HAI Convention News 03-03-16

HAI

MARCH 3, 2016

Convention News

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AINONLINE.COM

LOUISVILLE

Utility AW Trekker makes first flight

by Mark Huber Finmeccanica’s AW Trekker light twin made its first flight Wednesday at the company’s Cascina Costa, Italy helicopter division. The nominal flight included an assessment of general handling and basic systems. Two prototypes will be used for the flight test program, and EASA certification is expected by year-end.

The Trekker is a skidded version of the company’s AW109S Grand and

Finmeccanica’s new AW Trekker flies in Italy.

features advanced single-pilot IFR Genesys Aerosystems avionics and a pair of Fadec-equipped, 815-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C engines that deliver a maximum speed of 168 knots. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 pounds and will have an endurance of four hours, 20 minutes or 445 nm with a modular, five-cell fuel system. The Trekker has attracted 20 orders to date. It is aimed primarily at the EMS and utility markets. o

UAS welcome here “UAS, I think, is probably one of the biggest innovations that has come out in technology,” stated HAI president and CEO Matt Zuccaro at the start of yesterday’s discussion on unmanned aerial systems (UAS). For the first time in its existence, Heli-Expo played host to UAS exhibitors this year, five of them in fact. Over the past year, HAI established a 20-member UAS committee, and at the annual membership breakfast here in Louisville, a new UAS membership category open to any organization or individual who operates unmanned systems exclusively, was proposed and unanimously accepted.

HAI played an advisory role in the establishment of the FAA’s UAS registry, which opened in December. Since then it now numbers more than 350,000 UAS operators, vastly outnumbering the total of registered manned aircraft. Zuccaro, like many, believes that constitutes just the tip of the iceberg, as the number of UAS that have been purchased over the past few years in the U.S. is estimated to be near 1 million. Globally, economic forecasts call for a market for unmanned aircraft approximating $80 billion. “It gives you a sense of what we’re talking about here, when we’re talking about UAS,” said Zuccaro.

MARIANO ROSALES

by Curt Epstein

IF I BUY IT TODAY, CAN I FLY IT HOME? Some of the helicopters in the static display area in the convention hall are up for sale and could, at least theoretically, be flown home by new owners. But if one of them caught your eye earlier this week, then you better act fast and make a deal today before Heli-Expo 2016 officially closes at 4 p.m.

Continued on page 6 u

Manufacturers

Avionics

OEMs

Industry

Modifications

MD Provides Glimpse of New Models

Elbit Testing Wearable HeliEVS

Sikorsky Re-energized

Aviation Firms Are Hiring

Eagle 407HP Ready To Roll

Company is working on the nextgeneration MD 902 Explorer, with an updated cockpit and other upgrades, and a new 6XX attack helicopter powered by a R-R M250-C47E/3 variant. page 3

Israeli company started flight testing a rotorcraft version of its wearable enhanced vision system/head-up display on an MBB Bo 105. Certification is expected next year. page 9

Company is leveraging new synergies realized in its recent merger with Lockheed Martin. Some of this energy could be directed at new helicopter models. page 12

JSfirm’s latest survey shows that the aviation jobs market remains strong, with 89.94 percent of the companies surveyed saying they plan on hiring this year. page 19

The first production Eagle 407HP, which has a 1,200-shp Honeywell HTS900 engine, will be delivered to the Nevada Department of Wildlife shortly after HeliExpo. page 20

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by Kerry Lynch MD Helicopters, which recently secured an order for the MD 530G from the Malaysia Ministry of Defense, is moving forward with the next developments in its product lines, including a series of enhancements to its 902 Explorer, as well as plans for a new single-engine attack helicopter the company calls the 6XX, company owner and CEO Lynn Tilton told attendees here at Heli-Expo.

Noting that the company had been busy with the launch of the 530G as well as the ramp up of the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior, “We definitely took our attention away from the 902,” Tilton said, but added “we’re finally in place to take the first step with the relaunch and recertification of the 902.”

The helicopter recently began flight trials with the new Universal Avionics InSight integrated flight deck that replaces the aging Bendix/King EFIS 40 displays. The displays are among a number of upgrades that the company is eying, including a more powerful Notar system, a lighterweight structure, new autopilot and development of a militarized version.

The military version “will be built like the 530G on the line with a complete assault and attack system,” she said, adding the development of this variant

“allows us to rationalize the big expense to bring this aircraft back to the market and allow us to increase sales because today we are probably almost 60 percent in military sales.” This is up from 50 percent last year.

MD Helicopters also is focused on reducing costs, Tilton added, “by building a lot of parts in-house. We are moving the fuselage production to Arizona, as well as building a composite center to build a lot of parts there.” This is a similar approach the company took to the singleengine lines to reduce price, she said. MD Helicopters hopes to deliver the first new 902s early next year.

Tilton said she plans to have the new attack helicopter, the 6XX, ready by the end of 2018; she did not identify possible customers. Carl Schopfer, chief technology officer, gave a “snapshot” of the new single-engine helicopter, saying the company has looked at a potential new cockpit, more volume, at least a 400-nm range and potential changes to rotor blades.

The 6XX will incorporate a new RollsRoyce M250-C47E/3 variant, which will improve efficiency and performance.

Rolls-Royce said the engine has demonstrated up to 8 percent improvement in hot and high power and 4 percent

MARIANO ROSALES

HAI

MD Helicopters provides glimpse into future with 902 upgrades, 6XX

Lynn Tilton, CEO of MD Helicopters, said her company is now working on an upgraded MD 902 and has plans for a 6XX attack helicopter.

increase in rated takeoff power at 675 shp. The engine further will provide reduced specific fuel consumption, which will increase range and payload.

MD Helicopters is launching the M250C47E/3 for the MD 530-series, in addition to the growth-derivative airframes. o

FINMECCANICA TEAMS WITH ERA ON EMS AW609

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Finmeccanica Helicopters (Booth 6451) and Era Group signed a memorandum of understanding here Wednesday to develop an EMS variant of the AW609 civil tiltrotor. Under the MoU, Finmeccanica and Era will engage in joint activities in support of development of the AW609 for the EMS market including regulations, operations, maintenance, configuration optimization and identifying possible areas of enhancement or modifications. The partners would provide contributions to flying activities toward aircraft maturity and address commercial aspects for potential future AW609 acquisitions. Era already is the largest civil global operator of AgustaWestland (now Finmeccanica) helicopters. The AW609 has a 275-knot maximum forward speed and a maximum range of 750 nm.

Finmeccanica holds orders from 60 customers.

–M.H.

MRO SOFTWARE FIRM OPENS SINGAPORE LAB Ramco Systems (Booth 9343) recently opened an engineering lab in Singapore that will develop advanced technologies for maintenance, repair and overhaul software applications. The lab is supported by the Singapore Economic Development board and has signed on Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance as an anchor partner.

The research spans use of drones to inspect aircraft on the tarmac to development of an interface that would recognize and respond to hand signals. Other applications include the “Internet of things,” which involves embedded sensors for aviation components for ease of tracking, robotics for the shop floor and wearable devices such at Google Glass for on-ground engineers.

Some of the more mature technologies at the “Innovation Lab” include maintenance optimization software and Fly Anywhere electronic flight bag.

The lab will employ up to 50 researchers.

–K.L.

www.ainonline.com • March 3, 2016 • HAI Convention News 3

PRECISION REBRANDS AVIATION CONTROLS BIZ

MARIANO ROSALES

Atlanta-based Precision Aviation Group (PAG) has changed the name of its recently acquired Aviation Controls to Precision Aviation Controls (PAC, Booth 5345), to identify it as a member of PAG and better reflect its expanding capabilities. “Being acquired by PAG has allowed us to leverage product and service development to meet the needs of our customers and reach a larger customer base,” said PAC president Jim Robertson. “The decision to change the name now allows us to align our customer-focused marketing, advertising and branding with the other PAG companies around the globe.”

PAC has received Honeywell approval to provide MRO services for fuel accessories on PT6T and PT6A engines. The company has been a Honeywell-authorized warranty and repair station since 1995.

“The addition of the PT6 series capability at PAC demonstrates our continuing commitment and dedication to meeting our customers’ needs by expanding our internal MRO capabilities,” said PAG president and CEO David Mast.

–C.E.

Guimbal keeps growing

by Mark Huber Guimbal Helicopters (Booth 10137) hopes to boost deliveries of its two-seat Cabri G2 to 56 this year, up from 44 in 2015.

The $370,000 two-seat Cabri was certified in 2008 and to date 140 have been delivered to customers in 26 countries with the fleet amassing 80,000 flight hours and no serious accidents.

The highest-time ship has accumulated more than 5,000 hours, and most of the fleet is used in flight training, with several ships flying 4,000 hours in less than three years. Ninety percent of Cabris have been sold into the training market.

The first one to be delivered in Brazil was handed over three months ago and the first Canadian delivery will take place later this year. There is approximately a one-year wait for new orders.

Oregon’s Precision Helicopters is currently using four Cabris for flight training. Precision president David Rath reports that, compared to the company’s Schweizer S-300, the Cabris have a lower cancellation rate, lower maintenance

HAPPY TRAILS FOR UNIVERSAL HELO AND EMBRY-RIDDLE costs and lower overall direct operating costs. Rath’s operation has flown individual Cabris up to 115 hours per month and they post a dispatch rate of 98 percent compared to the Schweizer’s 76.5 percent. Maintenance man-hours are 0.22 per flight hour compared to 0.83 for the Schweizer. Overall, through 2,000 hours of flying time, the Cabris have posted 33 unscheduled maintenance hours.

Guimbal founder Bruno Guimbal said the company is developing a low-cost air-conditioning option for the Cabri that is “95 percent completed,” new cabin ventilation, added power with the existing engine and new avionics options including an Aspen Evolution display.

New mission equipment includes a cargo hook. Guimbal said the Lycoming O-360 engine (derated to 145 hp) is holding its 2,200hour TBO well. He said the company is looking at many “exciting projects” but was not prepared to make any announcements, and hinted that a new helicopter was likely in the works. o

Since 2010 Universal Helicopters Inc. (UHI, Booth 4451) has provided helicopter flight training to 150 EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) students at the university’s Prescott, Ariz. campus in R22s and R44s.

Technisonic offers free common code plug for first responders First responders and others involved special-mission airborne communications in the U.S. know (or should know) about the National Interoperability Field Operations Guide, or its acronym “NIFOG,” developed by the Department of Homeland Security in 2011. The rest of us probably never heard of it. Nevertheless, proper use of NIFOG is important to all of us, especially in times of national disasters.

NIFOG, developed to provide programming and channel-naming guidance, is the nation’s radio guide during national disasters and emergencies. Spanning all three FM bands, VHF, UHF and 7-800MHz, NIFOG provides a common channel framework for radio communications.

Unfortunately, the document is complicated, making it time-consuming and difficult for individual operators to develop a workable code plug

MARIANO ROSALES

ENSTROM RENEWS DEAL WITH R-R FOR M250 ENGINE

IS THERE A MEDIC IN THE HOUSE? United Rotorcraft outfitted this Bell 505 mock-up with an EMS interior that has a basic litter kit and modular equipment rack. It uses the existing OEM attach points on the $1 million Bell 505, providing an entrylevel EMS helicopter.

4 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

Enstrom president and CEO Tracy Biegler (l) and Rolls-Royce senior v-p Jason Propes signed a new agreement covering provision of RR M250 engines for the five-seat, turbinepowered 480B helicopter. The 480B is powered by the M250-C20W, and more than 220 480Bs have been delivered thus far. So far, the M250 series has logged more than 235 million hours, and Rolls-Royce has delivered more than 31,000 M250s.

–M.T.

to input NIFOG into their radios.

“While the National Interoperability Field Operations Guide has been available for years, the programming, zone and channel plans have always been up to the operator, which has left a serious disconnect in its implementation,” explained Jim Huddock, business development manager of Technisonic Industries (Booth 1311).

To help alleviate this disconnect, Mississauga, Canada-based Technisonic did the arduous work of creating a new common NIFOG plug for America’s airborne first responders, and offers it free for the asking. “We see this code plug as one of the most useful tools we can provide our operators,” Huddock said.

To obtain the electronic APX-based code plugs and cockpit cards in a printable format, contact Huddock at jhuddock@til.ca. –R.R.P.

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ALL PHOTOS BY MARIANO ROSALES

Several UAS manufacturers are exhibiting their machines here at Heli-Expo 2016, including Dragonfly Picture's 450-pound DP-14, left, and Avea's lighter Avea 2.0.

FAA forms new ARC for small UAS ops over people The FAA is forming an aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) with industry stakeholders to recommend a regulatory framework for operation of certain small unmanned aircraft systems over people. In its small UAS notice of proposed rulemaking released last year, the FAA had proposed limiting operation

of small UAS over people unless the aircraft involved was a micro UAS. The proposal had outlined a “micro” UAS classification, but based on comments to that proposal, the agency decided against proceeding with the classification and instead to work further with industry and stakeholders to shape the regulatory

framework. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said that rather than pursuing a micro classification, the agency will instead develop a more flexible performance-based approach to address potential hazards.

The ARC will be tasked with developing recommendations for the performance-based approach for such operations. The standards will encompass both design of aircraft and operating rules. The recommendations are due April 1, and the FAA will draft a proposed rulemaking based upon the report.

“We recognize the significant industry interest in expanding commercial access

UAS welcome here

surveillance capability and a limitation to the maximum operating altitude and speed.

According to Zuccaro, the association has little concern about the use of UAS by commercial companies such as Google or Amazon, which he believes would have much to lose with reckless operation. “Our concern comes obviously with the hundreds of thousands of UAS that are purchased in retail shops and on the Internet by the average citizen who buys it, charges the battery and away they go,” he cautioned. In that case the association is hoping for recognition by these new operators that they are now in possession of an aircraft as defined by the FAA and flying in airspace with manned aircraft. “We view it

as something that we as an industry need to be aggressive about. We need to get out there and know these people and in essence make them aware.”

As for the categories of missions the UAS are currently performing, Zuccaro noted there is now and will certainly be more overlap between the unmanned vehicles and manned rotorcraft. Rather than oppose it, he urged the audience to adopt the technology. “We have the most experience in low-altitude and vertical-lift operations,” he said, “so if the helicopter operators don’t embrace UAS technology and operations, someone else is going to do it because the technology is valuable and the customer base wants it.” o

by Kerry Lynch

uContinued from page 1

As they continue to evolve, commercial UAS will no doubt have an even larger impact on the airspace, with capabilities that will mirror those of their military counterparts. “We support the technology,” said Zuccaro. “The deficiencies can be overcome in terms of our concerns about how they integrate.”

He spelled out the concerns the association presented to the FAA, which include limitation to line-of-sight operations until the technology is proven, sensing and avoidance technology to avoid other aircraft, required UAS communication and HAI president Matt Zuccaro called unmanned aircraft one of the “biggest innovations” in technology. He said the association has helped the FAA draft UAS rules.

to the national airspace system,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

“The short deadline reinforces our commitment to a flexible regulatory approach that can accommodate innovation while maintaining today’s high levels of safety.”

As the FAA contemplates the introduction of small UAS to the national airspace system, NASA has licensed a new communication technology for the aircraft. NASA entered into an agreement with Vigilant Aerospace Systems to commercialize ADS-B and traffic situational awareness technology for UAS. The technology was developed under a NASA program that researched various means to facilitate unmanned and manned aircraft sharing national airspace. Vigilant will commercialize the technology under its FlightHorizon product suite.

Here at Heli-Expo 2016, there is strong interest in the UAS market, and five exhibitors are present, along with multiple UAS-related safety and operations sessions. The exhibitors include: AeroUAVs (Booth 12239); Aeryon Labs (Booth 7833); High Eye (Booth 7736); Olaeris (Booth 3801); and Riegl (Booth 7636). o

AT THE BOOTHS VIH Aerospace (Booth 1209) announced a number of achievements at Heli-Expo 2016, including an increased focus on future growth, adding new MRO capacity and “expanding its transactional market share” and working with complementary MRO providers “to further expand capabilities and market reach.”

The company has begun research and development to certify a third tank to add more range to its existing auxiliary fuel tank system for the Sikorsky S-92. R&D should take about four months, followed by 12 months for prototyping and engineering.

Precision Heliparts Canada signed an exclusive inventory management and supply chain support agreement with VIH, and this is effective through Dec. 31, 2019. The agreement includes provision by Precision of inventory sales and rotable asset management to support customer rental, exchange and leasing requirements.

Bell Helicopter has approved VIH to use its structural repair fixture to make third-party repairs on the Bell 205A-a, 212 and 412 tailboom assemblies.

Phoenix Heli Flight is equipping its entire fleet with the Jupiter Avionics (Booth 9237) JA94-001 dual audio controller. Phoenix’s recently acquired H130 with a JA94 installed is on display in the Airbus booth (9651) here at Heli-Expo.

The JA94-001 audio controller is a compact dual audio controller for up to eight users. The controller can be programmed and its levels can be adjusted with a laptop interface. It isolates sound when a person is speaking and reduces background noise. v

6 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

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Seeker Aircraft’s light piston single STOL airplane will be manufactured by Erickson.

Erickson seeks, finds manufacturing work

by Curt Epstein The light fixed-wing aircraft with short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability is currently flying operations in more than 10 countries including the U.S., where it is in use by the New Mexico State Police.

Erickson (Booth 9251) recently bolstered its leadership by hiring industry veteran Rob Lewis as vice president and general manager of its commercial business unit. Lewis succeeds Andy Mills, who was named vice president of global business development. Also joining

MARIANO ROSALES

Global heavy-lift helicopter operator and manufacturer Erickson will expand on that latter capability with the announcement here at Heli-Expo that it has been selected as the U.S. manufacturer for the Seeker purposebuilt light observation aircraft.

“To ensure the quality of the Seeker’s construction meets the demands of its end users, we are very pleased to have a partner whose dedication to excellence assures us of producing a topquality aircraft,” noted Seeker Aircraft CEO David Pohlman.

the company is Gary Starr, vice president of global supply chain; Erick Nodland, global director of operations; and Chris Maynard, Erickson’s business development manager for Alaska.

Known also for its heavylift helicopter maintenance, the company was recently subcontracted by Adams Communication & Engineering Technologies to refurbish two MH-53E Sea Dragons, the largest rotorcraft in the U.S. Navy’s inventory.

The company also completed the delivery of the last of five out-of-production tail pylons to Sikorsky to support the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E program.

On the operational front, the Erickson S-64F Aircrane continues to prove its versatility in a variety of operations around the world. The company was just contracted by NASA to study the concept of using a helicopter to conduct mid-air retrieval of spacecraft upon atmospheric re-entry. The company is also partnering with India’s largest private developer of power transmission systems to install nearly 160 power line towers in the Pir Panjal mountain range.

The company also renewed two Canadian aerial timber harvesting contracts, marking the company’s return to its roots.

“Erickson has operated in Canada for more than 30 years,” said Mills. “Aerial timber harvesting is where we began as a company.” o

PHOENIX HELI-FLIGHT GETS ALL FIRED UP WITH NEW H130 Phoenix Heli-Flight has acquired an Airbus Helicopters H130 equipped with a utility package to support a range of missions. The helicopter is the first such configured H130 to be delivered in North America, according to Phoenix Heli-Flight. With a flat floor that can accommodate various equipment, the helicopter incorporates a number of Airbus Helicopters STCs, including cargo mirrors, a cargo sling, cargo pods and a long-line controller.

Based in Alberta, Canada, Phoenix Heli-Flight supports a variety of industries, including exploration, wildlife surveys, utilities, oil-and-gas, forestry, construction, infrastructure maintenance, corporate transport, general transportation of personnel, freight, wildfire suppression and helicopter emergency medical services.

“After having the opportunity to demo the H130 aircraft, I knew this aircraft was a natural evolution for us from the EC130B4,” said Phoenix Heli-Flight president Paul Spring.

–K.L.

8 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

ENSTROM COMMENTS ON TH180 HARD LANDING To update the February 12 forced landing of its TH180 prototype, Enstrom released a statement yesterday praising the ruggedness of the light single, and citing a possible cause for the accident. In part, the statement read, “Preliminary investigation indicates that a piece of flight test instrumentation in the main drive system failed, disconnecting the engine from the drive train.”

According to the NTSB preliminary report, the sole prototype experienced a “mechanical problem” and autorotated to a hard landing on a residential street near Menominee-Marinette Twin County Airport in Michigan, where the Enstrom factory is located.

The pilot told NTSB investigators that he felt a jolt in the airframe, followed by a loss of rotor rpm, though the fuel-injected Lycoming HIO-390 piston engine continued to run. He landed on a city street, the main rotor hit a utility pole and the helicopter slid about 300 feet.

It was substantially damaged, including collapsed skids, and damage to the tail cone, pylon center section and the lower section of the cockpit structure. There was no fire or fuel spill and the pilot, the only one on board, was uninjured. The test flight departed at approximately 10:57 a.m. and the accident occurred at 11:23 a.m. as the pilot was on base leg to Runway 32 at the airport, according to the NTSB. William Taylor, co-program manager of the TH180 program, said the second TH180 test airframe is ahead of schedule and he anticipates it will fly in April or May. According to Enstrom’s website, the TH180 was expected to be certified this year. Taylor said, “We expect this accident will cause only a minimal delay for the program.”

–M.P.

APG shows Controp’s surveillance systems

by Mark Phelps APG Avionics, a division of Aviation Partners Group, is here at Heli-Expo (Booth 11535) representing Controp Precision Technologies and displaying Controp’s line of Surveillance Infrared Thermal and Electro-optical (SITE) systems.

APG recently formalized a partnership under which it will market, install, maintain and provide other support for the SITE systems. The agreement will help Controp expand its reach in the civil helicopter market, particularly in the U.S., Controp and APG executives said when they announced the new partnership Tuesday at Heli-Expo.

The airborne camera systems are geared toward police, search-and-rescue (SAR), firefighting, coastal surveillance and border protection/control operations. APG is spotlighting Controp’s SITE-20, SITE30HD and SITE-50HD systems.

Cameras are gyro-stabilized day/ night capable and include thermal imaging, continuous optical zoom lenses and proprietary image-enhancement features.

APG cites the systems’ low weight and operator-friendly features as “cost effective” reasons for choosing them over competing brands.

In selecting Controp as a marketing partner, APG called up its

experience working with UT Air to upgrade 32 United Nations helicopters for compliance with a mandate for terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS), with another 26 ­ helicopters to be equipped. APG also partnered with Sandel Avionics to meet Russian government certification requirements for ­ the latter’s ST3400H HeliTAWS product. Finally, APG worked with Shadin Avionics to develop a connector adapter enabling western avionics to interface with Russian helicopters.

Established in 1988, Controp has experience installing its equipment in Bell 206 and 407 helicopters, Airbus AS350s and more, as well as experience with Russian Mil Mi-17s, Mi-24s and various Kamov models. The company also has experience developing electro-optical infrared camera systems for fixed-wing aircraft from Diamond, Cessna, Piper and others, as well as for unmanned aerial systems. o

Elbit flight-testing wearable HeliEVS

NEWS CLIPS

by R. Randall Padfield

z Korean Operator Gets Night Vision Equipped

MARIANO RO SALES

Elbit Systems of Haifa, Israel, is already fly- successful flight tests of Skylens in its final coning its enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) for figuration mode. The system was tested during helicopters–Clearvision HeliEVS–on an MBB day and night in a variety of maneuvers, includBo 105. The company expects EASA certifica- ing rooftop landings and oil rig approaches.

The SkyLens experience takes only tion of the fixed-wing Clearvision EFVS verfive or 10 minutes. Elbit staff with sion in the second half of 2017 EVS experience as pilots help fit in conjunction with ATR. the Skylens glasses on the visiCertification of HeliEVS tor’s head. The position must could occur in parallel or be precise so that the user follow soon after, dependsees the HUD on the Skylens ing upon an arrangement image superimposed on the with a customer, which could simulated flying scenarios prolikely be an offshore operator. jected on a half-transparent Many operators are interested, glass screen in front. The view according to Dror Yahav, Elbit through the glasses is slightly disvice president of commercial concerting, because the HUD is aviation.

Elbit’s Clearvision HeliEVS combines an shown on the right eye only and it HeliEVS combines the EVS enhanced vision system sensor with a takes a user time to adjust to this. sensor with a wearable HUD wearable HUD. The real-world scenarios prealong with a fused-image display process. Here at Heli-Expo 2016, Elbit sented include an offshore rig approach, an (Booth 6733) is giving visitors a chance to experi- EMS mission in snow-covered mountains and ence Skylens, a wearable head-up display (HUD) landing in whiteout conditions, which includes offered as a solution for non-helmet users. Elbit computer-generated poles to help guide the pilot announced that it has completed a series of to the ground. o

P&WC eyes next series of turboshaft engines

by Kerry Lynch After bringing three new engine products to market over the past five years, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is eyeing the next series of turboshaft programs ranging from updates of existing products that could roll out in the next 18 months to new engines that include the next iteration of its venerable PT6 line.

“We are continuing to push forward on a number of fronts through new engine and control systems,” said Irene Makris, v-p of marketing, helicopter for P&WC (Booth 1817). Noting the company has delivered 34 turboshaft models comprising 15,000 engines that have collectively amassed 55 million hours, Makris said P&WC is leveraging that experience as it eyes the new technologies.

In the past five years, P&WC has brought the PW210S, PW210A and PT6C-67E to market. “This positions us very well for our next generation of engines and engine technologies that we’re looking to power the future helicopters,” Makris said.

The companies have been working closely with the manufacturers “to understand what they want in the engines of tomorrow,” she said. Specifically, helicopter manufacturers are

seeking improved fuel consumption–both from a cost savings standpoint and improved range– along with higher performance and dependability. “They want this all at a lower cost,” she said.

Updating Current Lines

In the short term, which Makris estimated would be the next 18 months to two years, P&WC is looking to evolve existing product lines. “In today’s market and economical conditions, our OEMs are telling us they are not all ready for clean-sheet design today. But their operators are looking for an edge in the market,” she said. “The OEMs want to grow their capabilities a little bit, and we’re looking at look at the current engines to see how they can offer more power.”

The company is exploring opportunities in the 1,800- to 2,000-shaft horsepower range in both existing engine upgrades and new advanced engines. “We have been successfully testing some new technologies,” Makris said.

The upgrades also involved looking at “new modes of operations that we can leverage our Fadec.” P&WC has implemented Fadec on 15 different engine models in the past 10 years, including the PW210S,

PT6C-67E and PW210A engines, powering the S-76D, H175 and AW169 helicopters, respectively.

Makris added she believes all new engines going forward will incorporate Fadec technology.

The upgrades further will tap into research into new materials that has been ongoing at P&WC, and its parent companies Pratt & Whitney and United Technologies.

This research also plays into its longer-term efforts, which Makris said would involve “disruptive technologies. We’re developing the kind of engine that will revolutionize the helicopter industry.” While P&WC is not yet ready to discuss these technologies, she stressed, “This is not just paper exercises. We do have modules running on rigs today. We are in real stages of reviewing the technology.” These technologies will involve a “very large power range” and more than likely a common core.

The research includes the next iteration of the PT6, which she said, would integrate some of Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan technologies from PurePower PW1000 and PW800 lines. “The PT6 will continue to grow and evolve,” she said.

Makris stressed that R&D has remained central to its strategy to retaining a strong position in the market, adding that P&WC has been the leading R&D investor in the aerospace industry in Canada. “In the last 25 years, we’ve certified about 100 engines,” she said. o

South Korean civil aviation authorities recently approved a night-vision modification for a civilian-operated Russian Ka-32 helicopter. The aircraft features night-vision systems designed, engineered and installed by U.S. firm Rebtech (Booth 1200), with a package that includes equipment for the cockpit and cabin, as well as external lighting.

The Ka-32 will be operated by Dae Jin Air for nighttime firesuppression operations. There are approximately 500 of the helicopters operating around the world in a variety of military, parapublic and civil roles.

Texas-based Rebtech has established a spares hub in the Czech Republic to provide repair and service support for operators of its equipment outside the U.S. The new unit is called Glomex Military Supplies. Rebtech installed the equipment on the Ka-32 at the operator’s headquarters in Seoul.

z Avinco Logs Record Year For global helicopter brokerage Avinco, 2015 was a record year. The Monaco-based privately held company conducted 31 transactions worth €38 million ($41,288,000). The company offers aircraft from all major manufacturers including Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Finmeccanica and Sikorsky. It is now the world’s largest helicopter remarketing and acquisition firm and accumulated 275 transactions in its more than a decade of existence. “Our total independence and global network are a net advantage for our customers, who know they will get the most suitable product and best value, free from any preferential ties or interests with one manufacturer,” noted Avinco CEO François Gautier.

Despite the worldwide decline in offshore helicopter utilization due to slumping oil prices, Avinco (Booth 9943) is off to a strong start thus far this year with five transactions in January alone.

The company, which also has offices in Dublin, Moscow, Dubai and Singapore, recently turned its attention to serving corporate and private operators, offering VIP transports of all makes.

z PPG Launches Mobile App Aircraft coatings specialist PPG Aerospace (Booth 203) launched its new mobile app, which features information on the company’s transparencies, coatings, sealants, packaging and application systems as well as transparent armor and chemical-management services. There are also links to the company’s website and online technical data and material safety data sheets.

The app includes a map of PPG’s global aerospace sites as well as product and purchasing information. Users can submit questions and find information on PPG’s exhibits at trade shows.

The free app can be downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store, BlackBerry World and Google Play.

“Customers said they wanted more product information, so we designed the PPG Aerospace mobile app as a convenient way to communicate with them and other users,” stated PPG senior marketing specialist Cindy Bandula Yates. “We created an infrastructure that enables us to easily update and expand resources, so once users download the app, they can automatically take advantage of new features.”

z Axnes Launches U.S. Subsidiary PNG System Axnes Aviation (Booth 1001) is set to begin deliveries of its new Polycon New Generation (PNG) wireless communication technology in the second quarter of 2016. The Norway-based company also announced its expansion into North America with a new U.S. subsidiary based in Colorado−Axnes Inc.− under the leadership of managing director Brett Gardner.

The PNG wireless radio system by Axnes enables cordless intercom capability at extended line-of-sight range.

It is also a dual-band system that offers full-duplex features and will have a built in GPS receiver integrated into the waterproof MP50 handsets.

www.ainonline.com • March 3, 2016 • HAI Convention News 9

Four new features have been added to Spidertracks, which is seen here on top of the panel glareshield. In addition to the existing flight tracking functions, the new benefits include safety management capabilities, basic flight data monitoring, operational messaging and resource tools.

Spidertracks launches new tracking features

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operator can transfer the data from the Spider system to a cloud-based platform.

The new Scheduling unit allows operators to schedule aircraft in advance, assign flight information and other data about a mission. The fourth new feature is Aircraft Tracking as a Service, which is intended for operators logging high numbers of hours.

“As real-time tracking becomes more of a requirement in everyday flying operations around the world, there needs to be more value from providers than just showing where an aircraft is on the map,” commented Spidertracks CEO Dave Blackwell. “We want our users to know how an aircraft is flying when they can’t see it, and we want them to have access to the information they need, like OOOI-type operational messages and upcoming bookings for the aircraft and crew, information that businesses can then use to increase their fleet’s utilization and prevent unnecessary maintenance and repairs.” o

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Spidertracks (Booth 12139) is introducing four new features to its aircraft tracking software with a view to providing operators with more useful data to help them to improve the way they do business. The new benefits include enhanced safety management capabilities, some basic flight data monitoring, operational messaging and the tools to help operators make better use of their resources.

Spidertxt 2 is a new two-way operational messaging system that operates through a smartphone to the Spidertracks platform. What is new with this feature is that customers can bundle messages in advance and reduce costs by more than 87 percent. The feature works with iOS and Android devices, and global coverage is available through the Iridium satellite network.

The Virtual FDR feature is a flight data monitoring add-on for Spider 6 and 7 systems that captures data on nine axes (three-axis gyro, accelerometer and compass) at 1-Hz sampling rates. The

2/11/16 1:46 PM

10 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

Data communications and analytics provider Guardian Mobility (Booth 7532) has named Mid-Canada Mod Center (MC2) as an authorized dealer, which will allow the Canadian company to offer Guardian Mobility’s satellite-based aircraft tracking and business intelligence solutions, including flight data monitoring. “This product line provides an excellent value to aircraft fleet operators worldwide, and we see demand for such technology on the rise,” noted MC2 vice president Bill Arsenault.

Guardian also announced that it is teaming with TrueNorth Avionics to bring to market Guardian’s new G6 all-in-one tracking, two-text and voice communications system. The G6 can be installed as a standalone device or integrated with Guardian’s G7 flight data monitoring product. According to Guardian, the G6 will give operators affordable global voice, data and tracking technology with a variety of configuration options. New features include touchscreen, Android and iOS apps for dialing and messaging via smart devices.

–C.E.

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z AAR Now Offers Customer Support Global aerospace and defense contractor AAR Airlift (Booth 2604) has launched a rotorcraft services business division to provide aftermarket support for helicopter operators including parts sales, engineering and total lifecycle support programs.

Known for its ability to operate and maintain helicopters in less-than-optimal locations around the world, AAR Airlift’s rotorcraft services will leverage that in-house expertise, along with the company’s MRO capabilities, global supply chain network and modification skills, to offer similar services to outside customers, according to the Illinois-based company, which has owned and operated its own fleet of fixed-and rotary-wing aircraft for more than a decade. In locations as demanding as Afghanistan and Africa, AAR has performed missions with a fleet that includes the Sikorsky S-92 and S-61N, the Bell 214ST and 412, Airbus Helicopters 330J Puma and Finmeccanica AW189. AAR through its Airinmar subsidiary also manages component repair for CHC Helicopter’s fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

z Embry-Riddle Prescott and Universal Helicopters Extend Training Agreement Since 2010 Universal Helicopters Inc. (UHI, Booth 4451) has provided helicopter flight training to 150 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) students at the university’s Prescott, Ariz. campus. At Heli-Expo 2016 on Tuesday, Frank Ayers, ERAU chancellor, and Gordan Jiroux, UHI president and CEO, signed an agreement to extend their partnership for an unspecified number of years.

ERAU’s academic curriculum, developed to prepare students for a career in the helicopter industry, includes aviation safety, environmental operations, crew resource management, flight management, flight planning and advanced helicopter operations. UHI’s flight training program takes students from zero time to certified flight instructor.

Jiroux said ERAU, because of its agreement with UHI, is the only university in the U.S. that offers a curriculum that provides a graduate with a four-year college degree in aeronautics and the ratings and flight time needed to pursue employment as a helicopter pilot.

In addition, military veterans who qualify for the post-9/11 “Yellow Ribbon” GI Bill program, can receive Veterans Administration benefits to attend ERAU (Booth 4451) and take flight training at UHI.

Sikorsky re-energized under LM

by Curt Epstein Making its debut as a Lockheed Martin company at this year’s Heli-Expo, Sikorsky is looking to re-energize its business, as it aims to leverage the newfound synergies realized in its recent merger. “We at Lockheed Martin have been looking at how do we grow in this really complicated world,” said Sikorsky Aircraft president Dan Schultz, who is attending his first commercial helicopter show. He was tapped to lead the company after the completion of the rotorcraft manufacturer’s purchase last November. “We are 100 percent committed to the commercial helicopter market.”

In his media address Tuesday morning, Schultz, previously vice president of Lockheed Martin’s ship and aviation systems business line and a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, noted the two companies were not exactly strangers to each other at the time of purchase, having collaborated on several projects in the past, including the SH-60 Seahawk and the VH-92 presidential helicopter.

He pointed to areas such as automation, automated logistics and geo-synchronized satellite data as areas where the two manufacturers’ abilities will meet.

“We’re bringing technology to

this area where we have not had OEM capability for helicopters in the past.”

Addressing the major issue currently impacting the industry, Dana Fiatarone, Sikorsky’s vice president of commercial systems and services, noted, “I will tell you the oil-and-gas market is down. That’s not a secret; Sikorsky was impacted by that not unlike the rest of the OEMs.” Despite that downturn, Sikorsky

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Dan Schultz was tapped to lead Sikorsky in November, after the company was acquired by Lockheed Martin.

announced here at the show that it has received an order for five S-76Ds and two S-92s from Thai Aviation Services to renew its fleet of offshore transports.

While the rotorcraft manufacturer’s deliveries were down more than 50 percent in 2015 compared

with the previous year, Fiatarone recalled the last occasion such a downturn occurred, as well as the swift recovery the industry experienced. “I would love to tell you that’s going to happen again this time, but I don’t know,” he said. “What we want do in the interim is create a level of flexibility so that when the market does rebound, we have the capacity to support our customer requirements as they come in.”

In the meantime, Sikorsky is looking to increase its footprint in other segments. “We have dedicated sales teams out there looking at search-and-rescue, emergency medical services and VIP opportunities, and we think we have two terrific products in the S-76D and the S-92,” he said.

Looking ahead, Sikorsky has had discussions with its new ownership on expanding company’s product line, “whether that’s a medium or lighter aircraft or significant upgrades to our existing portfolio,” Fiatarone stated.

Among the milestones the company expects to achieve this year is one million flight hours in its S-92 fleet and the 10,000-flight-hour mark by the S-76D. In the more than three decades since its introduction, the S-76 family has logged more than 7 million flight hours. o

FlightSafety International (Booth 4245) will offer training for the Airbus Helicopters EC145 in a new level D simulator at Metro Aviation’s Helicopter Flight Training Center in Shreveport, La. This is the first simulator of its kind in North America and was developed in cooperation with Metro. Training will begin later this year, and FlightSafety will provide initial and recurrent training under its Part 142 certificate.

The new FS1000 simulator built for the EC145 is equipped with FlightSafety’s Vital 1100 visual system, CrewView collimated glass-mirror display and 60-inch electric motion base. The Vital 1100 visual system provides detailed mission-specific imagery with improved scene content and environmental effects. The CrewView glass-mirror increases visual clarity and brightness while eliminating image degradation and distortion in the boundary areas.

Training for the Airbus Helicopters H135 is currently offered by FlightSafety in Dallas. Simulators for the Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and H135 are now available in Shreveport.

FlightSafety’s new learning center in Denver will provide training for the Airbus Helicopters AS350B3, H130, H135 and the Bell 407GXP using Level D-qualified simulators. FlightSafety also offers training for helicopters manufactured by Finmeccanica, Bell and Sikorsky and offers courses through its learning centers in Dallas, Lafayette, West Palm Beach; Stavanger, Norway; and Farnborough, UK.

12 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

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z FSI To Offer EC145 Training in Shreveport

Employees at Stephan/H show off some of the color options, as well as the comfort, of their company’s new fire-resistant Rotor flight suit.

STEPHAN/H BRINGS INNOVATION TO FLIGHT SUITS Stephan/H (Booth 12440) of Montreal is debuting the new fire-resistant version of its Rotor flight suit, designed for both helicopter and fixed-wing pilots, at Heli-Expo 2016.

Like the original Rotor flight suit, which is not fire resistant, the Rotor Fire Resistant flight suit features flexible shoulder, elbow, knee and back inserts. The suits have a 100-percent cotton lining for additional comfort and the pockets are mesh-lined. The fire-resistant fabric is a mix of 93 percent Nomex, 5 percent Kevlar and 2 percent P140. Because it is woven into the fabric, the Nomex fire-resistant protection is not

diminished by washing or bleach.

Both the Rotor (non-fire-resistant) and Rotor Fire Resistant flight suits are available as two-piece suits. The Rotor is offered in six colors and the Rotor Fire Resistant in six. Stephan/H also offers a two-piece Rotor Medic flight suit (non-fire-resistant) with special features. It is available in the same six colors as the Rotor suit. All the suits may be customized for an additional cost.

Stephan/H is offering the Rotor Fire Resistant suit for $395, a 20-percent discount off list price, for suits ordered before March 31, 15 percent off if ordered before April 30 and 10 percent off if ordered before May 31. –R.R.P.

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P&WC expands support and stretches service intervals

by Kerry Lynch Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is lengthening overhaul intervals, expanding its diagnostics programs and adding customer service options as the company looks for ways to improve operators’ costs.

“We know this is a demanding time for many segments of the helicopter

industry, and we are focused on enhancing our service and support across the board,” said Irene Makris, v-p of marketing for P&WC. Timothy Swail, v-p, customer programs, added that customers increasingly have been pushing for ways to lower operating costs.

P&WC is increasing the basic time between overhaul (TBO) for its new PW210 engines to 4,000 from 3,500 hours.

This increase applies to both the PW210A and PW210S. Noting the relative youth of the PW210 line, Swail said the increase is “not something you see this quickly in the industry but a testament to our confidence in the product and the fleet leader reliability we’ve seen.” He noted the fleet leader has accrued more than 2,000 hours “with excellent results and feedback from the customers.” The extended intervals could produce a 10-percent cost savings, P&WC said.

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14 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

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P&WC also recently extended the basic TBO for the power section of the PT6B-37A engine by 50 percent, to 4,500 from 3,000 hours, and extended the clutch inspection interval for the PT6T-9 engine by 60 percent, to 2,000 from 1,250 hours.

Additionally, P&WC has been expanding its Flight Acquisition Storage Transmission (Fast) engine diagnostics. Fast captures flight data recorder, engine trend and health and usage data and sends that information to the operator shortly after landing. In service with 20 airlines, Fast is increasingly being adopted in the rotorcraft market. The system is installed on the Finmeccanica AW139.

P&WC (Booth 1817) further is collaborating with customers on its new oil analysis technology program (PWCoat), which analyzes oil samples.

The technology, Swail said, is a “step change in the type of information we can learn” as operators become more proactive about maintenance.

Other efforts include the new MyP&WC Power e-commerce web portal. Announced last fall, the portal is in final testing stage.

The site enables customers to order and track parts, rental engines and technical publications, among other functions.

P&WC further is gaining traction with its P&WCSmart initiative, which currently encompasses eight offerings for operators that range from discounts on PW200 exchanges with the installation of an approved inlet barrier filter to guaranteed hot-section inspection pricing for the PT6B-37A. “We’re constantly looking at adding new [services] to expand the program,” Swail said. o

SPECTRUM DEMOS EMS EQUIPMENT FOR BELL 429 Spectrum Aeromed is demonstrating new emergency medical equipment for the Bell 429 here at the Heli-Expo show.

The Fargo, N.D.-based company (Booth 4745) is showing a new mock-up featuring a Ferno ProFlexx patient transportation gurney mounted to the floor with special custom-designed locks.

The mock-up also features a secondary fluid barrier floor to protect the airframe, as well as a forward cabinet with a single drawer, two oxygen connectors and a liquid oxygen unit. Spectrum Aeromed, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is currently working to secure an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for the equipment.

Other items featured on the Spectrum exhibit include an already-STC’d interior for a Finmeccanica AW109 Trekker. This includes the company’s stretcher and pivot system.

“We started the year celebrating with our employees the accomplishments that have been made during the last 25 years,” said Spectrum Aeromed owner and CEO Dean Atchison. “Our employees work hard daily to produce great products and we are excited in our 25th year to introduce a new product specifically designed for the Bell 429 helicopter.”

–C.A.

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NEWS CLIPS

Able Engineering has extensive capability in repairing and overhauling dynamic components for a variety of helicopters.

z Helimotion Upgrades Camera System Aerial video production specialist Helimotion (Booth 12347) recently added a Shotover F1 camera system to its portfolio.

Through a new partnership with FlyOver America, it is using the new camera system to produce a new flight simulation experience that is due to open soon as a public attraction at Minnesota’s Mall of America. Over the last five months, Helimotion has worked with FlyOver to capture footage of Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, New York, Vermont, Maine and South Dakota.

According to Chicago-based Helimotion, the durable and compact camera is ideal for aerial video production work. The operator also provides a helicopter transport trailer that makes it easier to move the aircraft and clients’ equipment around.

Helimotion is located in the downtown Chicago Vertiport and offers helicopter charter and utility services as well as aerial production. The Helimotion all-Airbus fleet includes an AS355 Twin Star, two EC130s, an EC120, an AS350B3e and a Dauphin AS365N2.

z Dobler Receives ASU Whirly Girl Scholarship Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU, Booth 2000) announced that Canada’s Adele Dobler is this year’s Whirly-Girls scholarship recipient. This scholarship will give Dobler, from Victoria, British Columbia, the opportunity to gain critical training to further her career as a pilot. This is the sixth year that ASU has sponsored a Whirly-Girls scholarship.

Dobler, who previously won the Whirly-Girls advanced mountain training course in 2013, has been a civil pilot since 2009. After training on the R22 at Coast Helicopter College, she moved to northern Alberta to work as a thermographer.

She then moved back to British Columbia to take a job with HeliJet International.

z Rockwell Collins Latest Helo Avionics Suites Enter Service with Era’s AW189s Rockwell Collins’s avionics suites for helicopters will see extensive service over the Gulf of Mexico in a pair of Finmeccanica AW189s that recently entered the fleet of U.S. operator Era Group. Already proven in the European offshore market, the AW189 makes its debut in the Americas supported

by Rockwell Collins large-format MFD-2810 displays and its HeliSure HTAWS terrain awareness systems and HSVS synthetic vision capability. The AW189 also features the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 suite of communications and navigation radios and optional TCAS II collision avoidance system.

The multi-role AW189 features a 16-seat passenger cabin and what Rockwell Collins (Booth 9544) describes as the latest in situational awareness technologies to reduce crew workload, optimize mission effectiveness and enhance safety.

Bell MRO approval fortifies bond with Able

by Charles Alcock Bell Helicopter has appointed Able Engineering & Component Services as an approved service center. The appointment, announced here at Heli-Expo 2016, covers work on dynamic components through the drivechain of Bell’s aircraft, including the main transmission case assembly, the swashplate assemblies, main rotor hub and tailrotor.

Under the agreement, Able will be a principle support provider for dynamic components on the Bell 429. This will cover all warranty work and scheduled maintenance.

In January, Bell parent group Textron Aviation acquired Able Engineering and its Able

Aerospace sister company. Able (Booth 209) provides component repairs and exchanges and replacement parts for around 2,000 commercial rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft customers around the world.

“We are very excited about joining the Textron enterprise and the benefits it will bring to our customers,” commented Lee Benson, CEO of Able Engineering & Component Services. “We’ve been working very closely together over the past year to ensure the acquisition by Textron is beneficial to all our stakeholders, and are proud to see our efforts come to fruition.”

Able will continue to provide overhaul and repair support

AT THE BOOTHS

z Outerlink’s Iris Digital Cam Ready for Action One of the NTSB’s primary goals, as described in its 2016 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements, is to “expand the use of recorders.” These include cockpit image recorders, and Outerlink Global Solutions (Booth 9337) offers its Iris system with a new digital camera to help fulfill this goal.

Iris monitors voice and up to 300 parameters, providing operators with real-time insight into in-flight performance and status. Features include global push-to-talk radio and immediate alerts and warnings with aircraft data transmitted every 10 seconds.

The Iris camera, which has a variable focus that allows it to accommodate any cockpit size, provides HD video at a 30-Hz frame rate per second. It can provide video synced with the five-channel voice recorder, flight data and detailed animation.

“We recognized the significant drawbacks to the current video recording options currently available,” said Jeff Warner, Outerlink sales director. “Our Iris system leaves no uncertainty to the NTSB investigators with the capability of multiple 1080p HD video cameras and audio synced with the most comprehensive flight data available.”

16 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

for other aircraft manufacturers, including Finmeccanica Helicopter Division (formerly AgustaWestland), Sikorsky and Airbus Helicopters (for which it is also an approved service center). In some instances, Able supports operators that are doing some of their own repairs.

In cases where older parts are not economical to repair or there is no solid supply chain, it manufactures some items itself.

“We’ve expanded our maintenance capability to cover entire helicopters, not just components, so this will include routine inspections, avionics, structural repairs, painting and completions,” Benson explained. “Our pricing has always been very competitive, we have some of the largest parts exchange inventories and we always take time to understand the customer’s perspective and needs. Our mission is to safely reduce aircraft operating costs.” o

AAL, FINMECCANICA PARTNER ON AW009 Finmeccanica Helicopter Division CEO Daniele Romiti (left) and Paul Daigle, CEO of AAL USA, sign the memorandum of understanding here at Heli-Expo 2016 for work to facilitate avionics integration and FAA certification for the Finmeccanica AW009 light-single-engine helicopter. Certification of the AW009, which will feature a Genesys Aerosystems avionics suite, is expected by year-end. The AW009 is a commercial evolution of the PZL-Swidnik SW-4 with a mass vibration absorber for a smoother ride, according to Finmeccanica, and improvements to the hydraulic system. The Rolls-Royce M250-C20R will be the standard engine, and the more powerful -C30P optional.

–M.T.

Breeze-Eastern (Booth 11944) introduced a new DC brushless motor and controller for 20200 Series rescue hoists, and expects the new product to enter service in the fall. The upgraded hoist, designated as BL-20200-440, features unlimited duty cycle, a 60-percent increase in speed and lower power consumption.

Also part of Breeze-Eastern’s Heli-Expo exhibit is its Scout mission data recorder and hook illumination package, mounted on a 29900 hoist. This, and the Insight wireless app/tablet, is part of the company’s MissionView family of situational awareness products.

Scout, which works with Breeze-Eastern hoists, cables and rescue hooks, features 16 RGB LED lights to improve visibility in low light conditions and help crew maintain a visual reference with the hook. Insight wirelessly delivers mission data to enhance maintenance, training and mission effectiveness. v

Asia Pacific helo fleet still growing

NEWS CLIPS

by Curt Epstein

z Helitech 2016 set for Amsterdam

The Asia Pacific civil helicopter fleet saw a 4.5 percent increase in 2015 over the previous year, according to Hong Kong-based aviation brokerage, charter provider and consultancy Asian Sky Group. Here at Heli-Expo, the company released its second annual year-end Asia Pacific Region Civil Helicopter Fleet Report, which notes that the growth leader in 2015, as in the previous year, was China, which added 118 helicopters for a 20 percent increase year-over-year. The report also notes the size of helicopter fleets in two-thirds of the Asian nations either remained static, or actually contracted over the past year.

The next Helitech International (Booth 6743) conference is set for Amsterdam, from October 11 to 13. Helitech attracted 4,200 visitors from 66 countries in 2015. This year more than 200 businesses are expected to participate including Airbus Helicopters, Marenco Swisshelicopter, Bell Helicopters, Finmeccanica Helicopters, Curtiss-Wright, Kamatics Corporation RWG, Flir Systems, Genesys Aerosystems, Lord Corporation, LCI Helicopters, Turner Aviation, Avion Power and Rockwell Collins.

Helitech International is the largest helicopter exhibition in Europe dedicated to helicopter products, parts, accessories, and services. The exhibition is conducted in association with the European Helicopter Association and the British Helicopter Association.

z Your Vote Counts at HeliValue$

Australia represents the largest helicopter market in the region, with more than 2,000 rotorcraft in operation, and its fleet grew last year at a rate of 3 percent. That is not expected to increase this year as the country grapples with a weakened Australian dollar, a decrease in mineral exports and the slumping global oil-and-gas market.

“One of the engines of growth that was certainly influencing the fleets in the Asia Pacific region was the oil-and-gas business,” noted Jeffrey Lowe, Asian Sky’s managing director. “So if you look at 2012, ’13 and ’14, that was certainly driving a lot of expansion in the fleets but that was gone for 2015.” According to the report, oil-andgas drilling rig utilization worldwide is down to 70 percent compared to 95 percent several years ago, with the Asia-Pacific market reflecting similar trends. Last year, the offshore segment in the region saw limited to zero growth with nearly a third of the existing offshore fleet of medium and heavy lift helicopters either idle or preparing for other mission utilization at year end.

The four largest users in the region-Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China-together claim

MARIANO ROSALES

Australia Rules

Asian Sky Group’s latest Asia Pacific civil helicopter fleet report shows that China added 118 rotorcraft last year.

73 percent of the 6,015-strong helicopter fleet, which is dominated by Robinson (1,882), Airbus Helicopters (1,599) and Bell Helicopter (1,195).

While New Zealand also notched a 7 percent increase in its rotorcraft fleet in 2015 with 53 helicopters (81 percent of them pre-owned) added to its fleet, Japan saw a 3 percent contraction due largely to the retirement of older piston, singleengine and medium-size helicopters, and their replacement with fewer but newer models like the S-76D and AW139.

Asian Sky exhibiting here at Heli-Expo with Avpro (Booth 2607). o

REPLACEMENT AS350/EC130 FUEL TANK IS LITERALLY BUILT LIKE A TANK

MARIANO ROSALES

Global aviation MRO provider Vector Aerospace EASA STC certification for this cost-effective retrofitis displaying its new crash-resistant retrofit fuel tank table fuel tank solution.” for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and EC130 here at The British Columbia-based company also an­ Heli-Expo. Designed in cooperation with Robertson nounced that it has been selected by fellow Canadian Fuel Systems (Booth 8739), the direct replacement pri- rotorcraft services provider Eagle Copters to provide mary fuel tank features safety improvements such as modernized fuel retention technology and the relocation of critical components, which will also ease maintenance. Vector is showing the tank installed in an AS350 fuselage at its Heli-Expo booth (7566).

Vector noted it is also consulting with Onboard Systems to ensure that the new tank remains compatible with that company’s AStar cargo swing solutions. “The combination of Vector Aerospace’s engineering expertise and Robertson’s extensive experience in fuel system development allows us to offer a new lightweight, low-cost Vector Aerospace shows crash-resistant fuel tank for Airbus AS350 and EC130. composite technology fuel tank that enhances operational safety, ease of maintenance MRO services for its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T and installation applicable to the AS350/EC130 air- engines. Vector has been supporting the engine craft market,” said Elvis Moniz, vice president of busi- since 1988 as a distributor and designated overhaul ness development with Vector Aerospace Helicopter facility and currently holds Transport Canada (AMO Services-North America. “We are excited to be work- 231-91) and DAO, European Joint Aviation Authoriing with Robertson Fuel Systems to obtain FAA and ties (JAR 145) licenses for the powerplant.

–C.E.

As it prepares to make concept revisions to The Official Helicopter Blue Book, publisher HeliValue$ is inviting show attendees to visit its booth (6146) for a preview and to voice their opinions about what they would like see in terms of rotorcraft base pricing, average installed equipment and historical price comparisons.

“We’ve planned some changes based on our clients’ requests,” said Jason Kmiecik, the company’s vice president of operations. “Now we want to get feedback before finalizing any new additions to our website, and Heli-Expo is the perfect place for a huge number of people to look at our ideas and give us their opinions on how to make them even better.”

The price guide has been published continuously since 1979 as a resource for helicopter resale pricing, technical specifications, technical and operational analyses, and residual projections for more than 200 different commercial models and their components. Two years ago Kmiecik launched the company’s new website, and since then has been meeting with clients to plan its next evolution.

z Rolls-Royce Crowns StandardAero Once Again with MRO Award for Customer Satisfaction Rolls-Royce honored maintenance provider StandardAero with its “Customer Satisfaction” and “Program Investment” awards at its First Network recognition reception on February 29 here at Heli-Expo show. The awards recognize authorized service centers that provide support for Rolls-Royce’s M250 turboshafts.

For the seventh year in succession, StandardAero won the “Customer Satisfaction” award, which recognizes facilities with the highest customer satisfaction ratings based on customer letters, performance, likelihood-to-recommend scores, third party monitoring and customer surveys. The “Program Investment” recognizes the company’s commitment to upgrading its capability, such as a $5 million spend in enhancing its plating facility.

StandardAero has supported the M250 engine for almost 50 years and is one of the long-serving members of the Rolls-Royce First network. “We are thrilled to continue our long winning streak for these prestigious awards,” said Manny Atwal, the company’s vice president for helicopters.

z Marenco Nets First South African Orders Marenco Swisshelicopter continues to bring in new orders for its new SKYe SH09 single-engine helicopter, announcing Wednesday that is has received its first three commitments from South Africa. Saphire Blue placed two orders for the helicopter and David Gold, long affiliated with Saphire Blue, placed an order for a third.

The orders followed months of discussions with Saphire Blue directors Paul Liversage and Phillip Cope about cooperating with Marenco in South Africa.

Marenco said other orders are anticipated shortly, along with the announcement of an agent for sales and service.

www.ainonline.com • March 3, 2016 • HAI Convention News 17

ADS-B, Rig’N Fly, Weight Increase Options Coming for H175 A number of options and improvements are to become available soon on the H175, especially for offshore oil-andgas operations. ADS-B out was certified in mid-February. A search-and-rescue mode for the autopilot is expected to be approved this summer. The optional Rig’N Fly automated system, designed to make approaches to platform-based helipads safer and simpler, is to be certified in the first half of 2017.

While the Airbus Helicopters’H175 is well suited for the oil-and-gas industry, low oil prices have curbed deliveries of the new medium-twin helicopter.

H175 demand suffering from oil-and-gas slump

by Thierry Dubois Airbus Helicopters is experiencing slower-than-expected deliveries for the H175 supermedium twin, certified during the oil-and-gas market’s frenzy but now, as with every rotorcraft in its category, suffering from the sharp downturn.

In May 2014, 21 deliveries were planned over the 2014-2015 period. At the time, AIN could see at least 14 H175s on the final assembly line. Yet, only six aircraft were in service as of late February 2016.

Only one company, Belgium-based NHV, is operating the type. NHV has logged

3,000 hours in 1,500 flights with its H175s. The operational readiness rate is above 90 percent, according to oil-and-gas sales manager Travis Latiolais.

The second launch customer, France’s Héli-Union, has canceled its order, according to a source close to the operator.

Russia’s UTAir, the third one, did receive one example of the H175 but has leased it back to Airbus. The airframer is using it for marketing purposes. Last June, Milestone Aviation Group announced that it had increased its orders and options for the H175 to a total of 28.

In addition to the six aircraft in service and to the leased-back one, three additional H175s have been rolled out of the factory.

Two are to be delivered to NHV and one to Mexico’s Pegaso, which will operate it in the Gulf of Mexico. A total of 10 deliveries are scheduled this year.

The first handover of a VIPconfigured H175 is slated for mid-year. “We have to certify VIP-specific components such as the swing door, steps, etc.,” industrial program officer Grégoire Verlut said. The first search-and-rescue variant, also undergoing a certification process, is to be delivered next year to Hong Kong’s Government Flying Service.

The weak production rate so far has been largely offset, in terms of workload, by changes requested by customers, according to Patrick Bessière, H175 program manager. For example, a last-minute choice for

This year, mtow will be raised to 7.8 metric tons (17,180 pounds). This will translate into a 300-kg (660pound) payload enhancement or an additional 40 nm in range. Whether the new mtow will be offered as standard or as an option is not determined yet.

Also, limited icing protection is to be certified by yearend, with full protection planned for 2019 or 2020. ­ –T.D.

the windshield deicing option involves a lot of rework, he said.

Airbus’s efforts to standardize the offshore oil-and-gas configuration mainly relates to electrical harnesses, but options normally have to be integrated early in the manufacturing process.

The standard production lead time for the H175’s oil-andgas version is 30 weeks. Chinese

Garmin adds GTX 345 integration to app

by Kerry Lynch Garmin (Booth 1822) has released an update for its Garmin Pilot app that incorporates a series of new features and integrates with the new GTX 345 ADS-B transponder.

Garmin Pilot for iOS connects

18 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

MARIANO ROSALES

BECKER HELICOPTERS DEVELOPS UNIQUE WAY TO PROMOTE SAFETY Jan Becker, CEO of Becker Helicopters Pilot Academy and a member of the HAI Board of Directors, last year implemented a clever way to increase safety awareness throughout her company, co-owned with her husband Mike, the chief flight instructor. Now the idea is gaining interest among participants in the Rotor Safety Challenge taking place at Heli-Expo 2016.

According to Michael Yip, director of maintenance for the Queensland, Australia company, the prize of the initiative was attendance at Heli-Expo for two winners, one a maintenance technician and the other a flight instructor. These are, respectively, Craig Beardsmore and Jesse Marshall. Their main purpose in coming to the convention is to complete the Rotor Safety Challenge.

Last year all Becker Helicopters Pilot Academy employees were encouraged to accumulate 1,500 minutes of safety-oriented activities, which included doing safety challenge courses, giving presentations, holding safety meetings, mentoring others and creating, showing or otherwise using safety videos. The goal for this year is to accumulate 2,016 “safety” minutes.

Selection of the two “winners” was done by peer recommendations, Yip told AIN. Beardsmore and Marshall said they are very impressed with the Rotor Safety Challenge Courses they had completed as of Wednesday morning.

–R.R.P.

partner Avicopter, which supplies subassemblies such as fuselages and tailbooms, is said to have “the basics in place.” The 50-percent stakeholder in the program has thus reached “the breaking point to accelerate” production.

An Airbus employee is in charge of quality control in Tianjin, China before the subassemblies are shipped. o

REALIZING THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION Show sttendee Jason Park drops a marble in the “Gravitron,” a device built by Ron Jordan at Reliance Aerotec Services (Booth 2217), hoping to win a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon by landing the ball in the middle slot.

with Garmin’s new GTX 345 ADS-B in/out transponder to wirelessly display Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather, a depiction of ADS-Bequipped traffic, GPS position and back-up attitude information.

Along with the integration with the GTX 345, the update to the Garmin Pilot app also incorporates a new profile view, airspace altitude labels, trip-planning enhancements, UK VFR charts for international pilots and support for the X-Plane 10 flight simulator, among other features.

The flight profile view provides a vertical cross-section of airspace, terrain, obstacles and weather to provide a more detailed look at the intended flight route. Terrain is color coded to increase ability to identify potential conflicts. Similar to labels found on a sectional chart, the updated app displays maximum and minimum altitude labels. As for the additional chart access, Garmin has partnered with NATS to provide coverage for Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales. Garmin expects to expand chart availability to include France in April.

Under the trip-planning enhancements, pilots will be able to select the best altitude for their flight plan using an Altitude Selector Guide within the Trip Planning form. The form displays fuel burn, estimated time en route, along with headwind or tailwind. o

NEWS CLIPS

JSFIRM SURVEY: MOST AVIATION COMPANIES PLAN TO HIRE IN 2016 The aviation jobs market is expected to remain strong in 2016, with more than three-quarters of respondents to the latest JSfirm surveys expecting moderate to significant growth. JSfirm, an online aviation job website, on March 1 released the results of its annual hiring trends survey, which involved the participation of 448 aviation companies across various industry sectors. “It’s no surprise to us that aviation professionals are in high demand,” said Jeff Richards, operations manager for JSfirm (Booth 8940). “Regarding the number of job postings, JSfirm.com experienced our best January ever.”

The survey found that nearly 88.76 percent of the respondents across all sectors hired workers in 2015.

While 41.57 percent of the total respondents hired a handful or less, 23 companies said they brought on board more than 200 people. The numbers are almost as strong this year, with 84.94 reporting plans to hire in 2016 and 19 companies planning to hire more than 200 employees. Similar to 2015, 42.25 percent of the respondents said they would hire between one and five individuals this year.

More than 250 companies expect to hire in the second quarter, the highest number of any quarter, while another 203 companies anticipated hiring in the first quarter. Maintenance professionals appear to be in the highest demand with 252 companies expecting to hire in this area. Meanwhile, 194

MARIANO ROSALES

z Bell 505 Arrius Engine Certified by EASA

JSfirm’s Louis Hout, Abbey Hutter and Jeff Richards said that the number of aviation job postings were up in January and are expected to be plentiful this year.

companies indicated plans to hire pilots, the second most frequent response. Flight attendant positions ranked last among the listed aviation roles, with 18 companies indicating plans to hire.

Lack of experience was the most frequently cited challenge in finding qualified aviation talent (28.9 percent of respondents), followed by candidate pay expectations that are too high (18.59 percent).

The respondents represented a cross-section of the industry, with 21.42 percent involved with rotorcraft.

–K.L.

Rotorcraft Sector Hiring 73%

48%

Were any jobs cut from your company last year (2015)?

How many people did your company hire last year (2015)?

26% 13% 9% NONE

0-5

6-10

7%

8%

11-20

21-50

8% 4%

4%

3%

51-100 101-200 201-500

In 2016, my company is projecting:

NONE

46%

8% Moderate growth

How many people will your company be hiring this year (2016)?

16%

3%

16%

1% Not sure

51-200+

66%

No growth Moderate

1-50

11% 7%

8% 0-5

6-10

*Chart depicts responses to JSfirm survey specifically from companies in rotorcraft sector.

11-20

8% 4% 21-50

51-100

6% 2% 101-200

201+

Likely not hiring

Turbomeca (Booth 10543) has received EASA type certification for its Arrius 2R engine with Fadec that powers the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. Officially launched at the 2013 Paris Air Show alongside the Bell 505, the Arrius 2R has followed a brisk development schedule. Since the first ground run in April 2014, the engine has logged more than 2,500 ground test hours. The flight test campaign started in November 2014 with the Bell 505’s first flight at Bell’s Mirabel facility in Canada. In August 2015 Turbomeca delivered the first production engine to the new Bell 505 assembly center in Lafayette, La. The Arrius 2R is designed to deliver performance in the 500shp range, while improving safety and lowering pilot workload via the dual-channel Fadec, the only turbine in the power range with this feature. The 2R uses the core of the proven Arrius 2F, a twinmodule configuration touted for low maintenance and operating costs. Turbomeca has sold more than 3,000 Arrius engines to 430 customers in 60 countries. The 2R will have a 3,000 hour time-between-overhaul offered at entry into service.

z Lightspeed Introduces New Wireless Headset Aircraft-headset maker Lightspeed introduced Tango, a wireless, active-noise-reducing (ANR) headset, to the rotorcraft industry on Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2016.

Tango uses a proprietary wireless connection developed by Lightspeed engineers. Called Lightspeed Link, the technology is neither Bluetooth nor Wi-Fi (although Tango does have Bluetooth to connect with cellphones and tablets). Link uses existing technologies that were chosen for both their signal reliability and their audio quality in the aviation environment.

The connection is robust enough to handle six Tango headsets in the same aircraft.

Tango’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery is another Lightspeed first, explained Teresa De Mars, executive v-p of sales and marketing.

The batteries can deliver up to 12 hours of continuous operation, and they are recharged with the Tango dual-port charger to 75 percent power in less than an hour and to full charge in two hours.

Following FCC approval of Tango, LightSpeed Aviation (Booth 9233) started shipping the headsets to customers in November; to date the company has sold more than 2,000 of the $800 (retail) headsets.

z Enidine Features Rotorcraft Product Line ITT Enidine (Booth 1203) is featuring several rotorcraft-unique products at this year’s Heli-Expo. These include pylon isolation systems, cabin interior vibration isolators, spherical pivot bearings, multi-modulus laminated journal bearings, main engine and APU isolators and elastomeric rod ends.

A number of ITT Enidine products were onboard the new Bell 525 Relentless super-medium twin for its first flight July 1 in Amarillo, Texas. By developing, manufacturing and testing products in-house, the Orchard Park, N.Y., company was able to cut its production time by 60 percent to meet Bell Helicopter’s deadline.

“Daily communication with Bell Helicopter, suppliers and mold houses allowed us to cut production time to meet the tight deadline presented,” said Ryan Evans, aerospace product manager with ITT’s Control Technologies business. “Instead of serving solely as an external vendor, Enidine delivered hands-on service and functioned as an extension of the Bell Helicopter engineering team.”

ITT Aerospace Controls, based in Valencia, Calif., has also worked with the Bell 525 team since the project’s inception on fuel system solutions. The company’s customizable flow control and actuator products are built into the fuel-control systems of all Bell 525 models.

www.ainonline.com • March 3, 2016 • HAI Convention News 19

NEWS CLIPS PROUD FUTURE PILOT

z Libra Group Targets New Markets

z Pall Pureair Filter Gets EASA STC Pall Aerospace and Dart Aerospace announced that the PA100 Pureair, an engine inlet barrier filter for Airbus Helicopter models H125/AS350 and EC130 helicopters, has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) from EASA. The redesigned filter uses Pureair vortex tubes for selfcleaning and is said to be virtually maintenance free. While providing a high level of filtration, Pureair also provides a 2-percent gain in engine power, according to the manufacturer.

Here at Heli-Expo 2016, Pall Aerospace (Booth 8536) is displaying the Pureair filter on a Liberty Helicopters Airbus H125/AS350 and EC130.

z Medevac Provider Goes Garmin Missouri-based aero-medical services provider Air Evac Lifeteam has selected a Garmin (Booth 1822) avionics suite optimized for rotorcraft to equip its fleet of Bell 206 and 407 helicopters. The-night-vision compatible system is based around Garmin’s G500H dual-screen system, which was designed specifically for the VFR helicopter market, plus the GTN 650 touchscreen GPS/navcom and GTR 225 com radio along with the GDL 88 ADS-B datalink and GRA 55 radio altimeter.

“Our pilots are excited that Air Evac made a commitment to equip its fleet with the Garmin G500H and GTN 650,” noted Tony Bonham, the operator’s senior director of flight operations. “They have used Garmin’s equipment for several years and are confident the G500H and GTN 650 will bring a new element of situational awareness to the aircraft. The system will provide HTAWS to monitor the surrounding environment and identify surrounding obstacles, offering both visual and aural alerts to potential terrain and obstacle conflicts. Optional to the system is Garmin’s WireAware wire-strike avoidance technology, which overlays power line location and altitude information on a moving-map display.

HAI honored the past at this year’s show, with its HFI Heritage of Helicopters display (South Wing B lobby). The veterans on hand were looking to the future as well, sharing their love of aviation with the next generation.

MARIANO ROSALES

Aircraft leasing firm LCI, part of the Libra Group, now has 21 helicopters in service and some 49 on order, with about 20 of these expected to enter service by the end of this year.

The fleet consists of AgustaWestland (Finmeccanica) and Airbus helicopters. Last year the firm placed 12 helicopters into service in EMS, offshore wind and oil-and-gas, and it also added its first AW189 to its fleet.

Crispin Maunder, LCI’s executive chairman, said, “Whilst this is a challenging time for the helicopter sector, there are many pockets of demand and we see the future as being about a balanced portfolio of aircraft and lessees.” He added that LCI is “focusing on growing our exposure in buoyant sectors, such as offshore wind and emergency medical services.”

Production 407HP ready for service

by Kerry Lynch Eagle Copters is set to deliver its first production Eagle 407HP to the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Delivery, which will occur shortly after Heli-Expo, follows issuance of the supplemental type certificate for the re-engined Bell 407 in late 2014.

The initial prototype model, used in development, has been flying with a customer and used for firefighting. That experience has enabled Eagle Copters to mature the project and prepare for the ramping up on the conversion projects, said David Sypke Whiting, v-p of sales and marketing.

Eagle Copters teamed with both Bell and Honeywell to swap the original 813-shp RollsRoyce 250-C47 with Honeywell’s 1,021-shp HTS900-2-1D turboshaft. The 407HP provides 17 percent lower fuel burn, 22 percent more shaft horsepower

and an additional 500 pounds of payload. The new engine also is equipped with a tailored dual-channel Fadec. In addition Eagle Copters has developed an inlet barrier filter for the engine.

The initial helicopter has accumulated 300 hours and during the firefighting season enabled the operator to fly an hour longer and carry 50 percent more water.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife, which is responsible for Nevada’s fish and wildlife resources and boating safety, will use the new 407HP to replace its Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger III. The aircraft is the first of several Eagle 407HPs set for delivery in upcoming months. Eagle Copters has five more in production; the company acquired all five for the re-engining project, but has customers lined up

for each one. Eagle Copters also is planning to begin a project involving a customer-owned 407 this summer. Whiting expects that customer-owned aircraft will constitute the bulk of the business.

The company has been eyeing international markets, having already obtained validations from aviation authorities in Chile, Australia, Mexico and from the FAA, along with Transport Canada. It further has applications in with EASA and with China’s CAAC. Whiting said the company will deliver a 407HP to its joint venture in Australia for demonstrations in both Australia and Papua New Guinea. Its affiliates in both Australia and Chile will be able to handle the conversions, in addition to Eagle Copters’ Canadian facility. o

z Combo Crash Recorder HUMS Available Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (Booth 111) and Ultra Electronics Flightline Systems (Booth 11445) have joined forces to develop Fortress HUMS, a compact and lightweight (13-pound) ED-112A-compliant cockpit voice and flight data recorder with integral health and usage monitoring system.

The Fortress HUMS installs in a single box. The system is connected through a single cable routed through the aircraft and is suitable for retrofit or new rotorcraft.

Fortress HUMS can accommodate up to 60 smart sensor channels. The distributed sensor network acquires all data parameters required for both HUMS and FDR functions. This includes vibration data for mechanical diagnostics, engine monitoring and airframe monitoring; platform dynamics for rotor track and balance; analog and digital signals for HUMS usage monitoring, exceedance monitoring and regime recognition; and Arinc 429, analog and digital signals for flight data recording.

Fortress HUMS can operate with the cockpit-area microphone, HD color camera, recorder independent power supply and ground replay software to provide cockpit voice, video and flight data recording capability. Fortress HUMS sensors can be added or removed without removing hardware from the aircraft.

20 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

ESTERLINE WINS CONTRACTS FOR CHINESE NEW-DESIGN HELICOPTERS Esterline CMC Electronics (Booth 2206) has announced that its CMA-9000 flight management system (FMS) and its CMA-5024 GPS landing system sensor will become standard equipment on Chinesedesigned and -built Avicopter AC312C and AC312E rotorcraft. The -E model is slated for certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China in 2017, with the -C model to follow in 2018. Esterline CMC president Greg Yeldon said, “The helicopter market in China is expected to undergo tremendous growth over the next few years, and Avicopter is well positioned to capture an important share of this fast-growing market.”

The twin-engine AC312C and -E models target the law enforcement, search-and-rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), VIP and executive transport missions. “Our CMA-9000 and CMA-5024 systems will bring the most advanced civil navigation capabilities to these new Chinesedesigned helicopters,” Yeldon said, “and will also

provide exceptional hover-hold performance using our innovative GPS Velocity Sensor technology.” The relationship between Esterline CMC and Avicopter dates back to 2013, when the two partnered on equipping the latter’s AC352 helicopter.

Separately, Esterline CMC announced its CMA9000 FMS and CMA5024 were also selected for the NH Industries NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters program for the German navy. The helicopter model, also known as the Sea Lion, will replace the force’s aging fleet of Sikorsky Sea Kings in the roles of SAR, transportation and other specialized missions. Also, the German armed forces have selected Esterline CMC’s CMA-9000 FMS and MFD-3068 multifunction display to upgrade their Sikorsky CH-53GS/GE Sea Stallion fleet. The upgrade will modernize the helicopters’ cockpits and prepare them for integration into Europe’s ADS-B out equipment mandates that begin to take effect in 2020.

–M.P.

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NEWS CLIPS z Broker Offers Legacy Bell 206L with Glass Cockpit Aircraft broker Meridian Helicopters (Static Display 21) is showing this refurbished 1990 Bell 206L with a Garmin G500 glass cockpit here at Heli-Expo 2016. “Many months of work are put into a tip-to-tail refurb, such as this aircraft experienced,” said Michael Bahlor, managing partner at Meridian Helicopters, of Broussard, La. The helicopter has mostly zero-timed components, a component- and engine-support agreement and competitive lease rates, according to Meridian, which offers aircraft sales, leases, purchases and inspections.

z CAE Oslo Gets Airbus H225 Simulator Approval CAE Oslo’s helicopter training center at Oslo Gardermoen Airport in Norway has obtained approval by Airbus Helicopters for its H225 simulator. The approval process included evaluation of the simulator to verify its fidelity compared with Airbus Helicopters’ simulation package and training of CAE’s instructors.

“It is an honor to be the first independent training provider to receive Airbus Helicopters approval,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE group president of Civil Aviation Training Solutions.

While the simulator provides mission-specific training for offshore oil-and-gas, search-and-rescue and military operating profiles, the Airbus Helicopter approval covers only recurrent training.

z Rockwell Collins Highlights Fusion Flight Deck Rockwell Collins, eyeing an expansion of its Pro Line Fusion cockpit further into the commercial helicopter market, is demonstrating the platform at Heli-Expo. The company debuted the flight deck during last year’s Heli-Expo in Orlando, Fla., detailing plans to develop “new helicopter cockpit concept” based on the Fusion flight deck.

The Fusion system already has been installed on Finmeccanica’s AW609, and Rockwell Collins announced during the Paris Air Show last summer that it was teaming with Airbus Helicopters and Vector Aerospace to jointly develop and market Fusion suites for Airbus Helicopters platforms.

Visitors to the Rockwell Collins booth (9544) here will be able to “fly” the Fusion demonstrator. Rockwell Collins upgraded the demonstrator for this year’s HeliExpo to feature its Helisure products, which combine 3-D visualization, displays, sensors and databases to increase situational awareness for helicopters.

In addition, Rockwell Collins is featuring its RTA-4100 MultiScan weather radar, which the company said is a “major step forward in automation for helicopter crews.” The radar scans ahead of the helicopter and will display actual weather threats. Also on display is TCAS II and DF-500 direction finder.

z Night Vision Awards Announces Biennial Format The next Night Vision Awards ceremony will take place at the 2017 Airborne Law Enforcement Association Expo (ALEA) in Reno, Nev., following a decision by the awards committee to move to a biennial format. The ceremony honors various departments and organizations for their accomplishments using night-vision-goggle equipment.

Nominations will open in January 2017, ahead of the ALEA show, which runs from July 23 to 28. This year, the ALEA event is being held in Savannah, Ga., from July 18 to 23 and in 2018, it will come to Louisville, Ky. (July 9 to 14).

“We look forward to hosting a bigger event with more awards with the new format,” said Night Vision Award emcee Scott Emerine. “We have received numerous nominations over the past five years and have been able to recognize many great law enforcement, emergency medical services, along with search-and-rescue operations from around the world.

We expect the next award show to be full of worthy recipients who help keep the world safer through the use of night-vision goggles and equipment.

Conklin releases updated aircraft cost software

by Harry Weisberger Conklin & de Decker (Booth 5935) has released the latest edition of its Life Cycle Cost software, Release 16.1, which now incorporates the data and five-year condensed format option from the Aircraft Cost Analysis program that Conklin & de Decker acquired from Sam Miller in 2014. The fiveyear condensed report allows users to run a comparison of three different aircraft side-byside or the same aircraft, but using three different acquisition forms.

Life Cycle Cost features ownership and operating cost data for more than 460 jets, turboprops, helicopters and piston-powered airplanes. Version 16.1 includes more than 7,000 updated aircraft cost points, which include fuel costs, crew salaries, aircraft inspections, overhauls and retirement items plus updated

engine and acquisition costs.

The 16.1 release also includes pie charts and bar graphs. Subscribers to Life Cycle Cost can access the Conklin & de Decker Aviation Resource Library, which includes information such as fuel and maintenance costs, fleet plan checklist, helicopter seating chart, max range at longrange cruise, aircraft alias and engine installation summaries, aircraft variable cost, the aircraft CO2 calculator and the AircraftPedia, which offers interior and exterior aircraft drawings and color images, histories and general cost, performance and engine information.

New Tax Guide

In mid-February the company released the 2016 version of its State Tax guide for General Aviation with updates, definitions and exemptions

researched and analyzed by Conklin & de Decker partner and tax guru Nel Stubbs.

Here at Heli-Expo Conklin & de Decker is demonstrating a pre-release of the latest version of its maintenance tracking software, MxManager, a Windows-based tool for tracking, organizing and controlling maintenance activities and expenses, for fixed- or rotary wing aircraft. Several years in the making, this new version is “orders of magnitude faster,” according to the company. At its Heli-Expo booth, the firm is giving away a GoPro action camera. Visitors can purchase Conklin & de Decker products at a 10 percent Heli-Expo show discount.

After the show, company co-founder Bill de Decker will lead the Managing Aircraft Operating Costs advanced helicopter operator course, March 3 through 5 in the Kentucky International Convention Center. Then on March 14, Conklin & de Decker will host the same seminar for airplane and helicopter operators in Toluca, Mexico. o

SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE​

MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award

by Amy Laboda Advocacy, service and compassion are just three and flying other missions, including search-and-resattributes that earned Lt. Pat Lawrence this year’s MD cue, marijuana eradication and disaster response. As Helicopters Law Enforcement Award at Heli-Expo a flight instructor in both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, 2016. Without top cops such as Lt. Pat Lawrence, the Lawrence was able to keep costs down for the unit ground-based units in Michigan’s largest metropoliand hire, and then train, two new pilots in 2014. He also tan areas would lose a huge tactical advantage over established a tactical flight officer training program. the bad guys.

During those tough years Lawrence did not succumb Lawrence enlisted with the department in 1994, to apathy about the challenges and limitations the ecograduating as a member of the 110th Trooper nomic downturn had dealt his department. Instead Recruit School. He was assigned to the he vigorously lobbied state lawmakers to Caro Post and transferred to the aviexpand the state police aviation unit. ation unit in 1999. Lawrence has also He took the governor and several served as a pilot with the Michigan state legislators on demonstration National Guard for 30 years. flights to show them firsthand why In 2008 Lawrence was chief pilot and the state desperately needed aviation commander of the Michigan State Police avilaw enforcement assets. ation unit. His leadership was instrumental in Lawrence’s efforts were finally rebuilding the unit after the economic downrewarded in 2015 when the Michigan turn. During that time the unit dropped from legislature approved and purchased five helicopters and three airplanes to a third law enforcement helijust two helicopters and three pilots, copter. Most recently he at a time when the crime rate in played an active role in Michigan’s three most populous the department’s purchase metro areas exploded. and authorization to fly an Lawrence established a unmanned aircraft system schedule to patrol Detroit, Flint (UAS), which established and Saginaw on a nightly the Michigan State Police as basis, rotating the duty one of the first police agenamong the three remaining cies in the nation to sucpilots and two helicopters. cessfully obtain statewide Lt. Patrick Lawrence, commander of the MSP Aviation In that time period Law- Unit, was awarded the Airborne Law Enforcement flight authorization from the rence flew more than 1,000 Association Robert L. Cormier Award at the ALEA National FAA for UAS law enforceo hours patrolling the cities Conference in Houston last year. ment missions.

22 HAI Convention News • March 3, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

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