DAY 3 March 1, 2018

HAI PUBLICATIONS Convention News

Now more than ever, youth are the future. Attracting them to careers in aviation isn't just about the industry's ability to add a few more customers. Instead, it's about using aircraft as tools to help them realize their dreams as pilots, engineers, technicians, and even firefighters.

New On-Demand Alliance , Blade partner to expand › page 3 Helisim’s U.S. Expansion

KASHEA KLOSS KASHEA Airbus, Thales training venture › page 6 Pilot shortage forecast darkens R-R Shifting to Electric? by Marisa Bojiuc New vehicles on the Mounting evidence shows there is a real The study forecasts an even larger toward their fixed-wing certificates. Similar horizon? › page 8 shortage of pilots and mechanics, and this shortage of 40,613 certificated aviation programs are also being offered by other is especially true for the rotorcraft industry, mechanics in the next two decades in the . Pilots also find the fixed schedules according to a study conducted by the Uni- U.S. At the international level, 70 percent offered by the airlines a powerful incentive Renewable versity of North Dakota (UND) in partnership of operators find it harder to hire mechan- to give up flying for smaller companies with with Foundation International ics and 75 percent of those hiring mechan- irregular schedules. Energy Ops? and HAI. They delivered results of the study, ics were only able to find personnel with The study didn’t analyze the attraction to Wind turbines instead of “UND-HAI Rotorcraft Pilot and Mechanic less than the desired experience. “More young people of advanced technology found Supply Forecast,” yesterday at Heli-Expo. The than 57 percent believe that the inability in modern aircraft, but this could be taken fossils fuels › page 17 study aims to quantify the helicopter pilot to hire mechanics in the coming years will into account in future research. “That is and mechanic shortage over the next 20 years. interfere with their growth and expansion something we talked about. It didn’t come out Artex Avoids Li-ion According to the study, helicopter labor plans,” according to the study. in the survey, but it’s something that could supply continues to drop, with the annual Further, China is poised for aggressive help increase the pilot supply a little bit,” said New ELT uses alkaline deficit of helicopter pilots now at 370 this expansion, which will result in more labor Elizabeth Bjerke, associate dean and profes- page 18 year, and that number is only expected to supply issues worldwide as personnel are sor at the UND department of aviation. batteries › grow to 490 in 2036. The cumulative pro- attracted to China with offers of larger salaries. There are large expectations placed on jected shortage of helicopter pilots in the As the industry continues to collect data, the shoulders of the newest generation. Airbus Embraces U.S. between 2018 and 2036 is 7,649. New it is finding that more helicopter pilots are While they are considered digital natives, helicopter pilots entering the rotorcraft transferring to the regional indus- they still desire structure and job security, BLR's FastFin field have equalled those becoming inac- try due to attractive incentives. For exam- according to the study. For those willing to Factory installs for H125 tive or retiring, which has unbalanced the ple, GoJet’s Rotor Transition Program begin the path to become helicopter pilots, industry since 2009. offers $26,000 for helicopter pilots to train continues on page 21 › page 20 There’s no turning back from our eVTOL future by Mark Huber

The electric vertical takeoff and landing eVTOLs allow the experiment to go (eVTOL) revolution is upon us, and there one step further by eliminating complex likely is no turning back. That is the mes- main and tail rotor systems and adding sage from a growing number of opinion wings to the design to improve range leaders at this year’s Heli-Expo. and speed. “We’re not trying to invent That list includes AHS International a mechanical horse” by electrifying a executive director Mike Hirschberg, who helicopter, he noted. And while eVTOLs points out that more than $1 billion has could conceivably replace some helicop- been invested in vehicles and related ter missions on the low end of the spec- research before regulations are finalized trum, Hirschberg said the overall impact AMBROSE BARRY for the category. And the roster of compa- likely would be additive since they lack he said. “But again…we’re also looking at will have to follow all of the certification nies involves includes major players such the size and power to replace the way we assemble things. They would requirements that we have in place, plus as Airbus, Boeing, Bell, Embraer, Intel, in most mission scenarios. go together differently. We have to look more. Amazon, Honda, Toyota, and Uber. He said reforms to Part 23 certifica- at how are we going to manufacture at a “Think about crash-attenuating seats This isn’t a bunch of hobbyists in tion requirements could go a long way to high rate. We can probably use different and all of the same safety features that garages, and Hirschberg points to a survey making eVTOL design approval of both types of robotics. But it is a change for a have to be the same as currently designed taken of attendees from one of his organi- electric powerplants and occupant pro- company. You’ve got to be able to rapidly on helicopters. You will need all of those zation’s recent conferences showing that tection achievable. manufacture these very quickly. You’re on an unmanned system as well. Now 59 percent thought that eVTOLs would Bell CEO Mitch Snyder agrees. The talking 10, 15, 20, 30 a day, or even more.” we have that intellectual knowledge to become a reality within the next five to 10 company is displaying its concept for an Chris Emerson, president of Airbus design and develop an aircraft to those years. “Electric aviation is really changing urban air vehicle this week at Heli-Expo. Helicopters Inc., strikes a more caution- requirements. So then we have to pull the in what it will be in the future,” he said Bell executive vice president for technol- ary note and urges careful study. “People technology that’s being developed and during a Tuesday afternoon presentation ogy and innovation Michael Thacker “is are starting to build up and gather data so combine it with the demographic infor- at Heli-Expo. “This is really a big deal. meeting with the FAA all the time, and we that we understand what the future proj- mation. It’s going to drive the way we look This is a lot of money. This is technology are having these discussions,” Snyder said ect is going to look like. And by the way, it at designing and developing aircraft.” n that’s really going to revolutionize flight.” this week at Heli-Expo. “We’re working According to Hirschberg, electrical- hand in hand with the regulatory author- ly-powered vertical vehicles provide the ities on how you would certify this and opportunity to eliminate all the things how it would operate in the flight space.” Saudo to succeed Even at Safran typically viewed as drawbacks on heli- What Snyder sees as perhaps a larger copters: transmissions, gearboxes, shaft- challenge is how Bell would shift from Safran Helicopter Engines (Booth C4743) ing, and hydraulics. Basically, the things a comparatively low-volume, high-unit- has announced a change in leadership. that break. Sikorsky’s experimental cost manufacturer to a high-volume, low- CEO Bruno Even will leave the company “Project Firefly” in 2010, which electrifed unit-cost one. He has some ideas along on April 2 and will be succeeded by Franck a Schweizer 300C, allowed engineers to those lines. Saudo, who joined Safran in 2011 and remove a vast amount of mechanical sys- “You know, that’s a whole different way served most recently as CEO of Safran Frank Saudo tems from the aircraft. of thinking about building the product,” Systems. He will be replaced will be Safran in that role by Eric Valentin, who was pro- Helicopter moted from vice president for production Engines’ new in the French manufacturer’s CEO in April. INDEX and integration division. C.E. Aero Products Component Services...... 16 Lease Corporation International...... 10 Aeromaster...... 21 Leonardo Helicopters...... 3, 8, 12 ...... 4 LifePort...... 16 Artex...... 18 MD Helicopters...... 17 Aviall...... 16, 21 Metro Aviation...... 22 Terrafugia flying car could be real in 2019 Bell...... 21 Milestone Aviation Group...... 17 Flying car developer Terrafugia is progress- a newly-enhanced prototype of its Transi- BLR Aerospace...... 20 MROinsider...... 21 ing on its mission to establish a viable road- tion, which it says will be ready for cus- BrightWater Partners...... 23 Pratt & Whitney ...... 4 able aircraft. The company (Booth N2009) tomer deliveries in 2019. “We are now Cadorath...... 17 Precision Aviation Group ...... 16 was purchased late last year by China’s ideally positioned to realize the company’s CHC Group and Collective Magazine...... 21 Precision Helicopter...... 22 Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and with vision of creating the world’s first flying Satcom Aviator...... 19 Redbird Flight Simulations...... 20 Component Control...... 12 Robinson...... 21 this capital infusion has since expanded its car, and are taking practical steps towards Concorde Battery ...... 16 Rockwell Collins...... 8, 21 Woburn, Massachusetts headquarters and this,” noted Terrafugia CEO Chris Jaran. Curtiss-Wright...... 16 Rolls-Royce...... 8 opened a new research and development This week at Heli-Expo 2018, the com- Dart...... 23 Rotorlift Aviation...... 23 facility in the San Francisco Bay area, add- pany unveiled its next generation concept, Esterline Avioinics...... 18 Safran...... 12 ing 105 new jobs in the process. the TF-2, which carries a detachable pod FEC Heliports...... 20 Seeker Aircraft...... 14 It is currently finishing development of that can carry passengers or cargo. C.E. Fidelity Flight Simulator...... 20 Sikorsky...... 22 Flight Data Systems ...... 12 SkyQuest...... 21 FlightDocs...... 19 Skytrac...... 12 Fly Neighborly...... 4 Sloane...... 3 Heli-One...... 12 StandardAero...... 20 Correction Helisim...... 6 Survitec...... 16 This photo, which ran in the February 28 edition of HAI Convention News, Honeywell...... 16, 20 Tiger Tugs...... 20 contained the wrong identity. Pictured here is Chris Emerson, president and ITT Enidine...... 16 Uni-Fly...... 17 head of the North America region for Airbus Helicopters Inc. Kaman Aerosystems...... 6 UTC Aerospace Systems...... 20

2 HAI Convention News \ March 1, 2018 \ ainonline.com UK’s Sloane doubles down on Leonardo light twins by Mark Huber

Leonardo Helicopters (Booth C3225) has the area launch customer for the Trekker. signed a deal with Sloane Helicopters for an Leonardo’s distributorship agreement with AW109 Trekker and one AW109SP Grand- Sloane reduces delivery times and provides New. The light twins are expected to deliver customers with a full range of product between now and 2019 as part of Leonar- support. do’s distributorship agreement with Sloane, Sloane Helicopters is an authorized which has taken delivery of two GrandNews Leonardo service center and provides type and one new VIP AW169, as well as con- rating training. Customers include the 32 ducted the sale of four preowned AW109s (Royal) Squadron of the UK , over the last 12 months. which flies the GrandNew for Command Sloane has been a Leonardo distributor Support Air Transport for senior military for the UK and Ireland for 22 years, sell- commanders and government ministers in ing more than 75 aircraft to date. It’s also the UK and Europe. n

Ride, an event-based helicopter shuttle ser- Airbus, Blade vice in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Akagera accepts two AW119Kx singles “Airbus is the right partner for Blade to help accelerate our expansion into addi- Leonardo Helicopters has delivered two helicopters. The multi-mission capabil- form new tional U.S. cities and to fortify our inter- AW119Kx singles to Akagera Aviation of ity of the aircraft is exercised in many national development plans,” said Blade Rwanda with customized convertible con- roles, including EMS, utility, firefight- CEO Rob Wiesenthal. “We look forward to figurations to suit passenger transport or ing, law enforcement, corporate and on-demand helping Airbus enhance its business-to-con- EMS needs. VIP transport, pilot training, and public sumer relationships. Together, we will grow The aircraft will join an AW109 Grand- service operations. on-demand helicopter aviation by broaden- New and an AW139 currently in operation Leonardo (Booth C3225) has experi- partnership ing consumer accessibility today, and facili- at Akagera. Rwanda was the first central enced significant growth in Africa, with tating the transition to eVTOL tomorrow.” African country to operate a dedicated approximately 500 helicopters sold in by Mark Huber Louvot added that these new UAM ser- EMS helicopter. the region. In the past 10 years, Equato- vices are a major pillar of Airbus’ vision All four aircraft are suitable for the hot- rial Guinea, Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Airbus Helicopters and Fly Blade have for future eVTOL systems. The company and-high conditions in Rwanda. Their ser- Rwanda, and Kenya have proven to formed a strategic partnership to develop is also working on both air integra- vice will support local communities and be significant markets for Leonardo in new on-demand helicopter services. tion such as Altiscope and a wide vari- growing tourism in Rwanda. Sub-Saharan Africa. Launched in 2014, Blade already serves 22 ety of passenger and delivery vehicles, The AW119Kx features a large cabin Akagera Aviation, headquartered at core routes in seven states and claims to including the four passenger, self-piloted that can accommodate up to six passen- Kigali International Airport, is the first facilitate more civilian transport by helicop- CityAirbus eVTOL demonstrator; the sin- gers and redundancy of all critical sys- tourist operator in the country and also ter than any other company in the U.S. The gle-passenger, self-piloted Vahana eVTOL tems typically available on twin-engine conducts maintenance and training. A.P. company’s services include a multi-state aircraft by Airbus A3; and the Racer high- lounge network and booking and operator speed compound helicopter. n technology platforms. This alliance is seen as complementing Airbus’ existing Voom service in and is expected to bring more business to partic- IHST: global helicopter safety stays stable ipating helicopter operators as their aircraft are flown more frequently. by Curt Epstein “Airbus continues to develop the future of the urban air mobility [UAM] market, and Accident rates for the U.S. helicopter indus- following a somewhat steady decrease from fatal. Over the same period, Brazil went from this partnership is the next logical step in try remained stable in 2017, but well below the average of 40 seen between 1985 and 1987. 25 accidents (four fatals) to fewer than half. our quest to offer customers the full spec- those experienced several years ago, accord- Those same statistics also had the average of The IHST conducts an annual survey trum of urban air travel solutions,” said ing to preliminary data released by the U.S. total accidents over the three year period of operators to learn implementation rate Matthieu Louvot, executive vice president Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) this week ending in 2017 as 118, down from the average for its key recommended safety practices of customer support and services for Airbus at Heli-Expo 2018. Comparing 2013, the year of 211 recorded between 1985 and 1987, the by operators around the world. “Of all the Helicopters. “We are constantly seeking new the USHST was founded, with 2017, total civil earliest data presented. folks in the survey, more of them are using opportunities to add another dimension to accident rates have declined 17 percent, fatals The International Helicopter Safety the recommended practices by the IHST,” urban transport networks. By partnering by 33 percent. Team—which will soon be restructuring as said Molinaro. “We’re seeing more and more with Blade, we are setting a strong foun- In 2013, the fatal helicopter accident rate in the International Helicopter Safety Foun- that they’re using HUMS, that they’re using dation for the next step, which will be the the U.S. was approximately one per 100,000 dation—presented preliminary 2017 data SMS, they’re using flight data monitoring, but successful deployment of electric vertical flight hours and has leveled off at approxi- from 49 countries showing in most cases there’s a lot of work to be done.” takeoff and landing [eVTOL] systems.” mately 0.55 fatal crashes per 100,000 flight decreasing totals in both fatal and non-fatal While he is heartened by the steadily Louvot said the partnership with Blade will hours. This remains below the organization’s helicopter accidents. Overall, rotorcraft acci- improving results, Molinaro is not yet ready complement Airbus’ global UAM business goal of 0.69 for 2017. dents among those countries decreased by to credit them entirely to the education strategy, which is already in development Indeed, Tony Molinaro, a public affairs six percent year-over-year, and by 32 percent efforts of IHST and others. “We still have through Voom, the fast-expanding helicopter officer with the FAA, in a presentation since 2013. not gotten the link yet to work being done taxi service that has flown thousands of pas- Wednesday demonstrated the most recent Europe, with 103 helicopter accidents (25 on safety enhancements being connected to sengers since it launched commercial oper- three-year period shows an average of 18 fatal) in 2013, has seen continual improve- some kind of progress in lowering the acci- ations in April 2017 in Sao Paulo, and Airbus fatal helicopter accidents a year in the U.S., ment: 43 accidents in 2017, 11 of which were dent rate,” he told Heli-Expo attendees. n

ainonline.com \ March 1, 2018 \ HAI Convention News 3 Research over the last 12 years—par- For level flight, the rules of thumb state Research helps to improve ticularly by NASA and the Department that accelerations are quieter than decel- of Transportation’s Volpe Center—has erations and straight flight is quieter than revealed useful information about prop- turns. When turning, turn away from the ‘Fly Neighborly’ guidelines agation of helicopter noise. In 2011, tests advancing blade, especially when decel- at Eglin AFB of a Bell 430 resulted in erating, and level turns are quieter than by Randy Padfield rules of thumb for noise abatement. Last descending turns. In descending flight, year, more extensive tests of six different straight-in is quieter than turns and fly- Two “Fly Neighborly” proponents— overhead continues to become a greater helicopter models, which collected more ing the steepest angle practicable helps to Scott Burgess of Embry-Riddle Aero- irritant as communities expand and more than 1,500 data points, put “scientific reduce the noise footprint. When decel- nautical University and David Bjellos, helicopters take to the air. While noise rigor behind these rules of thumb.” erating, level segments are quieter than the aviation manager at Agro Indus- reduction remains an important goal of Under the The Rules of Thumb for Fly- approaches and turns. In general, “make trial Management—returned to Heli- rotorcraft manufacturers and there are ing Neighborly, safe operations remain smooth control inputs to reduce the Expo to reiterate the need for noise many cooperative efforts regarding heli- the priority, and use of noise-reduction noise footprint.” abatement and reveal new findings on copter routing and altitudes, concerns techniques should be done without com- The Fly Neighborly/Environmental noise avoidance. and complaints about helicopter noise promising safety. “When noise and safety Committee will be at Hel-Expo 2019 with Noise produced by helicopters flying continue to increase. conflict, safety takes priority,” it says. another Fly Neighborly forum. n

FAA OKs End of ATC privatization energizes HAI can happen when people unite and speak with one voice.” Heli-Expo 2018 attendees woke to some Congress to modernize the FAA to main- On Tuesday afternoon, House Trans- Helionix for good news on the second day of the show tain its world-class level of service and portation and Infrastructure Committee yesterday, after Congress ended its most safety,” the association said. chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) recent effort to privatize the U.S. air traffic “The voice of the entire general aviation admitted that the proposed reform Airbus H135 control (ATC) system. The Helicopter Asso- community was heard,” added HAI pres- of ATC that was part of H.R.2997, the ciation International (HAI) and other avia- ident and CEO Matt Zuccaro. “I want to “21st Century AIRR Act,” did not receive by Mark Huber tion organizations applauded the move thank our members for their commitment enough support from Congress to pass. and indicated support for the plan for a and passion to engage their elected offi- Shuster said he plans to work with his Airbus Helicopters (Booth N1915) reauthorization bill that would assure lon- cials. I also want to express our commu- colleagues in Congress on a reauthori- has received FAA certification for the ger-term funding for the FAA. nity’s gratitude to our representatives for zation bill “to provide long-term stability Helionix cockpit in its light-twin H135 “HAI stands committed to working with listening. This is a great example of what for the FAA.” M.T. helicopter. Helionix is a standardized family of avionics and features avail- able on the company’s H175, H145, and, soon, on the H160 super-medium and medium twins. The Helionix cockpit is designed with three large electronic displays, is night vision goggle (NVG) compatible, features a four-axis autopilot, and includes a first limit indicator that highlights the appro- priate engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator. Stat Medevac is the first U.S. customer for the H135 with Helionix. Stat took deliv- ery of three H135s so equipped earlier this month. FAA certification follows European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for the H135 with Helionix in 2016. European customers for the H135 with the avionics include the British Ministry of Defense/UK Military Flight Training System (UKMFTS), operated by Ascent Flight training, and the Nor- wegian Helicopter Emergency Medical Services operator AS (Nolas). Martin Schneider, head of Airbus’ H135 program, said, “The FAA certification of the H135 with Helionix marks another important milestone for the H135 in the U.S. and showcases our consistent efforts to improve the helicopter.” More than 1,300 H135s are

in service worldwide and the fleet has AMBROSE BARRY amassed 4.5 million flight hours. n Airbus readies H160 for North American demo tour After making its international airshow debut this week at Heli-Expo 2018, the is set to embark on a three-month customer demonstration tour in North America, followed by high/hot testing in Leadville, Colorado. The H160 incorporates several new YOUR SOURCE FOR AVIATION NEWS technologies, among them Blue Edge active tracking main rotor blades in a five-blade system with a double sweep design that reduces www.ainonline.com noise and contributes to a smoother ride, and 10 to 15 percent better fuel consumption than the H155 family it replaces. Airbus is aiming for H160 certification next year.

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FOR NEWS VIDEO FROM HELIEXPO

Kaman K-Max helps rebuild Puerto Rican infrastructure by Samantha Cartaino

Rotak Helicopter Services, a K-Max utilize K-Max’s 6,000-pound lift and pre- operator in Alaska, will operate in cision placement capability, small operat- Puerto Rico to support infrastructure ing footprint, and low operating costs. It rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Maria, will present a strong value proposition to according to Kaman Aerosystems (Booth Rotak and the end users. Strong demand C4221). Ely Woods, owner and director has resulted in extended K-Max produc- of maintenance for Rotak, said the com- tion and is cause for consideration of the pany will take delivery of two additional manufacture of additional aircraft.” K-Max helicopters later this year. The Meanwhile, Kaman restarted produc- K-Max is a heavy-lift, single-engine heli- tion for the K-Max aircraft in June 2015. copter that features a counter-rotating The company has delivered three aircraft With its narrow fuselage and distinctive contra-rotating, intermeshing rotors eliminating the rotor system that is designed for vertical since rolling out the first in July and is now need for torque compensation, Kaman Aircraft’s K-Max is optimized for heavy-lift operations. reference flight. poised to deliver two aircraft to K-Max “We are proud that K-Max will be ful- operator Helicopter Express in Georgia “We are pleased that the new pro- important milestone for the K-Max pro- filling this role in the critical rebuilding and one to Columbia Basin Helicopters in duction K-Max aircraft from Lot 1 are gram and I am very proud that we are effort for the people of Puerto Rico,” said Oregon. By the end of this month, Kaman expected to be delivered to Helicopter continuing the production and delivery Drake Klotzman, general manager of will have delivered a total of six aircraft Express and Columbia Basin Helicopters of K-Max aircraft to customers around Kaman’s MRO division. “This mission will from the new production lot. [in March],” said Klotzman. “This is an the world.” n

Helisim expanding in U.S. by Mark Huber

Airbus Helicopters-Thales, helicopter training joint venture, Helisim, and its member companies are building a new 23,000-sq-ft, $40 million pilot and main- tenance crew training center on the Air- bus Helicopters Inc. campus at Grand Prairie, Texas, it announced on Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2018. Helisim will develop and operate the center, which will house the first Airbus H145 and H175 level-D simulators in North America. The H145 simulator is scheduled for installation first and construction of the center will begin later this year. Its customers to optimize their training Reality H simulators will be built by programs and benefit from the exper- Thales. Plans call for an H160 simulator to tise that we can provide onsite at our be added at a future date, once that model headquarters in the U.S.” is certified and production is under way. “When we first embarked on this part- According to Helisim, the center will nership with Airbus, our primary goal was incorporate Airbus Helicopters’ existing to ensure the next generation of helicop- training facilities at Grand Prairie, includ- ter pilots worked in an industry with the ing its H125/AS350 full-flight simulator same safety record as those in the fixed- and H135/H145 flight-training device. The wing market,” said Benoit Plantier, Thales’ new center is expected to accommodate vice president of training and simulation. “several thousand” students annually, “The quality and level of training Helisim including approximately 1,000 pilots for offers to pilots in Europe has gone a long introductory and recurrent training. way to accomplish that goal. We are proud “This is the next step of customer to continue this legacy in North America.” experience for us. When they arrive in “The opening of this new facility near Grand Prairie not only will they have Dallas represents a major international their aircraft to pick up, we will have expansion of Helisim,” said Helisim CEO level-D simulation capability. This is Christian Cochini.

BARRY AMBROSE BARRY just the first step. With this expansion, “Our 18 years of experience in simu- we will be able to support our custom- lation training for Airbus Helicopters’ Does this access door make me look complicated? ers’ needs for helicopter training in one wide range of aircraft, representing When it comes to aircraft maintenance, gaining access to critical components with the location,” said Christopher Emerson, nearly 200,000 simulated flight hours, appropriate tools can be a challenge greater than diagnosing a mechanical problem. But president of Airbus Helicopters Inc. and combined with Airbus Helicopters Inc.’s designers and engineers don’t always keep the technician’s needs in mind, concentrating head of the North America region. expertise will allow us to offer safe and on economics and ease of manufacturing instead. These attendees may be wondering “Expanding our capabilities with H145 efficient training solutions for North which faction won out—the engineers or the technicians? and H175 level-D simulators will allow American customers.” n

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Visit us at HAI Heli-Expo, Booth C4432 Leonardo’s SW-4 Solo makes first unmanned flight by Mark Huber

Leonardo Helicopters’ (Booth C3225) altitude of 1,500 feet and a forward speed optionally piloted SW-4 Solo recently of 60 knots during the flight. Leonardo completed its first flight without a safety CEO Alessandro Profumo said the Solo’s pilot aboard, the company announced on successful unmanned flight was “further Tuesday. The flight originated at the Taran- evidence” of the company’s “leading role” to-Grottaglie airport in Southern Italy and in developing unmanned systems. lasted for 45 minutes, with all systems The Solo RUAS/OPH (rotary unmanned onboard reported as performing nominally. air system/optionally piloted helicopter) is Look, Ma, no pilot! Leonardo Helicopters’ CEO said the success of its SW-4’s recent unmanned Tests on the flight included remote derived from the SW-4, produced by Leon- flight highlights his company’s leading role in developing remote pilot aircraft systems. engine start and shut down on the ground; ardo in Poland, and equipped with sensors ground run; automatic takeoff and land- and advanced systems made by the com- Earlier activities in Italy were part the national and European site for ing; hovering out of ground effect; accel- pany in Italy and the UK. Test campaigns of a collaboration that began in 2015 unmanned aircraft testing. The trials eration to forward flight; automatic began in 2016 in Grottaglie with a pilot between Leonardo, Aeroporti di Puglia are being held in collaboration with waypoint navigation to and from the area aboard and also in Poland to verify the air- and the Distretto Tecnologico Aero- the Italian Civil Aviation Authority of operation; and simulation of a surveil- craft’s characteristics in various phases of spaziale Pugliese for the “Grottag- (ENAC) and the Italian Air Navigation lance mission. The helicopter reached an flight in normal and emergency conditions. lie Test Bed,” a candidate to become Service (ENAV). n

Rolls-Royce envisions a more electrified future by Mark Huber

Rolls-Royce sees a potentially electric aviation world on the horizon coming in stages, both incrementally and disrup- tively, according to Rolls-Royce Electrical global head Mike Mekhiche. Some changes Rolls-Royce’s are already flying, such as commercial Mike Mekhiche aircraft with more electric systems like sees greater the Boeing 787, while more disruptive airborne use

KASHEA KLOSS KASHEA forces and parties have yet to appear in of electric the market. systems. KASHEA KLOSS KASHEA Two seats, handles well, comes in one color The coming vertical takeoff and landing Although the U.S. Army is the AH-64 Apache’s primary operator, the type has been exported to (VTOL) wave of all-electric or electric-hy- In a partial hybridization system, the other countries and produced overseas under license in the UK. This is an AH-64D, equipped brid aircraft hold the promise of unlocking engine can be downsized and electrically with a and AN/APG-78 fire-control radar mounted above the main rotor. new regional and local commuter markets, boosted, recover and store energy, and but could erode demand for some rail and blend conventional and electric thrust. airline service and weaken the small busi- This can result in a lower noise profile. A ness jet market. A spectrum of new vehi- full hybrid system can be operated with Avionics upgrade extends MH-65 lifespan cles are expected to have capacities of four the engine off in full electric mode and has to 100 passengers. VTOLs could start to even larger energy storage potential. U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 helicopters—a possible, for both immediate use and to adversely affect the helicopter market by A common architecture that could be specialized variant of the Aerospatiale download for later review. 2025, said Mekhiche. used across multiple aircraft using tech- SA366 G1 Dauphin—will start to receive a It will also include an integrated civil The shift to full or partial electric offers nology that is available today follows the new avionics architecture from Rockwell and military flight management system the benefits reduced operating costs, emis- turboelectric hybrid model and features Collins, the primary provider of avionics from Rockwell Collins (Booth C1731). sions, and noise, while allowing for more a single turbine engine/generator, power to the Coast Guard since 1979, by the end Improvement to search-and-rescue oper- flexibility in vehicle propulsion integration controllers, battery pack, electric motors, of the year. This will support the Coast ations will be facilitated by full integration and energy sourcing. Mekhiche explained and propulsors. n Guard’s plan to extend the operational life of a Rockwell Collins DF-500 direction four potential models of power distribu- of its MH-65s, which will be re-designated finder into the new flight management tion; the more electric engine, full system as MH-65Es after the upgrade. system and display. electrification, partial system hybridiza- The retrofit includes all-glass, The DF-500 continuously scans for tion, and full system hybridization. large-format digital displays that will emergency beacons over a large fre- In a more electric engine there are more increase video and imaging options. quency range and pinpoints the loca- electric accessories and secondary aircraft GET UP TO Multiple sources from outside and inside tion of any detected beacons. Pilots systems that combine to reduce fuel burn can be displayed, including video from can also set the system to fly directly and emissions, increase engine efficiency, SPEED! a hoist and cabin cameras. External to that position, fly a search pattern, if and improve engine efficiency and life. ON THE LATEST imagery will include infrared, radar and needed, and view the point or the flight With full system electrification, as in a HELO & BIZJET NEWS electro-optical systems. The capability plan on a digital map, weather display turbo-electric system, there is no energy SENT RIGHT TO to save images and videos will also be or terrain map. R.R.P. storage; however, there is distributed pro- YOUR INBOX pulsion and power systems. www.ainonline.com/subscribe

8 HAI Convention News \ March 1, 2018 \ ainonline.com See us at Booth #C4622

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PFD MFD EICAS WxRadar PFD VIDEO FLIR Electrical Fuel Engine www.rogersonkratos.com Rogerson Kratos certified the first Rogerson Kratos offers legacy aircraft Primary Flight Displays, Integrated the opportunity to have all the features, CONTACT: Instrument Display Systems, EICAS, meet all the certification requirements North America Multi-Function Displays, Integrated and addresses obsolescence challenges [email protected] Avionics Systems for Helicopters. on most aircraft fleets. South America [email protected] Having flown hundreds of thousands Improves Safety, Mission Effectiveness, Europe of hours in all climates and conditions, and Situational Awareness, while improv- [email protected] the Rogerson Kratos Advanced Avionics ing life cycle costs for commercial, Middle East/Africa Systems fulfill challenging missions government, and special mission [email protected] every day on every continent. operations. Asia [email protected] m F p 'E lyi ee ng K

Keep Em Flying with With a 17,535 pound max gross weight, 18-passenger capacity, and 680-nm range, Airbus PMA/STC Helicopters considers its H175 twin to occupy the super-medium segment. parts. Airwolf PMA/STC parts. LCI sees strong market for

Is It gettIng harder to fInd parts? medium-size helicopters airwolf makes It sImple. by Curt Epstein TT STrapS for: • Enstrom 480 & F28/280 Piston Helicopter Conversions Lease Corporation International (LCI, As the company does not participate • Bell Jet Ranger, Long Ranger & OH-58 Booth C3654) has placed an Airbus Heli- in the heavy helicopter market, its oil- • Bell 204, 205, 212, UH-1 & AH-1 Always in Stock, copters H175 with CHC, marking the and-gas demand for the Leonardo AW139 Under developmenT: Strap Fittings, Pins, Latch Bolts, other Life Limited Components for Bell and Hiller Helicopters Always Saving you Money second of the super medium twins that and AW189 comes primarily from shorter the operator has obtained from LCI. It is routes off shore in places such as Austra- expected to enter service in December, a lia, Malaysia, Myanmar, , the year after CHC’s first H175, and will sup- Gulf of Mexico, Africa, and South Amer- port the operator’s UK business. ica, rather than the longer legs required Founded in 2004, LCI and its helicopter for North Sea operations. The H175 and portfolio currently concentrates solely on AW189 are starting to make inroads in airwolfaerospace.com • 440-632-1687 medium and super-medium types, total- that region as well, said Maunder, who ing 42 with an average age of three years, has three decades of experience in the all but one purchased new from the man- aircraft leasing sector. FROM THE COMPANY THAT BROUGHT YOU THE FIRST LONGER LIFE TT STRAPS ufacturer. The Libra Group subsidiary has He believes the oil-and-gas market approximately $750 million of helicopter is entering into a slow recovery mode, PMA ELASTOMERICS assets in service and on order. but expressed chagrin over the linger- FOR HELicOptERs “We are what I call a technical lessor,” ing uncertainty as oil companies issue, explained Crispin Maunder, LCI’s executive change, and pull tenders. “Quite often COMING SOON chairman. “We pride ourselves in knowing these tenders require the delivery of new what it is that we’re leasing, what it can do, helicopters, and we have the order books. how it works and what the technical qual- The lessees—the operators—are not ities of the aircraft are. We actually talk to going to commit until they know they’ve the manufacturers and tell them what we got the contract, and it’s frustrating every- need. Even if they haven’t got it spec them- one at the moment.” selves, we’ll say this is a capability we want, Another area where LCI is seeing build it in, we’ll pay for it extra.” growth is in the offshore wind segment, The company’s leased helicopters are which is especially suited to medium heli- used in a variety of missions, including copters such as the AW139, AW169, and EMS, which is 50 percent of the fleet; Airbus H145. While offshore oil-and-gas SEE US AT ; offshore wind; utility is primarily transport between the land HELI-EXPO! is it gEtting HaRdER tO Find paRts? BOOTH #C2426 and training; pilot transfers; and offshore base and the rig, wind operation requires AIRWOLf makEs it simpLE. oil-and-gas. According to Maunder, its transport from the land to the accommo- exposure to the latter constitutes only dation barge, and from the barge to the NEW fOR 2018: PMA ELASTOMERICS fOR BELL 407 HELICOPTERS. around 30 percent of its portfolio. individual turbines for maintenance—an Shear Bearings, Dampers, Lead Lag Bearings “The oil-and-gas sector has obviously activity that involves lowering the work been through really rough times,” he told crews to the service platform on the back AIN. “We’ve had three body blows: the of the wind turbine itself and retrieving oil price collapse, the [Airbus] H225 inci- them later. dent, and then the CHC Chapter 11, which Like others, Maunder views the EMS didn’t exactly affect us that much.” While market in China as a great opportunity. Visit us at Heli-Expo for more LCI did have some helicopters with CHC, “You haven’t even skimmed the market details on how we can help you save! Maunder noted, those were under struc- there yet,” he noted. “AW139s and AW119s airwolfaerospace.com • 440-632-1687 tured financing lease, which left the main are going into China in a big way, and we equity burden to the operator. are planning to be part of that.” n

10 HAI Convention News \ March 1, 2018 \ ainonline.com THE H160. WHAT THE PEOPLE YOU RELY ON, RELY ON.

FLY WE MAKE IT The new generation H160 boasts a range of unparalleled safety features. Maximized pilot visibility, intuitive information display, unrivaled pilot assistance with Helionix®, and unmatched flight envelope protection. What’s more, it carries up to 12 passengers with a radius of action of 120 NM, while burning 15% less fuel. With so many impressive features, the H160 is a huge step forward not just for its category, but for the environment too.

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Airbus RUSH Show Daily Helicopter Ad 022418.indd 1 2/23/18 6:44 PM Heli-One, Safran continue Makila engines service center agreement Helicopter maintenance services provider Heli-One (Booth N4505) has inked a service center agree- ment with Safran Helicopter Engines that will see it continue to perform MRO work on Safran’s Makila 1A, 1A1 and 1A2 powerplants. The work will be performed at Heli-One’s engine shop in Stavanger, , as well as through mobile support. The Level 4 repair and overhaul facility has been working on this engine type since 1985, and has completed more than 500 overhauls and 1,700 repairs. Its 21 technicians boast a combined approximately CHC’s AW139 has participated in successful trials of a next-stage real-time health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) developed by Leonardo four centuries worth of experience. Helicopters and Skytrac. The HUMS data has helped to improve aircraft reliability. “We are excited to continue to pro- vide Makila services for operators around the world,” said Heli-One a raw data file and submits it for anal- president Eddie Lane. “Our team of Leonardo, Skytrac team on ysis,” explained Giovanni Cecchelli, technicians has proven year after year Leonardo’s vice president of customer why they are the best in the industry support. “Our solution simplifies and for providing high-quality work with a AW139 HUMS data system speeds the HUMS analysis process so focus on customer service. Operators the operator can troubleshoot faster and will continue to benefit from quick by Curt Epstein prepare for aircraft arrival. The result is turnaround times and attentive ser- improved aircraft availability, reduced vice to minimize aircraft downtime.” Leonardo Helicopters (Booth C3225) is and makes it easily accessible post-flight. turnabout time, improved scheduling, The company offers a 45-day turn- partnering with Skytrac to implement “We are applying Heliwise analysis and, ultimately, new tools for managing around time on overhaul services, a next-stage real-time health and usage in real-time in the air and sending noti- safer deployments.” with component exchange and leasing monitoring system (HUMS) for the AW139. fications to the ground to proactively CHC will be launching the real-time also available. Heli-One maintains facili- This follows successful trials conducted alert stakeholders as soon as a threshold Heliwise HUM solution on its AW139 this ties in Vancouver, Canada, and Rzeszow, over the past year with CHC, which will exceedance is detected.” summer. Later this month, it will begin Poland, plus Norway. C.E. continue to lead system implementation When paired with real-time monitoring wireless data offloading. n and testing. The new system installs key and a globally reliable satellite connection, data sets from Leonardo’s Heliwise HUMS operators are notified about any issues analytic software on Skytrac’s ISAT-200A that arise during flight. A wireless file data acquisition unit and transceiver. download sends the complete HUMS data “Skytrac will be acquiring and moni- directly into the Heliwise software as soon Flight Data Systems unveils toring all HUMS parameters in real-time, as the aircraft returns to its home base. with the ISAT-200A,” said Skytrac vice “In traditional HUMS systems, cru- president of sales Jan van der Heul, add- cial information can remain hidden until Sentry voice/data recorder ing the company stores the full data set maintenance staff physically retrieves Airborne data acquisition systems and of capabilities into one single line replace- ground support equipment provider able unit (LRU).” Flight Data Systems (FDS) unveiled its In addition to the required Arinc-717 new Sentry cockpit voice and flight data interface used on standard CVFDRs, Sen- Component Control takes Quantum Step recorder (CVFDR) this week at Heli- try also offers additional interfaces com- Expo. According to the Florida-based plying with the ARINC-429, Ethernet, Camp Systems International subsidiary Q-Step supports the management of company (Booth C3545), the new system and RS-422 standards, creating a flexible Component Control released Quantum inventory, purchasing, receiving, vendors, incorporates its “Memory Shield” tech- architecture for forward-fit and retrofit Step (Q-Step), a low-cost inventory and sales orders, invoices, and repair. Addi- nology, which meets the crash surviv- programs. billing platform for aviation traders and tional premium features in the web-based ability requirements of ED-112A while It can also be converted into a com- logistics companies, this week at Heli- software package include lot costing, minimizing size, weight, and power, and bined flight data acquisition unit and Expo 2018. document imaging, and a finance bridge offering increased memory capacity. CVFDR by adding expanded data mod- According to the San Diego-based to Intuit QuickBooks. “We took the best features of the indus- ules from FDS’s modular acquisition unit company (Booth C4251), Step—which “We developed this product to meet the try’s recorders and added innovative (MAU), a miniature data acquisition sys- stands for stock trading enterprise plat- needs of the small, independent dealer,” approaches to data acquisition and mem- tem currently in use on commercial and form—extends the capabilities of Stock- said senior vice president Daniel Tautges. ory protection, making Sentry a leading military aircraft. Market.aero’s aviation marketplace to offer “There was not a competitive product in solution for commercial and military air- Other MAU modules, including a a comprehensive ERP service for traders, the market that offered the feature rich craft,” said Darren Privitera, the compa- quick-access recorder, pitot-static input, integrating directly with it for real-time capabilities of Q-Step and we wanted to ny’s founder and managing director. He GPS splitter and receiver unit, and wire- inventory availability, as well as the ILS be able to offer products that customers added, “The system is not just a CVFDR, less data transfer can be further added to parts service. could grow with.” C.E. but rather a crash-survivable data acqui- the Sentry unit, combining multiple LRUs sition platform that can host a wide range into one system. C.E.

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18-MCJT10072 Helicopter Solutions Ad-10.8125x13.875-AIN_ShowDaily-HAI.indd 1 2/22/18 1:40 PM

APPROVEDSTC ROB FINFROCK The Seeker Aircraft SB7L-360A2 on the ramp in Albuquerque, New Mexico. DAY 3 HAI 2018 Fly AIN Convention News Seeker vies to compete in 1/2 Page (non bleed) 4.875” W x 12.5” H helo surveillance market by Rob Finfrock

While it’s fair to say the Seeker Aircraft “The entire aircraft was designed to pro- SB7L-360A2 will never be the sexiest air- vide high mean time between failures—it plane on any airport ramp, every inch of just doesn’t break—and nearly all parts its airframe was designed with the sin- save for the composites and [airframe] gular purpose of providing a long-legged skins are commercial off-the-shelf items.” aerial surveillance platform rivalling the capabilities of many rotorcraft. Designed for ISR The bulbous, Hughes 500-esque cock- A 2005 study conducted for the U.S. pit provides 270-degree visibility, and Department of Defense tested that dura- its pusher-mounted, 210-hp Lycoming bility against the heat, blowing dirt, and IO-390A1A6 turning a wood, two-blade, sand of battlefields in Iraq and Afghani- fixed-pitch prop minimizes the aircraft’s stan. The aircraft logged 52 flight hours infrared signature. Multiple strakes, across 36 operations, many of them from stall fences, and vortex generators dot a two-lane blacktop road, with engine oil 2-inch attitude, altitude, the wings and empennage, all contrib- and cylinder head temperatures remain- uting to the aircraft’s docile slow-flight ing within normal limits in ambient temps airspeed and slip. characteristics. up to 105 degrees F. The sole operational It’s also fair to say the Seeker has suf- squawk noted in the report was resolved fered through an arduous gestation pro- by cleaning the contacts on the starter SAM® is the first certified primary/secondary indicator to cess. Designed in Australia and initially motor. assembled in Amman, Jordan, by Seabird The airplane is most at home in aerial display attitude, altitude, airspeed, slip, vertical trend, and Aviation, the aircraft has attracted rela- surveillance roles, flying at 65 knots while heading information in an advanced, 2-inch format. tively few customers since its late-1990s loitering at between 8,000 and 10,000 introduction. That’s a situation Seeker feet, miles away from any unfriendlies. SAM delivers an easy-to-fit, compact design with selectable Aircraft, now a wholly owned subsidiary “There’s no single, defined mission pack- orientation (horizontal and vertical) like no other, ensuring of Albuquerque, New Mexico-based CSI age,” Lundeen continued. a perfect fit within any panel. SAM’s unique, two-screen Aviation, intends to change through a One area in which the company may dedicated marketing effort highlighting face an uphill battle is against the prolifer- display features high-definition graphics and extra-wide the Seeker’s distinct advantages over ation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) viewing angles. And at 1.6 lbs., SAM weighs less than fixed- and rotary-wing competitors. in surveillance roles. Lundeen counters the three instruments it’s designed to replace. “The Seeker is made to work in austere the Seeker maintains advantages in acqui- conditions from unimproved runway sur- sition cost and offers greater security and faces, supporting police and border patrol, data privacy because it does not require drug interdiction, human smuggling inter- a constant data link between aircraft and diction, and poaching interdiction, as well ground. as military ISR [intelligence, surveillance, For the moment, Seekers come from and reconnaissance] applications,” Seeker the factory in Queensland, Australia. The Aircraft president Ed Lundeen, who also company signed an agreement with Erick- serves as managing director for Seabird son Helicopters (Booth C1338) in 2016 to SELECTABLE FIELD LITHIUM-ION Aviation Australia, told AIN. supplement production in the U.S., and ORIENTATION UPGRADEABLE EMERGENCY The aircraft’s slow-flight performance ultimately both lines will be capable of SOFTWARE BATTERY and 6.5-hour loiter time also make the building approximately 50 aircraft annu- Seeker an ideal platform for powerline ally. Lundeen added that all Seekers going and pipeline patrol, as does its $484,500 forward will be produced as A2 models like base price. “Initial acquisition costs are the demo aircraft, rather than the original significantly lower than [those of] a [Rob- A series with its 168-hp Lycoming O-360. flySAM.com Booth C4239 inson] R44 or Cessna 206,” Lundeen said, “The Seeker was clearly developed as “but direct operating costs are where we an ISR platform, with a natural role in really shine. law enforcement around the world,” he “With fuel at $6.10 a gallon the cost- concluded. “I think we’ve identified our per-hour is around $71,” he continued, niche.” n

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FLIGHTSAFETY HELICOPTER SIMULATION AD - AIN CONVENTION NEWS - HELI-EXPO 2018 - Trim: 10.8125” w x 13.875” d Bleed: 11.0625” w 14.125” d Good vibrations: News Clips Aviall Launches Inventory and Ordering App Aviall (Booth C7531) recently launched RestockMe, a mobile ITT Enidine can app that enables customers to check the availability of Aviall’s inventory products. Customers use the camera on their ITT Enidine’s high- smartphone to scan barcodes to place an order. According to the help smooth out capacity laminated Boeing subsidiary, placing an order through this app can take 10 elastomeric seconds. Besides increasing efficiency, RestockMe reduces the bearings include a inventory level on fast-moving items. Since items move quickly, your ride visual inspection the app also reduces the disposal fees of expired products. capability designed RestockMe is available at the Apple App Store and Google Play. by Randy Padfield to eliminate unplanned Concorde Gets Platinum Battery STC for MD Copters Elastomeric bearings and dampers used in heli- maintenance by Concorde Battery (Booth N3207) of West Covina, California, copters are somewhat like the springs and shock indicating when recently received FAA STC approval to install its new Platinum absorbers of a car. Their common goal is to reduce the bearing nears Series RG-624 battery, which provides an 85-percent vibration, which is healthy for both people and replacement. improvement in power for engine starts, in the MD Helicopters machines. To that end, ITT’s Enidine brand recently 369D/E/F/FF, 500N and 600N. Use of the battery will result added high-capacity laminated (HCL) elastomeric designers precise, engineered control over stiff- in stronger starts, prolonged service life and reduced bearings and Frahm dampers to its portfolio of ness and damping, reducing in-flight vibration and wear on the engine, according to Concorde. The RG0624 rotorcraft products. allowing flexibility in the blades and rotor assembly. is a drop-in when replacing Concorde’s RG-500, RG-66-1 “Enidine offers a flexible, personalized approach The brand’s Frahm dampers (dynamically tuned or RG-600-2 installed under SR00716SE or SR01564LA. The to meeting the demanding applications require- vibration absorbers) are used on rotorcraft air- new STC is free for operators meeting these parameters. ments of rotorcraft design,” explained David Snow- frames and rotors to reduce vibration and increase berger, rotorcraft business development manager comfort for passengers and pilots. Aero Products Celebrates Year with Pall Filters at ITT Enidine. “Our ability to design, develop, test, This week at Heli-Expo 2018, ITT Enidine (Booth Aero Products Component Services is celebrating its one-year and produce products all within one facility allows C4929) is showing its full range of rotorcraft appli- distribution partnership anniversary for Pall Aerospace dry media us to bring the highest-quality engineered compo- cations, including multi-modulus HCL, journal and filters for helicopters. The distributor and service provider (Booth nents to market on time and under budget.” spherical bearings; Frahm dampers; pylon isolation N3620) is displaying this week at Heli-Expo an Airbus AS350/H125 Enidine’s HCL elastomeric bearings are systems; engine, APU and ECU isolators; and cabin equipped with the Pall dry media filter. Aero Products distributes flight-critical components that give rotorcraft noise attenuation systems. n the Pall Aerospace filters in North and Central America. Other Aero Products distribution partners include Aeronautical Accessories, Lord, and Van Horn Aviation. The company is a Bell customer service facility, provides MRO services, and offers Survitec unveils new life jacket, passenger suit FAA-approved Airbus Helicopters service and support.

Survitec (Booth C1724) is unveil- aviation, wind energy, and marine LifePort Awarded Black Hawk Armor Deal ing a new life jacket and passen- sectors. It features pockets, a LifePort (Booth N4315) received a contract for 25 customized ger suit this week at Heli-Expo. lightweight emergency breathing Black Hawk Ballistic Protection Systems (BPS) from an The Hybrid Ability Lifejacket and system, and a design that follows undisclosed customer. The BPS is designed to provide passengers Oxygen (Halo) is the company’s the contours of the body. protection from ground-based ballistic threats. Its design next-generation Mk 5/51 product, The Gen2 1000 series pas- allows customers to easily reconfigure the cabin and support and the Gen2 1000 series pas- senger suit is designed for those various mission profiles. The system also maximizes safety while senger suit holds ETSO, MED, and who travel to their platforms by limiting the impact to aircraft weight and capability, according CE-PPE approvals. Both are on air and sea. It is waterproof, yet to LifePort. “LifePort has a long history of providing high- display, along with Survitec’s 1000 breathable, and designed with quality ballistic protection solutions to customers in the Middle series aircrew suit, the Arctic Suit, low flammability. The suit has East,” said LifePort general manager Noah Zuckerman. “We and the Mk16 and Smart coveralls. watertight seals at the neck are excited to continue that tradition and deliver systems The Halo life jacket is designed and wrists, as well as reinforced that protect both the U.S. and our allies as they execute their for both crew and passenger use materials in the knee, seat and missions under some of the most demanding conditions.” and follows requirements from the elbow areas. S.C. Curtiss-Wright Expands Video, Supplies Sikorsky Curtiss-Wright (Booth C854) was recently awarded a contract from Sikorsky (Booth N5315) to provide its air data computer and windshield anti-ice controller technology for multiple Honeywell, PAG in dealership pact versions of Black Hawk helicopters delivered to U.S. Army and foreign military sales customers. Meanwhile, the company by Alexa Paprosky also expanded its rugged video gateway series of commercial- off-the-shelf-based video management solutions. Precision Aviation Group (PAG) has signed a vice president of sales and marketing for PAG. Its windshield anti-ice controller for Black Hawks is manufactured dealership agreement with Honeywell Aerospace PAG (Booth C2851) provides aviation supply at Curtiss-Wright’s facility in Santa Clarita, California, while its air data (Booth C1329), allowing PAG to sell, exchange, chain and inventory supported maintenance, computer products are manufactured at its facility in Bournemouth, UK. and provide MRO services on Honeywell avionics repair and overhaul services. The company has Lynn Bamford, senior v-p and general manager of Curtiss-Wright’s products, including Aspire and SkyConnect. Hon- more than 260,000 sq ft of sales and service defense solutions division, said, “We believe this follow-on to a eywell received its first helicopter platform STC facilities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Brazil, multi-year contract indicates Sikorsy’s confidence in and satisfaction for its Aspire satcom system in 2015 and has since and Singapore. with our cost-effective advanced rotorcraft technologies.” completed certification on additional helicopters “Our two companies have had a long-standing Meanwhile, Curtiss-Wright expanded its rugged video gateway across all segments of the market. and successful service agreement in North America. family with the new RVG-FC1, a video format converter. The “Expanding our product offering to include With this latest announcement, operators that PAG technology is a compact unit that weighs 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) and Honeywell’s Aspire 200 satcom and SkyConnect supports will be able to benefit from just-in-time, can easily fit into confined cockpits and other helicopter and is a natural extension of the products and ser- local support for a wider range of products and ser- ground vehicle interiors. The RVG-FC1 supports 15 of the most vices we currently provide through all eight of vices, including Honeywell avionics products,” said common video formats and resolutions, such as SMPTE 259M our worldwide locations,” said Ketan Desai, the PAG president and CEO David Mast. n (SD-SDI), PAL CVBS (ITU-R BT.1700), and SVGA (1280x1024).

16 HAI Convention News \ March 1, 2018 \ ainonline.com Cadorath scores As global demand for another R-R renewable energy sources increases, service award helicopters such as Cadorath (Booth C5651) this week this Uni-Fly AW169 received the Rolls-Royce First Net- are seeing increased work Awards for both customer use for installing satisfaction and program invest- and servicing wind ment for the third consecutive year. turbines, which First Network covers customer typically are sited support facilities for Rolls-Royce in remote areas M250 engines. or offshore. The program investment award recognizes initiatives that improve customer service, while the customer satisfaction award is given to the Project One, a 174–turbine farm under facility that ranks the highest in satis- Offshore-wind ops increase construction off the coast of the UK. faction metrics among all M250 First When completed in 2021, this wind farm Network facilities. will provide enough energy to power one Separately, Cadorath announced as fossil fuels demand lags million homes. that it has developed 63 extended A helicopter that is well-suited to the repairs on more than 25 Honeywell by Curt Epstein specialized requirements of offshore T53 part numbers, beginning this wind servicing is the Leonardo Heli- year. While the offshore oil-and-gas segment operators have realized that helicopters copters AW169, of which Milestone is The company now offers bearing looks to recover from its current slump, are the most efficient method of bring- the world’s largest owner. Uni-Fly cur- surface restoration on more than 15 offshore-wind helicopter operations are ing maintenance crews to them. Typi- rently operates two of the medium twins components that would otherwise increasingly gaining interest from the cally those flights require highly-skilled provided by the leasing company, and be deemed non-repairable due to rotorcraft industry, according to Mile- pilots to hover their helicopter above the company CEO Jorgen Erik Andersen in-service wear. stone Aviation Group (Booth N3515). The turbine platform and lower down tech- credits Milestone’s support and help in These repairs were designed helicopter lessor noted that offshore wind nicians and cargo. With the height of the creating the winning bid. “Its extensive by the company’s engineers and is expected to grow at a compound annual wind turbine blade tips and average wind relationship with the OEMs was key for approved by the FAA. rate of approximately 25 percent, leading speeds of more than 25 knots, such mis- a successful entry into service plan with Cadorath is a privately-owned some experts to predict that, by the end sions can be challenging. the best financial structure for our com- company engaged in maintenance, of the century, the energy supply mix will Danish helicopter operator Uni-Fly pany,” he said. repair, and overhaul, and parts dis- likely be split equally between fossil fuels has conducted more than 50,000 of “The Milestone team worked to deliver tribution, with offices in Winnipeg, and renewables. these missions to date. The company, the uniquely configured aircraft spec Manitoba; Lafayette, Louisiana; and Last year, Europe alone added 560 in partnership with CHC, was selected necessary to support the Hornsea Proj- Orion, Illinois. M.H. new offshore wind turbines, and those to provide offshore service for Hornsea ect One.” n

Fresno County police dept. gets first all-glass MD530F by Randy Padfield

California’s Fresno County Sheriff’s GTR225 audio panel, as well as an Aero Office (FCSO) accepted an MD Helicop- Computers UC-6000 airborne mapping ters MD530F with the manufacturer’s new system. In additon, the helicopter has FAA-certified glass cockpit on February extended landing gear, Fargo 21-gallon 1, it was announced on Tuesday at Heli- auxiliary fuel tank, wire-strike protection Expo 2018. and Talon Keeperless hydraulic-release The delivery of the helicopter, dubbed cargo hook. “Eagle 1,” makes FCSO the first airborne FCSO’s air support unit has operated law enforcement unit in the country to MD500-series helicopters since its incep- fly an MD530 with the new avionics tion more than 20 years ago, logging more system. than 30,000 flight hours doing search The glass cockpit in FCSO’s MD530F and rescue, pursuit, and aerial support of features a Garmin G500H flight display, ground operations. The unit also provides GTN650H touchscreen GPS navcom, and air support to other law enforcement agencies during life-threatening emer- gency situations. “Our helicopters patrol seven days a

week, 365 days a year,” said FCSO sheriff AMBROSE BARRY Margaret Mims. “We are excited about the expanded search-and-rescue and Clear right? high-altitude capabilities the MD530F The crew of this Robinson R44 pays close attention to whatever is going on off their heli- will deliver.” n copter’s right side while operating from the helipad at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

ainonline.com \ March 1, 2018 \ HAI Convention News 17 GlobalParts.aero has the Parts for your New Artex 406 ELT avoids Li-ion battery restrictions by Curt Epstein

FLEET Artex, (Booth C3945) has debuted the world’s first 406 Mhz alkaline battery- powered emergency locator transmitter (ELT). By incorporating parent com- pany ACR Electronics’ alkaline battery system, the ELT 4000 is exempt from the FAA’s compliance requirements applying to the installation of lithium batteries. According to the Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based manufacturer, the five- year replaceable alkaline battery does not require additional protective housing or director of aviation sales, said the new containment vessel, and offers cost ben- device’s mounting-tray footprint “matches efits due to lower battery expense, the the legacy Artex ELT installation to fur- avoidance of hazardous material shipping ther reduce engineering costs.” fees, and easier disposal. The one-piece According to Artex, the ELT 4000 has solution features a built-in navagation achieved Cospas-Sarsat and FAA TSO Rotorcraft or xed wing, if the aircraft’s in your eet you’ll nd the part for it in our inventory. interface allowing for connection to approvals, and production units are now With more than 90,000 replacement parts constantly in stock, GlobalParts.aero ships anywhere onboard GPS. It uses the same RF output shipping. It is available in a helicopter in the world, 24/7. See how we can keep your eet ying. and only one coax cable to transmit both version with a five-axis G switch and can Globalparts.aero is proud to partner with: 406-Mhz and 121.1-Mhz signals. also be activated manually using a remote Jeffery Geraci, the company’s cockpit switch. n

To learn more visit us at HAI Heli-Expo 2018 at Booth C3645 WWW.GLOBALPARTS.AERO • 1.316.733.9240 BARRY AMBROSE BARRY Open sesame! Inspecting the Airbus Helicopters H160 perhaps will be a lot easier than with other aircraft, thanks to what seems like an upper fuselage made entirely of access panels. Esterline showcases avionics by Alexa Paprosky

Esterline Avionics (Booth C6327) is high- president of navigation and integrated sys- lighting its advanced displays and CMC tems with Esterline CMC Electronics. Electronics brand integrated helicopter Esterline’s latest multifunction display, avionics solutions this week at Heli-Expo the MFD-3068, features an open architec- 2018. This includes the company’s multi- ture platform, true eight-bit color rendition function displays, flight management sys- and an extended operating temperature tems, TacView portable mission displays, envelope. Its CMA-6800 LCD-based CRT GPS sensors, Doppler velocity sensors, replacement on display is already approved mission computers, electronic flight bags for use in 10 aircraft, including the Sikorsky and other display products. S-76. Visitors to Esterline’s booth will find “Our integrated helicopter solutions are CMC Electronics’ CMA-6024 GPS land- highly flexible, allowing for multiple levels ing system sensor, which delivers high- of modernization, from a minor upgrade to reliability satellite-based augmentation a full avionics suite. Our goal is to optimize system guidance, localizer performance situational awareness for our commercial with vertical guidance approaches, and and military customers and ensure their ground-based augmentation system CAT-I/ missions success,” said Don Paolucci, vice II/III precision approach capability. n

18 HAI Convention News \ March 1, 2018 \ ainonline.com FlightDoc adds capabilities, customers

A year after Flightdocs (Booth C4024) HMX is now in place with some 200 unveiled its HMX electronic maintenance air medical, law enforcement, firefighting, management system for the rotorcraft charter, and corporate operators, said industry, the company has seen a steady Flightdocs COO Greg Heine. The company uptake from operators and is continuing has had “a lot of success in launching it at to roll out enhanced capabilities. The web- last year’s a Heli-Expo,” he added. based platform replaces paper mainte- Flightdocs has found particular success nance and inventory recordkeeping, and in the air medical niche, where the opera- enables operators to track all maintenance, tors operate from multiple bases and have compliance, and forecasting, along with disparate systems. “A lot of the operations parts and inventory levels, in a single place. were using legacy in-house platforms. Many Cobham’s Satcom Aviator SP New to the program this year is a cus- were still using spreadsheets for mainte- tomizable capability that allows operators nance, compliance and inventory tracking,” to create checklists for preflight, post- Heine said, adding that it “becomes a real optimized for helicopters flight, and other events. Since the program hassle to manage it on spreadsheets with is cloud-based, multiple users can have disconnected systems.” by Alexa Paprosky access to the checklist. This provided an opportunity for Flight- The checklist is part of the ongoing Docs to build on its enterprise platform Cobham Satcom Aviator SP is providing a vibrations and are able to withstand expansion capabilities that FlightDocs with a product designed for rotorcraft vital air-ground link for military and fire- greater temperature ranges. It is available has released over the past year. One markets. Few products are tailored to fighting helicopter operators, the company in single- or multi-channel configurations. of the bigger releases for HMX is the the unique requirements of maintenance said. The unit, which works on Inmarsat’s Cobham’s SP satcom solutions have mobile “Pilot Dash” application, which tracking for helicopter operations, he SwiftBroadband satcom network, is being been applied in a variety of helicopter enables pilots to access critical main- noted. “Hours and cycles track differently. highlighted at Cobham’s booth (C1334) missions, including the Bell 407 for FLIR tenance data in real-time. This includes When items come due for a scheduled this week at Heli-Expo 2018. video and communication. The single- both non-scheduled and scheduled maintenance, it can be quite different Aviator SP systems are designed to channel unit features speeds up to 432 maintenance. Flightdocs next is looking than fixed wing. So trying to take a heli- meet enhanced requirements to suit Kbps, while the multi-channel one offers at releases aimed at the inventory man- copter and put it into a mold that’s really environmental specifications. The sat- up to 1,600 Kbps. They can be paired with agement and the reporting requirements tailored toward [fixed wing]…doesn’t com units are rain-fade resistant with a Cobham high-gain antenna or the IGA- behind it. really work,” he explained. K.L. extended qualifications for helicopter 5001 intermediate-gain antenna. n

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ainonline.com \ March 1, 2018 \ HAI Convention News 19 News Clips BLR Aerospace’s UTC Aerospace and PAG Sign Deal on AS350 Servos FastFin UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS, Booth N590), a supplier of enhancement helicopter actuators for civil, commercial and military helicopters, includes vortex and Precision Air Group, which provides products and services generators worldwide, recently signed an MRO and distribution agreement and tailboom for main and tail rotor servos for the Airbus AS350. “PAG’s global modifications network and substantial investment in the UTAS main and tail to improve rotor servos will make it easier for Airbus AS350 operators to anti-torque access spares in real time and ultimately reduce aircraft downtime,” characteristics explained PAG v-p of sales and marketing Ketan Desai. in low-speed and hover Tiger Tug Launches Wireless Remote Tug for 505 operations. Tiger Tugs (Booth C2538) has introduced a helicopter tug designed to handle the new Bell 505. A wireless remote-control system allows the operator to maneuver the helicopter in tight hangar spaces and control the tug from any vantage advanced airflow management point. The tug can help reduce the need for additional staff to BLR’s FastFin offered to increase the effectiveness of monitor the movement of the helicopter to prevent hangar a helicopter’s anti-torque sys- rash. According to Tiger Tug, its devices are the first true tem. This facilitates increases scissor-lift tugs on the market. The company also touts its as H125 factory option in useful load and aircraft sta- reputation for reliability, safety, and user-friendly devices. bility, especially in high-and-hot by Randy Padfield conditions. For the H125, this Fidelity Flight Completes Guard’s UH-72A Sim Order can mean an increase of useful Fidelity Flight Simulation (F2SI) of Pittsburgh has delivered the BLR Aerospace (Booth C2150) had retrofit installations. load up to 120 pounds and a 10- eighth—and final—UH-72A synthetic flight training system (SFTS) announced the completion of “The H125 systems we are percent improvement in tail-ro- to the U.S. Army National Guard stationed at Pinal Airpark in Marana, the first factory installation of already flying with are oper- tor pedal margins. Arizona. The device simulates the twin-engine Airbus Helicopters an Airbus Helicopters BLR Fast- ating well,” said Heli-Austria Said Axel Aloccio, the UH-72A, a militarized version of the Eurocopter EC145. This delivery Fin system on an Airbus H125. president Roy Kraus. “FastFin H125/130 program head at Air- completed the initial contract order awarded to F2Si in 2014. Twenty-five Airbus Helicop- is beneficial in all regimes, but bus Helicopters, “We are excited The company continues to support the fleet of UH-72Aa ters Customer Centers world- we consider it essential for high- to work with BLR to offer our SFTS trainers that are fielded across the U.S. Founded in 2000, wide have been authorized to altitude operations.” Heli-Austria H125 customers worldwide the F2Si—a woman-managed, veteran-owned company—designs, sell and install FastFin. The helicopters routinely operate FastFin system for both factory manufactures, and delivers simulation training devices for first so-equipped helicopter is between 7,000 feet and 10,000 and retrofit. The Fastfin system commercial, military, and educational customers globally. expected to be delivered in June feet, but sometimes reach alti- enhances the H125 performance to Heli-Austria, which is a long- tudes of 13,000 feet, performing in hot-and-high conditions and StandardAero Recognized by R-R with Awards time user of the BLR FastFin on logging, construction and other further reinforces the superi- StandardAero (Booth C6043) received two awards this week at the its H125s and Bell Helicopter vertical-reference work. ority of the H125 in the single- Rolls-Royce (Booth C1343) First Network Recognition Reception, an medium helicopters, all of which BLR’s FastFin System uses engine helicopter market.” n annual event at Heli-Expo that recognizes achievements of authorized service centers providing MRO services for M250 helicopter engines. At the ceremony, StandardAero received awards for customer service for high satisfaction metrics and improved processes with a direct effect on customer service. Additionally, it worked on in-house fluoride- FEC offers NVG-compatible lighting ion cleaning capabilities that resulted in reduced turnaround times and improved customer service. This is the ninth year StandardAero by Mark Huber has received Rolls-Royce awards relating to customer service. “Among dozens of esteemed industry frontrunners within the network, FEC Heliports (Booth N3545) In December, the FAA issued performance specifications for we are thrilled to have been selected by Rolls-Royce to receive such now offers L-810 Red/IR LED Engineering Brief 98, providing infrared emitters to be added or distinguished awards,” said Manny Atwal, the v-p of sales, marketing, obstruction lights with clear lens information about interactions of used in conjunction with LED and business development for commercial helicopter services at for night vision goggle (NVG) LEDs used in obstruction lighting L-810, L-864, and L-885 obstruc- StandardAero. “Our customers are at the center of everything we compatibility in both ground- with night vision imaging systems tion light fixtures to ensure com- do, from daily MRO activities to long-term program solutions and and pole-mount configurations. aboard fixed- and rotary-wing patibility with NVGs with a Class industry collaboration, so this recognition from our partners truly They feature a high-visibility yel- aircraft. The brief proposed B filter. n serves as a reinforcement of that same focus we both share.” low cast aluminum body, 50,000- hour rating, pre-wiring for easy Genesa Flight Academy Chooses Redbird VTO Sim installations, and NVG-compat- NEWS note Redbird Flight Simulations (Booth C926) of Austin, Texas, ibility testing by Sikorsky. Stan- recently clinched a sale for its VTO helicopter trainer from dards met include CAP 437, ICAO Honeywell (Booth C1329) is seeing With more than 5,000 opera- Genesa Flight Academy in Indonesia. Delivery of the flight Annex 14, and FAA and CAA and increased demand for its HTS900 tional flight hours, the HTS900 training device is scheduled for June. Genesa currently operates certifications, as well as UL 1598 turboshaft engine and anticipates is certified by the FAA and Trans- a Redbird MCX for fixed-wing aircraft proficiency training. and ETL Nationally Recognized another six to eight to will be oper- port Canada. EASA certification is According to Redbird, the VTO’s motion system provides Testing Laboratories ratings. ating by year-end on Eagle Copters’ expected later this year. Accord- cues so small, precise, and quick that the pilot feels the According to the company, Eagle 407HP. The 407HP replaces a ing to Honeywell, the HTS900 is slightest deviations before ever seeing them in the visuals. obstruction lights are a key safety Bell 407’s original Rolls-Royce 250 designed for operators serving This enables students to practice the most difficult of feature of any helipad to mark and with the HTS900 and boosts power critical missions in demanding basic helicopter skills—hovering and autorotation—in a illuminate any type of obstruc- by 22 percent and payload by 500 environments. A Fadec system ground trainer before doing them in an actual aircraft. tion in and around the landing pounds, and lowers fuel consump- helps to reduce pilot workload “After integrating the Rebird MCX into our private and zone. They can also help the pilot tion by 17 percent, according to the and allows crews to troubleshoot commercial training, we believe the VTO will provide the locate the pad obstructions from company. Fifteen Eagle 407HPs are problems and schedule mainte- ideal classroom to expand our operations,” said Jok Prayogo a safe distance during night oper- currently in service. nance more effectively. of Genesa Flight Training The flight academy—located in ations and in bad weather. Cilacap—was founded in 2012 by Rubyanto Adisarwono.

20 HAI Convention News \ March 1, 2018 \ ainonline.com MROinsider to automate services News Clips Collins Deploys Next-gen Cockpit Displays by Samantha Cartaino Rockwell Collins is showing off its latest retrofit cockpit displays this week at Heli-Expo 2018 (Booth C1731). The company’s MROinsider is making maintenance Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, next-gen cockpit display system includes six- by eight-inch LCDs services more transparent. As an and Illinois. that bring the latest helicopter synthetic vision, TAWS, moving- aviation maintenance bidding web- Looking forward, MROinsider map, and engine indication information to medium and heavy site, the Michigan-based company co-founder and v-p of sales Andy helicopter flight decks. Avicopter has chosen the new displays brings pilots, owners, operators, Nixon told AIN his company hopes for its AC312E helicopter, and they are suitable for installation in and MRO providers together while to increase transparency in main- types such as the Russian Helicopters Mi-17, , civil versions improving the customer experience. tenance services by introducing a of the Sikorsky Black Hawk, and older Airbus Super Pumas. It launched at the NBAA conven- MROinsider's mobile app to help customers and tion in 2017 and has since regis- Andy Nixon facilities communicate throughout SkyQuest Receives FAA Part 145 Certification tered approximately 140 corporate the MRO process. MROinsider also SkyQuest Aviation (Booth N6318) is now an FAA Part 145 repair aircraft, 30 general aviation aircraft, wants to introduce maintenance station, following its acquisition of Express Avionics. With and 21 facilities. confidential rating system for both tracking services to help customers this designation, SkyQuest now offers an expanded suite With an online account, custom- customers and MRO facilities. maintain their aircraft records. n of maintenance services in Phoenix. The company has also ers looking for MRO services can Last month, MROinsider signed partnered with PCO Poland to carry its aviation night vision register their aircraft and request up Wisconsin’s Helicopter Special- goggles. PCO Poland’s night vision goggles are designed for bids from maintenance facilities reg- ties, its first helicopter maintenance tactical operations at night and offer a stereoscopic twin- istered on the website. After a main- facility. The company also added Three H145s eye observation feature that does not alter the shape of tenance facility submits a quote, multiple full-time account manag- the object the wearer is viewing. SkyQuest already holds customers can decide whether or ers to continue building the network for Boston an FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate and also has Part 133 not to accept the bid. of service providers. Craig Miracle certification that permits helicopter external load operations. If a bid is accepted, the facility is will cover maintenance facilities in MedFlight notified, and reminders will be sent Texas, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Boston MedFlight has ordered Leonardo Taps Aeromaster for Service to the customer and the facility the and Alaska; Guy Shaghaw will cover three H145s from Airbus Heli- Leonardo Helicopters held a signing ceremony on day before maintenance is scheduled. facilities in Georgia and Florida; and copters (Booth N1915) to con- Wednesday at Heli-Expo 2018 to officially authorize MROinsider also incorporates a Jacob Kingsley will cover shops in tinue its air medical transport Aeromaster Airways of Ecuador as a factory-authorized for hospitals in the Boston and service center. Aeromaster offers specialized aerial services, eastern Massachusetts areas. including firefighting, tower inspection, heavy lift, and other The first two aircraft will enter support for challenging missions. The company has major Whirly-Girls eligible for scholarship service this spring, while the maintenance authorization for both helicopters and fixed- third will arrive in the fall. The wing aircraft. Aeromaster will now be able to offer Leonardo CHC Group and Collective Magazine Schultz, the president of Whirly- three new H145s will replace service center capabilities within its surrounding region. announced they each will provide a Girls International (Booth C830). two EC145s and a BK117. scholarship to a qualifying member All active Whirly-Girls in good The company transports Aviall, CHC Ink Inventory Services Deal of Whirly-Girls International for the standing at the time of application approximately 4,000 critically Boeing subsidiary Aviall (Booth C7531) has been tapped 2018 CHC Safety and Quality Sum- are eligible to apply. Application ill and injured patients to seven by CHC Helicopter to provide vendor-managed inventory mit. The scholarship will include details will be distributed this month. hospitals in the Boston area services. The contract allows CHC to integrate with Aviall’s conference attendance, flights, “I had a chance to speak with each year. These patients, who planning, forecasting, and delivery model, with real-time accommodations, meals, and a two- two scholarship attendees at last range from pediatric to adult, information for parts availability distribution to the operator’s day human factors course. year’s event, and it was clear to me can have diagnoses including bases in Australia, Brazil, Europe, and North America. “We appreciate the chance to how beneficial it was to them, not neurological, respiratory, car- “We are pleased to expand our relationship with expose two of our most deserving just in session content, but also for diac, and obstetrical concerns. CHC so it can use Aviall’s global distribution network members to this year’s summit. The the opportunities to network and “The H145 platform suits our to provide strategic localized support for CHC’s base importance of safety for everyone engage with leaders from across needs because of its versatility, operations,” said William Ampofo, Boeing Global Services’ who plays a part in our industry the globe,” said Collective Mag- safety, durability, and reliability,” vice president for business and general aviation. “The cannot be overstated, and we are azine CEO Ryan Mason. The 14th said Boston MedFlight CEO implementation of this tailored solution will generate excited to have our members lend annual summit will take place at the Charlie Blathras. “It is the best greater value for CHC and its extensive fleet of aircraft.” their voice and perspective to these Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention all-around vehicle for our mis- important discussions,” said Joni Center in Dallas in October. A.P. sion profile.” S.C. Robinson Now Offers Heated Seats on R66 Robinson Helicopter has added crashworthy heated front and rear seats to the list of available options for its R66 turbine helicopter. Debuting this week at Heli-Expo 2018, the installation continued from page 1 operating in good faith is one sug- Zuccaro offered other sugges- represents one of the first of its kind on any civil rotorcraft. gestion. Another is to help mili- tions: “Develop outreach, intern- It adds 3.3 pounds to the single-engine helicopter’s weight tary mechanics to convert their ship, and mentorship programs and $5,300 to its price. According to company president Kurt Pilot shortage experience into civilian certifica- and give people the opportunity Robinson, it was requested by the airframer’s Russian customers tion, something that HAI has been to actually experience the heli- and represents the culmination of several years of engineering. the challenge is to create more actively promoting. copter industry first-hand.” He operator partnerships that assist “Now we have concrete evidence also mentioned the availability Helicopters Inc. Signs for Two Bell 505s in defining attractive career paths that there is an issue with a short- of military pilots and mainte- Cahokia, Illinois-based Helicopters Inc. signed a purchase and lead them out of the 200- to age of pilot and maintenance tech- nance technicians with signifi- order for two Bell 505 Jet Ranger Xs Wednesday at Heli-Expo 1,000-flight-hour gap where it is nicians,” said HAI president and cant training and experience as 2018. The operator flies 70 aircraft in 35 cities and will use difficult to find work as a paid pilot. CEO Matt Zuccaro. “It could con- an available and critical part of the 505s for electronic newsgathering operations. “We are Financial support for helicopter strain our future growth and our the industry. excited about taking delivery of its first Bell 505 in May,” said flight training and further availabil- ability to handle the current need. HAI held a Military-to-Civilian Helicopters Inc. president and CEO Parker Condie. “During ity of programs designed to attract That gives us the direction and Transition Workshop on Tuesday at our evaluation, we experienced first-hand the performance and retain pilots and mechanics motivation to work on what are Heli-Expo, and it was attended by characteristics that we feel will make this a great newsgathering stood out as partial solutions. A the solutions—how do we remedy dozens of military pilots, mechan- helicopter. Our pilots especially loved the new design of policy reform that eases the liabil- this situation and address it mov- ics, and veterans, as well as career the cockpit. The visibility is the best of any Bell product to ity issue for individual mechanics ing forward?” mentors and hiring companies. n date, providing the pilot with an added measure of safety.”

ainonline.com \ March 1, 2018 \ HAI Convention News 21 Sikorsky, Era ink agreement for delivery of 300th S-92 by Samantha Cartaino

Era Group and Sikorsky (Booth N5315) 1.25 million fleet flight hours. It designed signed an agreement for the delivery of for missions such as offshore oil-and-gas the 300th S-92 at Heli-Expo 2018. The personnel and equipment transportation, helicopter, which is designed for offshore search and rescue, airline and charter oil worker transportation, will join Era’s operations, and head of state transporta- eight other Sikorskys and enter service in tion, among others. According to Sikorsky, the Gulf of Mexico this month. Era also the S-92 complies with FAA and EASA celebrates 70 years of service this year. safety standards by meeting and some- “Sikorsky and Era have partnered for times exceeding oil-and-gas industry more than 60 years, beginning with Era’s requirements. operation of the Sikorsky S-55 in 1956. “In the year of Era’s 70th anniversary, Since then, Sikorsky has been honored we are thrilled to enhance the safety to be a part of Era’s mission of providing and availability of our fleet with another

safe, efficient, and reliable transporta- Sikorsky product,” said Era Group pres- KLOSS KASHEA tion,” said Sikorsky president Dan Schultz. ident and CEO Chris Bradshaw. “The Sikorsky CEO Dan Schultz (left) and Era Group president and CEO Chris Bradshaw shake hands “We’ve had a rich history together, and reliability of the S-92 provides the con- after signing their companies’ agreement for the 300th S-92 helicopter. The milestone airframe, with the delivery of this aircraft, we look sistency our mission requires, and when which is already produced, will enter service in the Gulf of Mexico later this month. Era is one forward to an even brighter future.” minutes matter, Sikorsky’s customer ser- of the largest helicopter operators in the world and claims it is the longest-serving helicopter The S-92 fleet has logged more than vice provides the support we need.” n transport provider in the U.S.

With new E135 deal, Metro Aviation expands fleet to more than 140 aircraft

Metro Aviation’s fleet has grown to more working with them closely to develop law than 140 aircraft with the announcement enforcement, VIP, and other components of a contract awarded from WakeMed for that aircraft,” said Metro Aviation man- North Carolina for three Airbus Helicop- aging director Milton Geltz. ters E135s, along with one spare heli- Kenny Morrow, now the former direc- copter. The contract is expected to be tor of finance and business development executed within the next two months. at Metro Aviation, was officially promoted Metro has also placed a fourth aircraft at to COO of the company. “This is the new Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. generation coming in to Metro to carry Meanwhile, Kopter and Metro Aviation the torch. We get asked every month to

BARRY AMBROSE BARRY (Booth N2207) are continuing their rela- try and sell out. Metro is not for sale. It tionship to develop various interiors for will always be here in this great indus- If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere Kopter’s SH09 light single. “We’re work- try and we are proud to be here,” said Attendees visiting the Precision Flight Controls exhibit (Static N7) can try out the company’s ing side-by-side with Kopter to develop Metro Aviation president and CEO Mike new RX44 simulator, designed around the Robinson R44. The RX44 joins Precision’s existing the EMS interiors. We’re also going to be Stanberry. A.P. products, including a /407GX simulator and a broad range of fixed-wing devices.

Precision Helicopters adds to fleet, diversifies ops by Alexa Paprosky

Precision Helicopter is welcoming the addi- strength through customer cooperation tion of three Airbus AS350B3’s and one Bell and employing the right team. 206 Jet Ranger to its fleet as a result of its This industry is not easy, but surround- recent acquisition of J.R. Helicopters. ing ourselves with good people, great cus- The investment supports Precision’s tomers and loyal partners helps make it a plans to diversify its operations to include lot easier,” said Precision CEO and man- heli-skiing and U.S. Forest Service short- aging director David Rath. haul and fire suppression. Precision Precision (Booth N3525) is one of four currently operates multiple turbine heli- companies that make up the Precision copters, along with Guimbal Cabri G2 family, with other entities offering multi- piston trainers. “Just five years ago we set ple services for fixed-wing aircraft, rotor- out on a new path to gain diversity and craft, and unmanned aerial operations. n

22 HAI Convention News \ March 1, 2018 \ ainonline.com ConventionHA INews Rotorlift sees JAMES HOLAHAN (1921-2015), FOUNDING EDITOR WILSON S. LEACH, MANAGING DIRECTOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Matt Thurber Eastman oil’s PRESS ROOM EDITOR – Kerry Lynch PRESS ROOM MANAGING EDITOR – Chad Trautvetter THE EDITORIAL TEAM benefits Rick Adams Mark Huber Marisa Bojiuc David Jack Kenny Sean Broderick Guillaume Lecompte-Boinet by Samantha Cartaino Jeb Burnside Randy Padfield Samantha Cartaino Alexa Paprosky Curt Epstein Garrett Reim Rotorlift Aviation (Booth C6651) has seen Rob Finfrock Annmarie Yannaco significant improvements in its helicopter GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER – Tom Hurley fleet engine health after changing to East- PRODUCTION EDITOR – Martha Jercinovich GRAPHIC DESIGNERS – Mona L. Brown, John A. Manfredo, man Turbo Oil 2197 five years ago. The Grzegorz Rzekos Tasmania-based company has discovered PHOTOGRAPHERS – Barry Ambrose, Kashea Kloss that engines using Eastman Turbo Oil LEAD DEVELOPER – Michael Giaimo 2197 burn cleaner, which can decrease DEVELOPERS – Nathan Douglas, Ryan Koch overall operation costs. VIDEO PRODUCER – Ian Whelan Gary Meiklejohn, Rotorlift Aviation’s GROUP PUBLISHER – Dave Leach chief engineer, spearheaded the company’s ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – Nancy O’Brien transition to Eastman Turbo Oil. Accord- ADVERTISING SALES Georges – Western Europe ing to the company, Meiklejohn re-evalu- Tel: +33 6 80 21 17 93 ated Rotorlift’s oil selection and converted Melissa Murphy – Midwestern U.S. the fleet to Eastman Turbo Oil 2197. This Tel: +1 (830) 608-9888 Nancy O’Brien – Western U.S./Western Canada/Asia Pacific includes an Airbus Helicopters EC130, two Tel: +1 (530) 241-3534 BK177s, and two AS355s, as well as two Bell Anthony T. Romano – Northeastern U.S./Eastern Canada/ Mexico/Brazil Tel: +1 (203) 470-4957 206 Jet Rangers and two Bell 222s. Joe Rosone – Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic U.S./Middle East “When you receive OEM recommenda- Tel: +1 (301) 693-4687 tions for an oil conversion, the decision Diana Scogna – Italy/Northern Europe/Middle East Tel: +33 6 62 52 25 47 to switch is simple,” said Meiklejohn. “I Victoria Tod – Great Lakes U.S./ am very happy with the performance of Tel: +1 (203) 733-4184 Eastman Turbo Oil 2197 in our aircraft.” n Yury Laskin – Russia Tel: +7 05 912 1346 AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – Jeff Hartford MANAGER OF ONSITE LOGISTICS – Philip Scarano III ONSITE PRODUCTION – Zach O’Brien SALES COORDINATOR – Nadine Timpanaro SALES ADMINISTRATOR – Cindy Nesline David Adler joins DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES BrightWater – Michele Hubert ACCOUNTING MANAGER – Marylou Moravec David Adler, who retired as president of ACCOUNTS PAYABLE – Mary Avella Sikorsky Aerospace Services in Novem- ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE – Bobbie Bing ber 2015, has joined BrightWater Part-

U.S. HEADQUARTERS: ners to serve as president of newly KLOSS KASHEA 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432 formed BrightWater Aviation Capital. +1 (201) 444-5075 What color to put in the flight plan block? Advertising Inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 The new entity will include Enter- [email protected] prise, Alabama-based Arista Aviation Up close and personal, the details of this tail rotor assembly of California-based Unical Defense’s Circulation Inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 [email protected] Services (Booth C6844) and Upland, Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk are both intricate and interesting. But its digital camouflage pat- WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITORIAL OFFICE: California-based R&B Machine. tern might not be the best choice for visibility and collision avoidance. Kerry Lynch (business aviation) [email protected] BrightWater Aviation Capital will +1 (703) 969-9195 focus on sales, lease, and sustainment EUROPEAN EDITORIAL OFFICE: of military and commercial aircraft. Ian Sheppard; [email protected] Hangar 9, Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey RH1 5JY, UK According to BrightWater principals Tel: +44 1737 821409 Mobile: +44 7759 455770 Mark Williams and David Sosa, Adler’s Dart donates for HFI auction HAI Convention News is a publication of The Convention News mandate will be to find aftermarket Co., Inc., 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432; Tel: +1 (201) 444-5075. Copyright © 2018 All rights reserved.­ Reproduction in business to support military and com- by Marisa Bojiuc whole or in part ­without permission of The Convention News Co., mercial customers around the world. Inc. is strictly prohibited. The Convention News Co., Inc. publishes Aviation International News, AINalerts, AIN Air Transport Per- At Sikorsky Aerospace Services, Dart Aerospace (Booth C5551) donated while contributing to the industry’s history spective, AIN Defense Perspective, AINtv, ­Business Jet Trav- Adler presided over the OEM’s after- an AS350/355 field maintenance kit to and its future, is important. We are proud to eler, BJTwaypoints, ABACE Convention­ News, News, EBACE ­Convention News, News, market business for military and com- the Helicopter Foundation International be part of this community.” LABACE Convention News, MEBAA ­Convention News, NBAA mercial customers around the world. (HFI) for its silent auction, which raises “This is the first example of someone Convention News, Paris Airshow News, Singapore Airshow News, Mobile Apps: Aviation International News; ­AINonline. He joined Sikorsky in 1998, when the money for HFI’s pilot and mechanic reaching out to us proactively and saying PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40649046 RETURN­ ­UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: PITNEY BOWES company acquired Helicopter Support, scholarship program. The Dart donation we have an idea of auctioning off one of our ­INTERNATIONAL MAIL, STATION A, P.O. BOX 54, WINDSOR, ON, where he served as president. He resulted in a $7,750 donation to the schol- items to benefit your foundation,” said HFI N9A 6J5, returns [email protected]. formed Sikorsky Aerospace Service arship fund. The winner of the kit, which vice president Allison McKay. “It is a great THE CONVENTION NEWS COMPANY, INC. (SAS) in 2008. is designed to help technicians transport model for other companies that maybe AIN PUBLICATIONS EXECUTIVE TEAM Wilson Leach Jennifer Leach English BrightWater Partners provides prin- tools for off-site maintenance, was Hec- don’t have $10,000 to donate to a founda- Matt Thurber Dave Leach cipal investing, transaction advisory, tor Gonzalez Weeks, who works for Aero- tion, but want to do something.” Michele Hubert Nancy O’Brien and capital-raising services to lower servicios Especializados. HFI is the charitable arm of the Heli- Printed in Las Vegas by ColorDynamics Computer services: ABComrents.com middle-market companies in special “We are happy to be giving back to the copter Association International. Its three manufacturing, aerospace/defense, helicopter industry,” said Alain Madore, missions are to preserve the history of and specialty distribution. It currently president and CEO of Dart Aerospace. the industry, provide safety education,

PUBLICATIONS lists six companies in its portfolio. R.P. “Helping raise money to support the new and educate the next generation of heli- generation of pilots and mechanics, all copter professionals. n

ainonline.com \ March 1, 2018 \ HAI Convention News 23 It’s About Your Business

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