these aircraft. Collectively, military and EMS applications account for just over two-thirds of all the H145s.

Over the past year, Airbus has certified several new features on the H145. These include the Helionix avionics update, including ADS-B In with a Lynx transponder, an automated flight control system that can handle assisted Cat A takeoffs from helipads, automatic hold height capability, and vortex ring state warnings.

To respond to additional requirements, the manufacturer is now working to add several other offerings. These include a police mission system, a new type of hoist, a Honeywell RDR7000 search and weather radar, ILS for Cat 2 approaches, RNP-AR 0.1 navigation system, a rotor strike avoidance system, HTAWS for offshore operations, TCAS II, and a flyable boarding step.

Humpert reported that Airbus has conducted flights with the H145 in Sea Stage 6 conditions in the North Sea. With military versions, it has demonstrated how paired drones can be controlled from the helicopter, either from the point of takeoff or by taking over control when already in flight.

Flexibility To Meet Operators’ Needs

Airbus is looking to diversify the market for its H175 twin in part by seeking framework agreements with operators covering both firm orders and options. According to program manager Jerome Fagot, the greater visibility

The helicopter division accounted for the strongest earnings growth across the Airbus group in 2023.

of demand these arrangements give both parties increases the manufacturer’s flexibility in making delivery slots available and means that it is now experiencing stronger demand for the type than the 14 helicopters booked in 2023 might indicate.

The airframer is seeking to boost the annual production rate by a factor of four by the year 2026. By then, it aims to have achieved type certification with both U.S. and Canadian regulators.

The energy sector, where Fagot said the super-medium H175 has benefitted from both Sikorsky’s scrapping of its S-76 model and uncertainty over a possible S-92 replacement, now accounts for 72 percent of the fleet.

Airbus is seeking sales growth in both business aviation, for which a 12-seat VIP cabin is available, and public service. The type certificate issued last year by the Civil Aviation Administration of China has created an opening for the geographic expansion of its customer base.

There are now 56 H175s in service. This fleet

400-flight-hour inspection and by 50 percent for the 800-hour inspection.

At the end of 2023, EASA extended the time between overhauls for the main gearbox from 1,600 to 2,400 flight hours.

With missions such as search and rescue in mind, Airbus is now investing to develop new equipment and functions including EOS, FIPS, and Helionix. The H175 can perform rescue missions beyond 200 nm from its operating base. Last year, the aircraft also demonstrated extremely hot and high performance during flight trials with prospective operators in Saudi Arabia.

H160 Prepares for North American Ops

While Airbus achieved U.S. type certification for the H160 helicopter in June 2023, followed by Transport Canada approval in December, the company still has a few modifications to complete before the twin can enter service in the North American market.

Program head Gilles Armstrong said the

logged 40,800 flight hours last year, taking the total above 210,000 hours, with the fleet leader accounting for 9,500 of these hours.

According to Fagot, in 2023, the H175s in service delivered operational cost savings and carbon dioxide reductions of around 30 percent compared to the larger S-92 and 10 percent compared with Leonardo’s AW189.

As the fleet has gained operational experience, Airbus has been able to reduce the burden in terms of maintenance tasks and hours of skilled labor by 25 percent for the

company is well placed to expand international sales with certification now complete in Mexico, the Philippines, Malaysia, and India, and the process is now underway in China.

With high expectations of demand from the energy sector, Armstrong reported that route-proving exercises will soon begin with U.S. customer PHI, and four aircraft have been delivered for this purpose. Chinese oil and gas group GDAT has 50 H160s on order for applications such as offshore transportation, wind farm support, and harbor piloting.

Last year, the manufacturer booked orders for 26 more H160s, which are set to more than double the current 25 aircraft in service. These have already logged more than 4,000 flight hours, with the fleet leader being the French Navy.

Airbus recently delivered the first VIPconfigured ACH160 Exclusive model, and another example of this version has since gone to The Helicopter Company in Saudi Arabia.

Air Corporate in Italy has three ACH160s on order, and another aircraft is going to a customer in India. Meanwhile, the manufacturer is working to secure certification for the new “Lounge” variant.

Armstrong told reporters that his team is working toward a target of producing 40 H160s each year by 2026. This would represent a doubling of output compared with 2023.

The H160 features multiple innovations that Airbus has brought to market in recent years. These include a canted fenestron to improve performance and stability with larger payloads, Blue Edge blades that should cut noise by up to 50 percent, and the Helionix avionics. The aircraft is powered by a pair of Safran’s latest Arrano engines that are expected to cut fuel consumption by 15 percent.

H225 Could Fill Large Gap

According to Airbus, market shifts over the past 12 to 18 months have driven a rebound in flight hours for the largest of its helicopters, which it expects to remain in production beyond 2040. The H225 is now in service with new oil and gas sector customers, such as COHC in China and VNHS in Vietnam, and it is also active for exploration flights in Namibia and Brazil.

Régis Magnac, the program’s head of energy, said that the new-generation Super Puma is e ff ectively the only available helicopter to replace the Sikorsky S-92 for longrange missions.

“In places where longer-range, de-icing capability, and a large cabin are required, this is where the 225 comes into play,” he said.

The H225’s redesigned main gearbox, introduced to remedy the main causes of a pair of offshore accidents in the North Sea, is now standard on new-build helicopters and is being retrofitted across the fleet. Program head Michel Macia said the unit now includes an upgraded vibration monitoring system. z

Airbus has certified several additional features on the H145, including the Helionix avionics update.

Prism puts safety systems into focus

By Jessica Reed

Since its launch in August, Argus International’s Prism SMS (safety management system) has been well-received. Travis Kuhn, senior v-p of software at Argus, told AIN that the ongoing aviation customer migration, although it is a complex process, has progressed smoothly.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback specifically surrounding our safety intelligence features in the system,” he noted. “The ability to be able to look at the trending information of your own internal reports, how your company is trending in real time, has been a very good feature for us.”

Argus expects to see more subscribers throughout the year, especially with the changes to FAR Part 5—which covers safety management systems—expected this year.

Kuhn confirmed plans to integrate Prism SMS with other software—such as flight duty scheduling and maintenance tracking—after completing customer migration in the next few months. The system is designed to be fully adaptable to

user preferences, allowing aviation organizations to tailor everything from dashboard visuals to module selection.

Safety remains a focus, with Prism SMS meeting the full requirements of an effective SMS. The platform’s flexibility and customization options play a critical role in enhancing its effectiveness. “We focused heavily on building this system in a way that makes it customizable to the user,” according to Kuhn.

Discussing business aviation flight activity trends for January 2024, Kuhn noted a stabilization and cooling after the post-Covid surge. The Part 135 market, which saw an influx of new entrants during Covid, has experienced the most significant pullback. “We’re seeing less leisure travel in the industry, which is why I think we’re seeing some of those numbers pull back from those post-Covid highs,” he told AIN.

“We’re expecting numbers overall by the end of 2024 for business aviation movements to be off about 1 percent in North America. I think that will probably hold true unless some

significant external variable swings it one way or the other. Now, on the helicopter side, it’s a different story.”

He pointed to global helicopter activity, which was up by 19.9 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. The European market increased by roughly 10 percent, and the North American market was up by about 7.5 percent.

Kuhn noted that the helicopter data “is not as well covered as our fixed-wing data because we overwhelmingly are looking at IFR flight plans, which almost all these business jets are on, and it’s not always the case with helicopters.

“For what we do track, it’s certainly a trend that seems to be indicative of all the news we’re hearing that’s already coming out so far at Heli-Expo, [including] the Allied Market Research (AMR) report that talked about the growth in the Asia-Pacific region of 10 percent from heavy lift helicopters. So you’re seeing that double-digit growth in some of these areas around the world.” z

Erickson upgrades S-64s with Astronautics Badger Pro+ displays

Erickson is upgrading 12 S-64 Air Crane helicopters with Astronautics’ Badger Pro+ Gen 2.0 displays, an engine data concentrator unit (EDCU), and the AeroSync mission connectivity system. The upgrade includes five Badger Pros, the EDCU, and AeroSync, and Erickson will install the system in 12 Air Cranes.

Astronautics is also responsible for systems integration testing and functional verification of the avionics upgrade. Erickson will provide the FMS, com and nav radios, AHRS, radar altimeter, audio system, and standby flight instrument.

Badger Pro+ Gen 2.0 is a “smart” multifunction display (MFD) measuring 6 by 8 inches. Features include primary flight, navigation, engine,

and mission information and integration of subsystem data from the helicopter. Mission information, customized by Astronautics, will include mission display pages with onboard system status on the retardant tank and hoist

and pendant, as well as enhanced vision system video. The displays are night vision goggle compatible.

AeroSync enables wireless ofoading of collected flight data via broadband connectivity for postflight analysis and maintenance planning. According to Astronautics, “In certain configurations, the system may also operate as an internet hotspot providing inflight connectivity.”

“By listening to our customer’s challenges, we are able to design a custom solution,” said Eytan Saletsky, Astronautics director of integrated systems solutions, “including MFD symbology combined with sensor video to address the specific needs of the flight crew operating S-64 Air Crane helicopters for complex missions.” M.T.

Five Badger Pros, an EDCU, and AeroSync come with the upgrade.

ASI, Enstrom resurrect owner insurance plan

By Curt Epstein

Aviation Specialty Insurance has partnered with Enstrom Helicopters to revive the Enstrom Owner’s Program after its seven-year absence. The insurance program offers members benefits such as competitive insurance rates, tiered rating credits based on pilot experience, five liability limit options, and instant rate indications.

The original owner’s program was launched in 1979 and grew until it became one of the most successful manufacturer insurance programs of its time. From its inception, it was administered for 26 years by Eleanor Shay and its return was advocated and coordinated by long-time Enstrom operator Roger Sharkey.

“Eleanor knew the secret to developing a loyal customer base,” Sharkey said. “By promoting safety, prioritizing maintenance, and encouraging pilots to better their skills, she found she could reduce the total number of claims, thus keeping costs low for everyone.”

Under the program—which will be underwritten by an A+-rated aviation carrier, the same carrier Enstrom itself uses to handle claims—customers can expect to receive instant quotes and fast response times.

“We are thrilled to bring this program back,” said ASI president Matt Drummelsmith. “We spent the better part of a year diligently developing this product, and my hope is that it’s a tremendous asset to Enstrom owners everywhere.” z

Aviation Search Group places 800th helo pilot

By Mark Huber

Industry job placement agency The Aviation Search Group recently placed its 800th helicopter pilot, the company announced today at Heli-Expo 2024.

“I’m proud of our team for consistently fulfilling the needs of the industry,” said Gary Miner, the company’s executive director. “We can see that the urgency of these hires is not slowing down any time soon, and I’m impressed with our ability to maintain results alongside the increased demand.”

The Aviation Search Group was founded in 1999 by aviation professionals and offers a variety of volume hiring programs depending on position type, number of candidates being hired, and location. Clients receive dedicated recruiters to ensure a flow of qualified candidates. z

Strong outlook for heavy lift helicopters

The heavy lift helicopter market is expected to more than double, posting an almost 9 percent annual growth over the next decade, and reach $10.79 billion by 2032. That’s the conclusion of Allied Market Research (AMR) in a recent report.

The report breaks down the heavy lift helicopter market by industrial sector and region. Aerial firefighting is forecast to post the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 10.6 percent. AMR said “heightened concerns over wildfires caused by climate change, urbanization, and land management practices” have resulted in “increased investment in aerial firefighting resources” to bolster wildfire

prevention, detection, and suppression.

Asia-Pacific will be the hottest region, with a predicted CAGR of 10.1 percent. The report notes that countries in the region “are investing heavily in infrastructure projects such as transportation networks, energy facilities, and urban development.” Forty percent of the market will be in load capacities of 10,000 to 20,000 pounds. Overall, North America will continue to account for more than 40 percent of heavy lift revenues.

More than two-thirds of the market overall remains committed to infrastructure development such as bridge construction, power line installation, and urban development. M.H.

MARIANO ROSALES

The Enstrom Owner’s Program will offer its members tiered rating credits based on pilot experience.

Vita Aerospace unveils rapid extraction device

By Matt Thurber

Hoisting victims from water, land, and other vertical extraction situations is challenging and often requires active victim participation. To solve this and other extraction problems, Vita Aerospace has unveiled the Pelican Rapid Extraction Device (RED), developed by Air Rescue Systems, which Heli-Expo attendees can see for the first time at the Vita exhibit.

The impetus behind the development of RED was to create a new category of device that is not only user-friendly but also doesn’t require the victim to be able to hold on, according to Vita Aerospace executive v-p Matt Christensen.

“Unlike traditional collar or strop devices used in water rescues,” the company explained, “the Pelican eliminates the ‘double lift’ process and the risk of losing victims during extraction while minimizing the physical and

HAI is now VAI

going on,” said VAI president and CEO James Viola, adding that the rebranding is part of a “great year” that also marks the first eVTOL on the show floor.

That eVTOL, Wisk’s Generation 6, is emblematic of VAI’s vision of representing all vertical aircraft, not just helicopters.

“We looked at all the different rebranding options,” Viola told AIN, but the association wanted to reflect that “We want to be open arms. We want to make sure that all vertical aviation capability is actually represented by the association.”

To that end, the association has worked to reach out to emerging players in vertical aviation and now counts among its membership companies such as Beta and Joby. “We’ve had to pull them in and help explain why a helicopter association is the right association for them,” he explained. “We’ve done that, and now we’re showing our openness to all of vertical aviation.”

psychological impact on rescuers and survivors. There’s no need for active victim participation.”

“It’s a multi-environment rapid extraction device,” Christensen said. “It was waterborne at first. Then we found out it does a really good job inland. You could use it in a technical rescue, with the fire department. It’s kind of collar-light, but it’s fully encapsulating; it can handle a 35-pound child and up to a 400-pound adult.”

Features of Pelican RED include a keylock system with “haptic feel for secure closure, allowing for quick and easy deployment even with cold or wet hands; compatible with attended or unattended victims; [and] water rapidly flows through the mesh to minimize excess weight during water-borne operations.”

“[The rescuer] doesn’t have to manipulate a carabiner or anything to close the device,” he added. “And once the victim’s in, they can be unconscious, injured, hypothermic, [or]

Important to this effort, he stressed, is the understanding that helicopters are not going away. “Helicopters do about 45 missions, and the new vehicles right now will maybe pick up three to five,” he said. In the future, that may change, but helicopters will always have a role, he explained.

Instead, they are just di ff erent forms of vertical aviation that perform different missions but are complementary and can share resources such as infrastructure. “One of our key things [for future vertical lift] is that the more you do with us, the more you realize that we operate in the same environment, the same airspace. We need the same infrastructure, so let’s magnify our voice and come together.”

Viola pointed to his history with the FAA stretching back to 2008. “I got to see a lot of that stuff come into general aviation and try to figure out where they fit,” he said. “Then, when I became the president and CEO of HAI, there was some verbiage out there that [eVTOLs] were going to replac e helicopters.”

Vita’s Pelican Rapid Extraction Device can safely hoist unconscious victims weighing up to 400 pounds.

some other reason, and they simply ride in the device; they don’t have to hold on.”

Air Rescue Systems and Vita Aerospace, which is part of Vita Inclinata Technologies, are giving live demonstrations of the Vita Rescue System, which gives rescuers precision control of the rescue device on the hoist, as well as RED. Air Rescue Systems is also highlighting its cutresistant Gauntlet hoist operator glove. z

Further, he saw some confusion among others about the fit with HAI. “You don’t have to do that explanation now that we’ve rebranded.” z

NEWS • NOTE

AeroBrigham is in the process of receiving certification from Brazil’s ANAC to enable returnto-service authorization for aircraft registered in that country. AeroBrigham believes this authorization will provide greater opportunities for aircraft completions and MRO services for both helicopters and airplanes. The company provides commercial and technical assistance in Brazil via representation by Sierra Aeronautica in São Paulo.

At Heli-Expo, AeroBrigham is displaying a recently refurbished Bell 412 acquired from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). AeroBrigham completed Bell 429 replacement aircraft for the JDF.

AeroBrigham is located at Decatur Municipal Airport (KLUD), just north of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW). z

MARIANO ROSALES

Safran plans to deliver 900 engines in 2024

By Charles Alcock

Responding to relentlessly strong demand, Safran Helicopter Engines is seeking to ramp up deliveries of its turboshafts to just above 1,000 units next year. In a briefing with reporters ahead of Heli-Expo 2024, the French company’s CEO, Cédric Goubet, acknowledged that this will be a tall order since output was just more than 600 engines last year and it is targeting 900 for 2024.

At the same time, Safran has begun work on a new turboshaft that could eventually replace its Arriel for single-engine helicopters. Goubet said this project is at a very early stage, with engineers still defining what level of technology will be required.

“It’s a versatile project and we can decide when we have reached the right level of maturity in terms of technology and also manufacturability,” he explained. However, Goubet has not confirmed a specific timeline for the program to advance or which

airframers have requested this initiative.

As it prepares to deliver around 10,000 helicopter engines over the next decade, Safran is also stepping up its product support capacity. According to Goubet, by next year the support network needs to have the capacity to repair 1,500 engines annually, which would represent a 50 percent increase. Taking account of engines retired from service, Safran expects to have 25,000 helicopter engines in operation by 2033.

As of year-end 2023, Safran’s helicopter engines had logged a combined 150 million flight hours. This tally includes 65 million hours with the Arriel family and 10 million with the Arrius 2 line.

Increasing support capacity will prove challenging as, like so many aerospace manufacturers, Safran continues to face significant supply chain constraints. “We have recovery plans in place with our supplies, but the tension will remain high on the supply chain due to high demand,” said Goubet.

Safran’s response has been to focus on help for suppliers “who are not aware enough or advanced enough” to respond to the shortfalls in the output of parts and components. The company has also found that shortages of some raw materials are compounding the problems.

The company is adding support centers in Brazil and in Hamburg, Germany. Future plans also include a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Goa, India, through a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics. Additionally, Safran is collaborating with MTU to develop a higher-power turbine engine for an as-yet-unspecified application.

New Technology Chases

Fuel Consumption Cuts

None of this has discouraged Safran from ramping up work in its design offices, with a focus on developing more sustainable rotorcraft engines that deliver a 15 to 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption. In addition to the new engine being developed for civil single-engine helicopters, the company is also adapting the Arrano 1A turboshaft for the military version of the Airbus H160, which could be ready to enter service in 2027.

Safran is closely allied with Airbus Helicopters to advance propulsion technology using its DisruptiveLab and Racer demonstrators. One project involves aerodynamic improvements, combined with a modified thermal engine and a 250-kilowatt electric motor to target a 50 percent cut in fuel burn.

The other could see a pair of Aneto engines running in a so-called “eco mode,” in which one engine would run idle in cruise flight to boost energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

The Aneto powers Leonardo’s AW189K helicopter, which entered service last year with an undisclosed Qatar-based operator. Later this year, the aircraft will join the fleet of Omni Helicopters International in Brazil.

Meanwhile, Safran Helicopter Engines has joined forces with sister Electrical & Power division to produce a hybrid-electric powertrain to be used by U.S. startup Electra for its in-development nine-passenger fixed-wing STOL aircraft. This will combine an existing turboshaft unit with Safran’s 600-kilowatt EngineUs motors. z

Safran is increasing production rates for helicopter engines, including the Arriel 2K turboshaft.

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