Welcome to North America

© Anthony Pecchi results in 2015 in results Helicopters Airbus PANORAMA a large spectrum ofmissions spectrum a large Two H215 for ofthe versions RANGE THE OF LIFE North America Welcome to Meeting thechallenge the H160 Inside LOGBOOK No. 103-MARCH2016 CONTENTS

FEATURED ARTICLES WelcomeWelcome toto NNorth America

08 Pecchi © Anthony

IN THE SPOTLIGHT BEHIND THE SCENES 4/The French government 22/H Pilot Club: a big family orders 7 Tiger HAD and 6 NH90 SERVICES 360° 24/Fleet Keeper 5/Overview of MISSION Airbus Helicopters events 26/Getting the most out PANORAMA of the H225 with the FCOM Communication Director: Yves Barillé (Publication Director), Editorial Director: Pascale Fleury, Editor in Chief: Belén Morant (contact.rotor- 6/Airbus Helicopters results LOGBOOK [email protected]), Director of photography: Jérôme Deulin, in 2015 Translation: Burton, Van Iersel & Whitney, Munich; Euroscript. Published 28/All aboard the H160 by: , Printed by: SPI, N° ISSN 1169-9515 (Copyright Airbus Helicopters 2016, all rights reserved). A-Star, Alouette, Arms, AS332, UP ABOVE AS350, AS355, AS365, AS532, AS550, AS555, AS565, Bluecopter, OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Blue Edge, Blue Pulse, BK117, B0105, Cigalhe, Colibri, Cougar, 18/The fi rst two H160 Dauphin, Djinn, Dolphin, H120, H130, H135, H145, H155, H175, H225, 30/Experts on ice H135M, H145M, H225M, H160, Eco-Star, Ecureuil, E-Techpub, prototypes in fl ight over Eurocoat, Fenestron, Fennec, Frelon, Gazelle, Horizon, Indoc, Marseille in February 2016 Keycopter, Lama, M’arms, Miniarms, Minihums, Panther, Puma, Sarib, Sirina, Spheriﬂ ex, Starﬂ ex, Steadycontrol, Stylence, Super Puma, LIFE OF THE RANGE Thinking without limits, Tiger, Tigre, Twin-Star, Vemd, Vertivision, VSR700 are trademarks of Airbus Helicopters. Magazine printed on Triple Star, 20/Two versions of the H215 paper originating from sustainable forests. for a large spectrum of missions

For more information Follow us on Join us on Follow us on www.airbushelicopters.com twitter/AirbusHC facebook/AirbusHelicopters youtube/AirbusHelicopters

2 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 EDITORIAL © Lorette Fabre © Lorette

Our current environment is particularly diffi - “ Airbus to pursue our transformation plan. cult. It remains marked by a historically low Helicopters The year 2016 will not be marked by a sig- civil market particularly in the Oil & Gas sector, nifi cant turnaround in the helicopter market. which has been hard hit by the steep decline owes this It will also be a diffi cult year for all customers in oil prices, and a military market which has result to its who operate in complicated, tense market been severely affected by the budgetary customers.” situations and, sometimes, in a politically and diffi culties which states are experiencing in economically unstable environment. To get Guillaume Faury their military equipment acquisition programs. through this diffi cult period, Airbus Helicop- Despite this, Airbus Helicopters has con- ters’ ambition is to be a partner of choice for tinued its growth in 2015, buoyed by its its customers by offering them the expect- transformation plan, the quality of its services, ed level of adaptation, by demonstrating the availability of its helicopters and its unre- a high degree of reliability and by meeting lenting commitment to safety. A year during its commitments. which Airbus Helicopters has continued to In the North America special report, you implement its strategic roadmap, especially will fi nd an example of the way in which the with the development of the H160 and the company is capable of organizing itself to start of the X6 concept phase. develop its proximity to its customers, work Airbus Helicopters owes this result to its cus- alongside them and be a trusted partner in a tomers and thanks them for their trust, loyalty highly changeable international environment. and faithfulness. They have allowed the com- 2016 appears as a year of challenges to be pany to maintain its position in 2015, and met. Airbus Helicopters is looking forward to they may remain assured of our commitment it with ambition and determination.

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 3 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

December 2015 / January 2016 The French government orders

FRANCE seven Tiger HAD and six NH90

4 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 Pecchi © Anthony 360° © Bundeswehr © Thierry Rostang © A.Pecchi DELIVERY OF THE FIRST H145M H225 RECEIVES SECOND H160

Airbus Helicopters delivered RUSSIAN PROTOTYPE the fi rst two lightweight CERTIFICATION TAKES OFF GERMANY RUSSIA military multi-role H145M FRANCE In December 2015, the The H160’s second prototype helicopters to the German H225 received certifi cation took off on January 27 in Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) from Russian certifi cation Marignane, kicking off a

in December 2015. The Gouhier © Nicolas authorities. It is the fi rst busy 2016 for the H160 as helicopters will be used by time in history that a foreign it pursues its fl ight test program the Kommando Spezialkräfte heavy class helicopter has with two prototypes. It is (KSK), the German Army’s THE H175 ARRIVES been certifi ed in Russia. the fi rst H160 to fl y with the Special Forces, in Laupheim. IN ABERDEEN This certifi cation will open up Turbomeca Arrano engines. The Bundeswehr, which In January, the H175’s launch the all-weather market not PT1 had accumulated more is the launch customer for customer, NHV, brought only in Russia, but in other than 75 hours of fl ight testing the H145M, has ordered

SCOTLAND two of its super-medium countries such as Azerbaijan, by the end of 2015, allowing 15 of these helicopters. helicopters to Aberdeen, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the aircraft to open the fl ight With a delay between the Scotland to reinforce its oil Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, envelope and validating some contact signature and fi rst and gas fl eet in the North Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan of the helicopter’s excellent delivery of just two years, Sea. With a 90% availability for which the H225 is perfectly features right from the start. this project is a benchmark rate and 2,000 fl ight hours suited with its de-icing system. 2016 will be an equally of effi cient cooperation to its name since its start of A demo tour organized last active year for the H160 between Bundeswehr, operations in December 2014, summer in Russia allowed the with the beginning of its authorities and industry. the H175 boasts increased off shore community to witness commercialization and many fl ight safety, greater passenger fi rsthand the capabilities of other milestones in helicopter comfort, and competitive the H225’s four-axis autopilot, development, industrialization operating costs. NHV have its operational readiness, and preparation of support taken delivery of a total of and its comfort in fl ight. activities in order to bring six H175s, with four more a fully mature helicopter slated for delivery in 2016. to the market.

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 5 PANORAMA

Airbus Helicopters results in 2015

Despite weak market conditions, Airbus Helicopters managed to keep a leading position in the helicopter sector, improved customer satisfaction, and progressed its development programs and its strategic Transformation Plan.

FACTS & FIGURES* AIRBUS HELICOPTERS IN SERVICE FLEET

Europe North 4030/916 America Asia 3080/687 1925/420 Bookings 383 Airbus Helicopters was able to outperform its competitors despite a challenging 2015 market. Central America 159/119 Oceania 753/252 South Africa Deliveries America 395 1122/462 789/226 Airbus Helicopters remains the leader in the civil and parapublic market having delivered 45% of the market share for turbine Number of in-service helicopters Number of operators helicopters** (in units) in 2015. *Civil, parapublic & military Main sites **greater than 1.3 tons of MTOW Customer centers distributing Airbus Helicopters products & services

MAKING May INROADS Airbus Helicopters’ militarized H145M IN 2015 receives its on-time EASA certifi cation.

January March In line with the new brand June • name and its transformation, Airbus Helicopters Airbus Helicopters Airbus Helicopters’ products unveils the new H160 launches X6 concept adopt new names. The letters • Airbus Helicopters launches phase, for the future EC are replaced by the letter H. HCare Services off er. in heavy-lift rotorcraft.

6 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 PANORAMA

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Airbus Helicopters is on the winners’ podium In 2015, Airbus Helicopters secured second place in the customer satisfaction survey conducted by mainstream media in the aeronautical sector. A clear progression, which refl ects a signifi cant improvement in the perception of Airbus Helicopters among its customers. This second-place ranking awards in particular the eff orts made to improve support and services. BOOKINGS TRENDS (UNITS) Focus on logistics, which drove this success.

In the wake of a global recession in the helicopter industry, 1 Very clear progress 3 In cooperation Airbus Helicopters has continued on spare parts with customers to steadily increase its bookings Airbus Helicopters delivers 98% of Airbus Helicopters makes strong market share, defying the downturn all “planned” parts (parts ordered commitments, but success also that has aff ected competitors. two weeks in advance) on time. depends on anticipation and This result is formulated by the customers’ ability to plan. They are OTR (On Time Request) 5B index, encouraged to plan their orders, which measures the rate of delivery with a notice period of at least 55% compared to the date requested by two weeks. The result has been 41% spectacular. Between 2014 and 40% the customer. 2015, the percentage of planned 2 A worldwide eff ort orders increased from 26% to 2013 2014 2015 The OTR improvement is also a result 69%, at the expense of orders Civil & parapublic bookings trends* (units) of the fundamental work across categorized as AOG, which fell from all Customer Centers. These have 48% to 4%. been raised to an equal level of performance and competence 4 A fi rm fi nancial 13% worldwide. Inventories for the commitment 11% 12% most widely distributed parts were Airbus Helicopters is committed to 2013 2014 2015 completed close to the customer, accomplishing 100% of deliveries Military bookings trends (units)** and those less common at regional on time for all “planned” parts. hubs. Between 2013 and 2015, Every late delivery - even if it is only * greater than 1.3 tons of MTOW missed OTRs fell from 18.3% to 5.2% by one day - will result in fi nancial ** Airbus Helicopters % (with NHI) in the Customer Centers. compensation on a future order.

July November The Bluecopter demonstrator • Airbus Helicopters and Korea confi rms the feasibility of Airbus Aerospace Industries affi rm Helicopters’ advancements in partnership for export and eco-friendly helicopter design. support of Korean helicopter platforms (LAH and LCH). • Airbus Helicopters starts fl ight October tests with high-compression Airbus Helicopters sets up engine as part of the in Brasov, Romania is offi cially fi nal assembly line in China European Clean Sky initiative. launched and will assemble in cooperation with Sino- • Airbus Helicopters Industries the new H215. German Ecopark.

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 7 8 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 © Anthony Pecchi operated by 195customers. In Canada, thefl aircraft beingoperated by 458U.S. customers. Today, there are 2,310AirbusHelicopters NORTH AMERICA WELCOME TO Article: H Watch skywards, then,to seehow thecontinent takes on2016. success, itwillbebecause theycontinue to improve theirproduct off those acquisitions remains to beseen, andifmanufacturers are to have may not be longincoming. Whetherthemarket ismotivated to make and thesecondary market indicate that,between thetwo oceans, sales to continue. Statistics show aneedfor fl interest inthecorporate andVIPsegments, withthistrend expected judging by thegrowth seeninEMSand lawenforcement, andstrong aerial work. Thecontinent appearsto shoulderitstroubles lightly, however, utilities, where helicopters play roles inmaintenance, heavy lifting,and impacted aswell, particularlyinCanada, creating aslumpinindustrieslike For helicopter operators, direct businessfrom oilandgasisbeing and economic uncertainty, particularly in theoilmarket, aconcern. and North America, withtheU.S. presidential electionundecided There isnodoubt that2016isayear to watch intheUnited States eet comprises 695helicopters eather Couthaud eet replacement; agingaircraft ROTOR -No. 103 -MARCH 2016/9 FEATURED ARTICLES ering. FEATURED ARTICLES

Airbus Helicopters Canada

Date founded: 1984

Capabilities: Aircraft Sales & Completions, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul, Aftermarket Support & Services and Composite & Metallic Manufacturing

Fleet: 695 helicopters operated by 195 customers

Fleet makeup: H120, AS350 B2, H125, H130, AS355 NP, H135, H145, AS365 N3+, H155, H175, H215, H225

Market information: leading The utility market is especially important in Canada. provider of helicopters for the Canadian utility, law enforcement, emergency medical service, and corporate markets.

In the air medical segment, Airbus Helicopters is well positioned About 150 H130s are fl ying in temperatures on the light twins, such as the H135 and the H145. above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Las Vegas. © Ned Dawson © Ned Dawson © Ned

10 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 FEATURED ARTICLES

“CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC” ABOUT NORTH AMERICA MARKET In June 2015, Christopher Emerson was named President of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and Head of Airbus Helicopters North America Region, with the responsibility of managing operations at Airbus Helicopters’ U.S. and Canadian Customer Centers. He shares his vision about the market outlook and challenges with Rotor.

What is your interest this year from the VIP market, especially in air medical, is reducing big picture view but we’ve only been able to convert direct maintenance costs. We will about Airbus a quarter to a third of that into deals. make it easier and less costly for our © Nicolas Gouhier © Nicolas Helicopters’ cur- We will be working to convert a lot of operators to maintain their fl eets. We rent position in that interest into bookings in 2016. are actually rolling out a program to the U.S. and Can- In the air medical segment, we are eliminate the 12-year inspection on ada? well set on the light twins, the H135, our light helicopters and spread those Chris Emerson: and the H145. However, we have inspections out over the life of the air- I would characterize the market out- fierce competition in the single-en- craft. We’re also improving TBOs and look in North America as “cautiously gine market, which is why we need to have eliminated some life limited parts. optimistic.” What I mean is that there advance quickly on our H130 offering. We have some good programs we is an underlying strong demand for Airborne law enforcement is showing plan to introduce in 2016, designed new aircraft, but customers are fi nd- an increase in demand. Local govern- to lower operating costs of our light ing it difficult to pull the trigger on ments, despite a reduction in federal helicopter fl eet. acquisitions. We are missing a pos- funding, have money for adding to and We also need to work with Vector Aer- itive outlook on where our economy upgrading their fl eets. ospace, once they receive certifi cation and, ultimately, the standard of living Another area that we will improve on, for the AS350/H125 crash-resistant is going. With oil prices predicted to fuel system, to aggressively market remain near $30 a barrel for the fore- and supply this upgrade to our cus- seeable future, our offshore operators tomer base. This is an important issue are struggling to find work for their Airbus Helicopters, for our customers and they want it large fl eets. Oil prices have a knock- Inc. addressed quickly. on effect in the utility market, where What are the main peculiarities operators that support the onshore oil Date founded: 1969 industry also are in need of work, an about the North American market? important market in Canada. If we ex- Fleet: 2,310 helicopters C.E.: What’s interesting about the clude oil related businesses, I expect operated by 458 U.S. North American market is that cus- the market will be similar to where we customers tomers in all of our market segments ended in 2015. We delivered 86 com- operate their aircraft at the extremes. mercial and 27 military aircraft in North Fleet makeup: H120, H125, In Las Vegas, as an example, we have American in 2015. H130, H135, H155, AS355, about 150 H130s fl ying in tempera- AS365, H145, H175, H215, H225 tures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit What are the main challenges almost year round. The operators are you’re facing? Market information: fl ying over 1,000 hours a year per air- C.E.: We’re not just selling a helicop- leader in air medical, law craft, in cycles of about two hours ter we’re also selling the future. We enforcement, tourism, VIP. each, at the highest speeds that our have to make customers want to buy Second in oil & gas, utility flight manuals allow. Other types of

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 11 FEATURED ARTICLES

A QUALITY PRODUCTION © Airbus Helicopters / Jérôme Deulin / Jérôme © Airbus Helicopters IN MISSISSIPPI With delivery of the fi rst American-made H125 Ecureuil to the Ohio State Highway Patrol in December, Airbus Helicopters, Inc.’s Mississippi FAL will begin an intensive production schedule of assembling two H125 a month, in addition to its current workload building military UH-72A Lakotas. Below, an overview.

“There’s a lot of benefi t to having the advantage of local knowledge, local a high-quality civil product. H125 made in Mississippi. Certain suppliers, and it gets us closer to the Another selling point is shorter delivery agencies, particularly law enforcement, customer.” times. “There are a lot of post-sale want our product to come from Ameri- A big part of the Mississippi plant’s value design and configuration benefits to ca,” said Doug Carriger, Senior Director is its employees. With U.S. military veter- having the line here,” said Carriger. of Marketing at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. ans comprising nearly half the workforce, “Particularly with the heavy law en- At the 325,000 square-foot final as- technicians are already highly skilled, forcement completions, where we have sembly line (FAL) in Columbus, Miss., employing the training they learned in design reviews of all the avionics and single-engine H125 AStars (known out- the service. The production line can now instrument panels. If a customer re- side America as the Ecureuil) start their transfer those best practices to making quests a change, it’s easier to get it lives as a bare airframe. Technicians inserted into the production fl ow.” wire the aircraft’s electrical and avionics With demand for single-engine aircraft systems fi rst, then add the crash-re- Airbus Helicopters strong in segments like law enforce- sistant fuel system and cabin structure North America ment and air medical, the plan is for before installing a Turbomeca Arriel 2D the Mississippi FAL to produce two engine and fl ight control hardware. The USA helicopters a month in 2016, while still result has been an undeniable success. Headquarters and completion meeting commitments on delivering “Customers love seeing the aircraft, center: Grand Prairie, TX Lakotas to the U.S. Army. “We are love seeing the production line,” said Production and manufacturing: looking at ways of being more cost Carriger. “It gives them confi dence to Columbus, MS effective at a lower rate. Regionalization see how the aircraft go together.” Employees: 900 will help us,” said Emerson. “Being In 2005, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. began Activities: Sales, manufacturing, able to deliver to Canada, the U.S., light assembly, test fl ights and certifi ca- assembly, support & services and even Mexico out of a U.S. FAL is tion of what were then AS350 B2 and a huge benefi t.” AS350 B3 helicopters in Columbus. Canada Loyal customers have signed up. In late 2014, the plant added a full fi nal Head offi ce and manufacturing: The Ohio State Highway Patrol ex- assembly line for the H125. As part of Fort Erie, ON tended its 20-year relationship with this transition, managers and lead as- Airbus Helicopters by taking delivery Employees: 220 semblers trained at Airbus Helicopters of the inaugural Mississippi-built H125 Activities: Sales, manufacturing, headquarters in Marignane, France. in December. Several more were also assembly, support & services “Having a Mississippi FAL for our civ- delivered to other customers. Richmond, il products is a value to the Group,” Support centers: “We have a lot of talent,” said Emerson. BC; Mirabel, QC said Airbus Helicopters, Inc. President “But the recipe for success always Chris Emerson. “It allows us to take starts with having the right product.” © Airbus Helicopters Inc. © Airbus Helicopters

12 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 FEATURED ARTICLES

And also… Building Lakotas in Mississippi

2007: start of full assembly of UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopters for the U.S. Army.

358 UH-72A Lakotas delivered on time (347 to U.S. Army, 11 to U.S. Navy and Thailand) meeting strict requirements for quality.

423 Lakotas ordered to-date: 412 by U.S. Army; 5 by U.S. Navy (used for test pilot training at the Navy’s Maryland fl ight test center); 6 by Thailand. The Lakota is a compact helicopter off ering an excellent carrying capacity as well as a powerful and agile platform. © Airbus Helicopters Inc. © Airbus Helicopters

Certain operators, particularly law enforcement agencies, look for Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft that are produced in America. Employees are a big part of the Mississippi plant’s values.

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 13 FEATURED ARTICLES

1 2

4 5

14 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 FEATURED ARTICLES

PROTECT AND SERVE FROM THE SKIES The canyons of Los Angeles County are riddled with twisting roads, prompting frequent accidents. Soaring temperatures and steep, treacherous mountain paths mean hikers can easily run into trouble. And the sprawling landscape also tempts suspects on the run from the law. It is factors like these that challenge 1 - 75 LAPD offi cers the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s work in the Air Support Department (LASD) as they patrol their joint jurisdictions with a fl eet of H125 Division (ASD) and AS332 L1 helicopters. 2 - For patrol and Photos: Anthony Pecchi surveillance, the agency operates a fl eet of fourteen H125.

3 - The fl eet of Airbus Helicopters serves to protect Operating over an area of 4,084 square with their colleagues on the ground. to reinforce the work of their comrades ten million miles (10,577 km2), the LASD – the “We work in parallel with the LAPD Air on the ground via aerial support. Los Angelinos. largest sheriff’s department in the world Support Division,” Edey says. “There For such a vast city of nearly 4 million – is the chief law enforcement agency are times when we help each other in inhabitants, the ASD operates just one 4 - The AS332 L1 operated by the for the nearly 10 million inhabitants of certain missions. We have a very good type of helicopter: the H125, twelve LASD fl ies over the the County of Los Angeles. For the relationship.” of which are equipped with a search- Hollywood hills. agency’s aerial operations, the pilots of light, thermal imaging and moving map the LASD Aero Bureau are charged with READY FOR HIGH-RISK systems, the former an asset during 5 - The three SAR patrolling the mountain regions north OPERATIONS manhunts in the congested, urban AS332 L1 Super Puma helicopters and east of the L.A. basin in special- In 2012, the LASD Aero Bureau zones of Los Angeles city. Two H125s are equipped ly-equipped H125 helicopters. The acquired three AS332 L1 Super Puma are dedicated full-time to surveillance. with stretcher agency’s main missions are to aid in helicopters, uniquely for search and “The goal is to be able to respond and rescue hoist. manhunts for suspects who may seek rescue (SAR) missions. Equipped with immediately to a call,” says Kevin refuge in the hills; mountain searches a stretcher and rescue hoist, the AS332 Gallagher, LAPD chief pilot. “We have for injured or lost hikers; and trans- L1s fl y as many as 7 to 10 missions a to be very proactive and not lose any porting prisoners. day. In the mountains at blistering time.” “From the start it’s been a marvelous temperatures, the larger aircraft is Speed and power are of the essence adventure,” says Keith Edey, instructor particularly suited to rescues. Says when negotiating high-risk operations pilot with the sheriff’s department. Edey, “The Super Puma is astonishingly in tandem with the police’s specialized “I’ve experienced some spectacular easy to pilot. Once you’ve learned all of SWAT team (Special Weapons and missions, high-speed pursuits, diffi cult its integrated systems, the machine can Tactics). “The H125 offers an aerial takeoffs from high mountain summits, literally fl y by itself.” perspective that lets us quickly get very complicated rescues where we’ve The LAPD’s motto “to protect and to information about potential suspects,” saved people who would certainly have serve” is upheld by nearly 10,000 police says Edey of the Aero Bureau. “That’s perished without our help.” officers, of whom 75 are in the Air very important when we work with the For patrol and surveillance, the agency Support Division (ASD), the depart- SWAT team.” operates a fleet of fourteen H125 ment’s helicopter unit. Based at the For ten million Los Angelinos who look aircraft equipped with forward looking LAPD Hooper Heliport, considered the skywards for protection, the steady infrared (FLIR), searchlights, and biggest airport in the world on a rooftop, presence of Airbus Helicopters aircraft radio communication to coordinate the helicopter unit’s principal mission is must surely be a reassuring sight.

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 15 FEATURED ARTICLES

EQUIPPED FOR THE COLD Operating in northern climates and remote outposts, Canadian operators Great Slave Helicopters (GSH) and Coast to Coast Helicopters, Inc. each maintain a large fl eet of Airbus Helicopters H125s. Here, they tell us why the helicopter is perfectly Great Slave Helicopters adapted to challenges in a land where aerial work is king. One of Canada’s largest helicopter operators with Article: Samantha Pitt and Heather Couthaud over 80 light, intermediate and medium twin- and single- engine helicopters. Airbus Helicopters Fleet: AS350 B2, H125, AS355, BK 117 Parent group: Discovery Air Operations: Firefi ghting, aerial work, utility (power line, forestry), A multi-use platform heli-skiing, seismic exploration, heliportable diamond drills, Based in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, wildlife tourism. GSH provides an extensive range of helicopter services, from firefighting to hauling diamond drills. And with operations as far north as the North Pole, the company can boast of handling extensive envi- ronmental conditions, too: from the Canadian Rock- © Great Slave Helicopters Slave © Great ies to altitudes at sea level. “Most of our work is short haul, usually under 100 km from remote bases of operation,” says the company’s president, Chris Bas- sett. “Our operations stretch from the North Pole to the very southern tip of Chile, and our temperatures vary from -40ºC to +40ºC. It seems that every day presents a different challenge for our pilots and en- gineers. And the H125 covers it all.” Notable operations include hundreds of thousands of hours logged in the Arctic transporting heliportable diamond core drills. “Our H125s provide a multi-use platform that’s flexible, reliable and cost-effective. For aerial work, all of our H125s are equipped with vertical reference windows in the floor, cargo hooks, and cargo mirrors,” Bassett says. Keeping the fleet airborne has been made easier, he notes, thanks to support like the Keycopter portal which, while a challenge during rollout, “has proven to GSH´s H125 helicopters operate from the North Pole be a valuable tool for us. Airbus Helicopters support to the southern tip of Chile, in temperatures ranging has improved tremendously in the last few years,” from -40°C to +40°C. says Bassett.

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Coast to Coast Helicopters group Coast to Coast is the largest family-owned business Helicopters, Inc. in Canada with over 130 aircraft. Family-owned business with over Helicopters to Coast © Coast 130 light, intermediate and medium helicopters and fi xed-wing, operating from a global network of bases. Airbus Helicopters fl eet: over 56 Extreme temperature Ecureuil helicopters including H125, performance AS355 Operations: Utility (power line, Alberta-based Coast to Coast Helicopters’ fleet of forestry, mining), seismic exploration, Ecureuils range across Canada, offering a full array military and defence, search & of aerial services. With winters lasting five months rescue, aerial survey, heli-skiing. amid frigid temperatures, General Manager Frederic Allard praises the Ecureuils’ (AStar) anti-fog ventilation system and internal cargo space. The company uses their H125s particularly for high and hot operations, “8,000 feet at above 20ºC,” when transporting heli-portable drills. Support for the fleet is another positive. “Airbus “The AStar is the most versatile aircraft you can have Helicopters provides one of the best services in the for utilities missions,” Allard says. “These helicopters industry,” Allard says. “With a team in place to support are good for long lining equipment and transporting our needs anytime, anywhere.” passengers.” Indeed, the company has seen some “The beauty of the AStar model is it can do everything,” exceptional successes. When ﬂ oods hit the Alberta Allard continues. “Every model of AStar, even those of region in 2013, Coast to Coast worked with the Royal 35 years ago, still have their place today. Customers Canadian Mounted Police using H125s to safely rescue love its forward facing passenger seats which offer 350 people. superior visibility.”

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 17 UP ABOVE

18 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 ROTOR -No. 103 -MARCH 2016/19

The fi rst two H160 prototypes in fl ight over Marseille in February 2016. © Anthony Pecchi LIFE OF THE RANGE The mission-proven H215 – available in two diff erent versions– is characterized by its rugged design, excellent payload lift performance, cost effi ciency and demonstrated ability to operate in the most austere environments – all while reaping the benefi ts of a glass cockpit and the renowned 4-axis autopilot used on the H225.

Comfortable 19-seat installation Full de-icing kit

Multipurpose air intakes MULTIROLE LONG AIRFRAME Full glass cockpit avionics system, night The longer version vision goggles (NVG) perfectly meets multirole and passenger (or troop) compatible transport missions.

Proven and appreciated 587 aircraft delivered... 48 countries ...in Dimensions 5 million Rear access ...have accumulated close to The 4-axis autopilot from H225 for luggage fl ight hours helicopters provides fl ight envelope protection, unrivalled precision Thanks to this, the H215 benefi ts from a proven and automatic hover stability in even and appreciated maintenance history. the harshest operating conditions. MEDEVAC / LAW ENFORCEMENT HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS The H215 is also able to operate in harsh conditions such as snow, sand, as well as high and hot environments.

Stretcher

Hydraulic hoist Spectrolab 75m / 272kg SX16 Fast roping searchlight instatllation

20 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 AERIAL WORK SHORT AIRFRAME Based on a shorter airframe, this variant has an increased payload and full hook capacity. It perfectly matches any kind of aerial work / utility (with internal or external loads).

Wire strike protection Optimized industrial concept Thanks to its new ﬂ exible industrial concept, Airbus Helicopters is able to swiftly personalize the helicopter, and to propose signiﬁ cantly reduced delivery times.

Cargo sling 4.5 t / FIREFIGHTING MISSIONS 9,920 lb

Bubble windows External mirrors

Bambi bucket, up to 4 t. water

TECHNICAL DATA MULTIROLE AND AERIAL WORK H215 Dimensions 18.7 m Rotor rotating

Max range Endurance Fast 4.92 m with without Capacity Engine cruise standard reserve at speed tanks 70kts 16.29 m 18.7 m Rotor rotating Long 2 Pilots H215 + 19 866 km 4.92 m multirole comfort seats 468 NM > 4h09min version or 22 15.53 m troop seats 2 TURBOMECA 262 km/h MAKILA 1A1 141 kts Short 2 Pilots Turboshaft aerial + 15 2 642 km 2.0 m work + comfort seats 346 NM > 3h19min version or 20 3.0 m Main blades troop seats folded Source: Airbus Helicopters. Infographic: © Beatriz Santacruz.

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 21 BEHIND THE SCENES

A big family

The H Pilot Club aims to bring Airbus Helicopters-certifi ed pilots and mechanics together with the owners of the manufacturer’s helicopters in a single community. We reveal more about it. Article: Belén Morant © Airbus Helicopters / Patrick Penna / Patrick © Airbus Helicopters How?

Anyone wishing to join the H Pilot Club can do so with just a few clicks on the web, which is where club members can post their news articles, share their most eye- catching photos and chat with other pilots and mechanics. Making use of a shared calendar, members can publicize their most important events of the year and keep abreast of what’s going on at the H Pilot Club. The website also features a forum and a blog, where technical and everyday issues are discussed. Meanwhile, the H Pilot Club “Job Market” brings operators looking for specialists or speciﬁ c equipment into contact with potential applicants.

22 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 H Pilot Club

Date of creation: June 2015 When?

Potential members: The H Pilot community meets on a regular basis at events organized 40,000 in cities around the globe, and is also present at the world’s major aeronautical events. In addition, the club organizes one-off events Open to certifi ed that take technical and everyday issues as their themes, such as the pilots, mechanics gathering held in China in November, which attracted 30 people, or the and crew members. India event in December, with nearly 100 people attending. It stages events in collaboration with other major brands, too. One such show was held Most recent events with Porsche in the south of France, where H Pilot members gained a 2015: close-up look at the manufacturer’s cars and had a chance to share • China in November their passion for all things aeronautical and automotive. • India in December © Lorette Fabre © Lorette

What? Mahoudeau © Clément

Created in June 2015, the H Pilot Club is a community of certiﬁ ed mechanics, pilots and crew members, all of them helicopter enthusiasts. Offering its members the opportunity to discuss their experiences, views and best practice with each other in a relaxed atmosphere, it is a unique platform that allows operators from all over the world to come together, no matter whether they are individuals, or private, civil and military operators.

Who?

The H Pilot Club now has more than 1,000 members in its ranks. 60% of them are pilots, 30% mechanics and 10% crew members. Its members receive a distinctive club badge and automatically form part of the wider H Pilot family.

You can fi nd more information at the website Hpilotclub.com

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 23 SERVICES © Lorette Fabre © Lorette

Fleet Keeper

Airbus Helicopters has developed a new communication tool to better manage customers’ daily helicopter activity. Tested by operators, it combines simplicity, WORLDWIDE sharing and intelligence. Fleet Keeper belongs to the HCare Fleet off er, a suite of software simplifying customer maintenance, allowing them to focus on operations. A demonstration below. Article: Alexandre Marchand

A SIMPLE PRINCIPLE The Fleet Keeper software was designed to completely will therefore be in possession of all information about replace the Technical Logbook. It can be used before, operation cycles at the same time, without having to during and after a fl ight, to provide simple information duplicate it, thus reducing the risks of making transcrip- about the aircraft: pre-fl ight checks, consumption, lev- tion errors common to written documents. Documents els, fl ight hours, cycles, etc. Thanks to Fleet Keeper, all (photos or sketches) can also be exchanged using this this information will be recorded live and integrated into communication tool. the same database, which is easily accessible in the Cloud from desktop PCs and mobile tablets. REAL ADDED VALUE The aircraft’s utilization will be better understood and SOFTWARE THAT CAN information shared effi ciently between customers and BE USED BY EVERYONE Airbus Helicopters. In the long run, this new ability to All those directly involved in operations – pilots, manage information will help to control aircraft avail- mechanics, airworthiness managers, etc. – will have ability, performance and knowledge, as well as direct access to Fleet Keeper in a coordinated manner. They operating costs.

KEY FEATURES INTERFACES

User Electronic Customized Interact Compatible with iOS / Import/Export from/to your friendly signature web based in real time Airbus Helicopters mobile Maintenance Info Systems. design solution product range App e.g: RUSADA ENVISION & any other rotorcraft

24 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 A USER FRIENDLY, COST EFFECTIVE CLOUD-BASED ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRADITIONAL PAPER TECHNICAL LOG BOOK.

SYNCHRONIZED DATA

MAINTENANCE AIRWORTHINESS TEAM MANAGER • Helicopter preparation • Fleet administration • Line maintenance • Airworthiness management management • Data export

FLEET KEEPER

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 25 MISSION

1 - NHV fl ight operations manager Bram Sevenhuijsen (left) with accountable manager Dag Johan Saetre (right).

2 - The FCOM incorporates manufacturer guidelines for enhanced operational safety and increased effi ciency.

3 - NHV’s early adoption of the FCOM was due to the on-board attitude of management and pilots from the beginning.

Getting the most out “When the pilots started training

NORWAY of the H225 with the FCOM using the FCOM, they were amazed Early last September, the Norwegian branch of the NHV Group completed training on Airbus Helicopters’ H225 fl ight crew operating by the extra manual (FCOM), becoming the fi rst operator to fully integrate features built into the manufacturer’s recommendations into daily operations. the aircraft. We see Article: Heather Couthaud this as the next step in safe operations.”

Dag Johan Saetre, In December 2014, Airbus Helicopters released the decision-height and decision-altitude,” says fl ight oper- accountable manager rotorcraft industry’s first OEM-issued FCOM for the ations manager, Bram Sevenhuijsen. “We used to set it for NHV in Norway. H225. A mainstay in the fi xed-wing world, the FCOM to one value for all phases of fl ight. Now we’ve started is a source document that incorporates manufacturer using this as an extra barrier in the system, specifi c to guidelines for enhanced operational safety as well as the situation.” for increased effi ciency. NHV’s early adoption of the FCOM was due in large part “When the pilots started training using the FCOM, they to the on-board attitude of management and opera- were amazed by the extra features built into the aircraft, tional pilots from the beginning. “We see this as the next which they never used,” explains Dag Johan Saetre, step in safe operations,” says Dag Johan. “That’s why accountable manager for NHV in Norway. “They’ve we started this cooperation with Airbus Helicopters, discovered more automation in the aircraft than they to assess the system, train all our people, rewrite our were aware of. People have seen the advantages of procedures. Then we adjusted the procedures together the FCOM. They’ve noticed reduced workload in the to see how we could improve them even more.” cockpit.” “For me, the FCOM is the awareness of extra safety The Stavanger-based company operates two H225 features in everything that’s available in the aircraft,” helicopters in Norway, one of which is on contract with adds Bram. “The added value of the automation, for H225 Norske-Shell and the other on standby for backup and instance, is that if you go into an engine-out situation, adhoc operations. you will be able to get the most out of the remaining Working with Airbus Helicopters in Aberdeen, Scotland, engine. I think we were always safe, but we have added • Capacity: 2 pilots + NHV adopted a gradual implementation of the FCOM more margins to safety. Being aware of these tools can 19 passengers into its operations. This included having an Aberdeen help in case of an abnormal situation.” • Engine: 2 Turbomeca instructor observe crews on the fl ight line, for instance, With its mission to continuously build on and improve Makila 2A1 to identify areas best served by the manual. All NHV safety, Airbus Helicopters is incorporating feedback pilots underwent training in the simulator not once, but from NHV in efforts to expand the FCOM to other air- • Max cruise speed: twice, in order to adopt the updated operating pro- craft in its fl eet. 142 kt (262 km/h) cedures which resulted from NHV’s dialogue with the “The buffers for safety have increased,” says Bram. • Operating range: 650 NM manufacturer. “It’s made us aware of all the features available. We’re 10 pax (1,204 km) Such training has resulted in changes to daily oper- saying to ourselves, ‘let’s start using all the advanced ations. “We started using more of the settings for features.’ It is a big step forward.”

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 27 LOGBOOK

1 - Flight Test Engineer Laurent Maruejols (left), Test Pilot Olivier Gensse (middle) and chief fl ight engineer for the H160, Nicolas Certain.

2 - During the fl ight, the helicopter performs a series of turns to confi rm the proper behavior of the rotor.

3 - The new canted Fenestron increases performance, All aboard the H160 fl ight stability and community-friendly The fi nalization of a new helicopter is a true team eff ort that sound levels. FRANCE must be prepared well in advance. To get a fi rsthand look, 4 - The fl ight test program is progressing and the Rotor takes you on board the fi rst H160 prototype for its initial helicopter’s excellent fl ight to open the fl ight envelope. features and outstanding handling qualities already Article: Alexandre Marchand have been validated. 5 - The H160 was designed to make the pre-fl ight inspection as quick With hardly a cloud in the sky and barely a whisper the helicopter is found to be stable, and the fl ight can and easy as possible. of wind, the weather couldn’t have been better in now begin. After fi rst performing a hover fl ight, the heli- Marignane on this January day in 2016. Outside the copter quickly gains in altitude and speeds off to Istres. fl ight test building, the fi rst H160 prototype awaits its In the front left-hand seat, Nicolas Certain announces flight crew. It takes an expert eye to notice the test the waypoints and monitors the specifi c fl ight param- instruments fi tted on its rotor. eters for the test, while from the back seat, Laurent “Since the initial flight, we’ve found some elements Maruejols monitors the helicopter’s safety parameters of the main rotor hub that need to be optimized,” and stress levels. Olivier Gensse, as both pilot and fl ight explained Nicolas Certain, chief fl ight engineer for the commander, stays on the fl ight path by “locating” the H160. “The design offi ce asked the supplier to optimize announced waypoints. The roles are well defi ned for its parts, and they’ve now been delivered, installed and the fl ight crew, which has been working on the H160 The H Generation instrumented. We performed a ground runup to test the since its fi rst fl ight. system, and now we’re going to perform the fi rst fl ight At an altitude of 5,000 feet, the helicopter performs a The H160 is intended to to open the helicopter’s fl ight envelope.” series of turns, each one a bit sharper than the last, replace the Dauphin/H155 To prepare for the fl ight, all three members of the fl ight to confi rm the proper behavior of the rotor. The initial family. The fi rst fl ight tests have demonstrated that crew—Nicolas Certain, Flight Test Engineer Laurent results are encouraging, as they show a decrease in the initial technical and Maruejols and Test Pilot Olivier Gensse—fi rst had to sit stress levels. A load factor of 2.3 g was reached – a economic goals for the down together to draw up a test order. A fl ight window fi rst for the prototype – and the remote measuring team new helicopter - which was then reserved and the crew was given authoriza- confi rms the fi gures. All the while, Olivier Gensse gets a were quite ambitious in tion to use the Istres fl ight test site, with an air traffi c feel for the helicopter’s behavior through the fl ight com- terms of operating costs, controller monitoring the site during the tests. mands. He knows he must remain extremely attentive reduced fuel consumption to any vibrations, noises, or even strange smells: noth- and external sound levels THE RESULT OF A LONG SERIES ing can be neglected. Despite all the sophisticated sen- - will be met and in some OF MEASUREMENTS sors on board, the sensations felt by each member of cases even exceeded. As is the case for each mission, a pre-fl ight inspection the fl ight crew are still an essential part of any fl ight test. The fi rst prototype, which performed its is fi rst carried out by the teams on the prototype fl ight The tests have all been completed: It’s time to head maiden fl ight on June line. The H160 was designed to make the inspection as home. On the way back, Olivier Gensse takes the 13, 2015, has already quick and easy as possible, but the teams carefully look opportunity to evaluate the various autopilot modes. logged approximately a over the test equipment. While Olivier Gensse logs the After landing, the flight crew meets with the remote hundred fl ight hours, and helicopter in on his laptop (using the e-logbook soft- measuring and design offi ce teams for a full debrief- the second prototype ware), the team responsible for the test system turns on ing. An initial assessment is made based on the meas- successfully performed its the recorders and onboard test equipment. Meanwhile, urements and the impressions of each crew member. fi rst fl ight on 27 January, Laurent Maruejols makes the fi nal adjustments to the The development of a new helicopter is the result of 2016. All in all, the H160 onboard software. a long series of measurements, analyses and brain- program will benefi t from The engines are finally started up. After checking storming. Hundreds of fl ights are required, and in many fi ve dedicated test means to bring a fully mature H160 the remote measuring system, the helicopter taxis cases the debriefi ng from one fl ight enables the teams to the market in 2018. across the parking area towards the taxi-hold. A to determine what they’ll be talking about in the briefi ng complete check is performed for ground resonance: for the next fl ight!

28 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 1 2 © Airbus Helicopters / Jérôme Deulin / Jérôme © Airbus Helicopters © Airbus Helicopters / Patrick Penna / Patrick © Airbus Helicopters

3 H160

• Capacity: 2 pilots + 12 passengers 4 • Engine: 2 Turbomeca Arrano • Smooth cruise speed 160 kts • Operating range: 450 NM (+20 min reserve) in public services confi guration 120 NM radius of action in PC1 up to 12 pax © Airbus Helicopters / Jérôme Deulin / Jérôme © Airbus Helicopters

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 29 OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Experts on ice

Based in Norway, Airlift is an expert NORWAY when it comes to icy conditions. In addition to aerial work, heavy lift and search and rescue services, the operator also helps investigate climate change and was even involved in a mission to Mars. Article: Beata Cece © Airlift

FIGHTING COLD AND ICE Norway is known for its unforgiving climate: violent storms, freezing temperatures, heavy rains and low visibility can quickly turn into a deadly danger. When tourists become lost in the ice or fi shermen in the cold sea, help must come quickly and reliably. These are two characteristics that apply to the AS332 L1 from Airbus Helicopters. Airlift uses this model for search and rescue missions in the country’s challenging conditions. With this medium-size utility helicopter, the Airlift crew fi ghts cold and ice, confi rming the rotorcraft’s capabilities in even the most extreme environment.

30 / ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 CHASING ANSWERS FOR A BETTER FUTURE Stretching out beneath the helicopter is a seemingly endless sheet of Arctic ice. Suddenly, a polar bear appears in the whirled up snow. The H125 helicopter from Airlift fl ies towards the animal. A passenger appears, aiming a rifl e at the bear. A shot cracks In the above the noise of the rotors. The polar bear is hit but continues to fi eld run for a few more seconds before collapsing onto the ice. But the animal is not dead. It is just unconscious, shot with a tranquiliser rifl e so that the scientists on board the helicopter could take blood ARCTIC AND samples and DNA probes to examine the grade of pollution in the ANTARCTIC arctic. This is just one of Airlift’s different services for scientifi c missions in polar regions – under the most extreme conditions. On a mission in the Antarctic in 2015 for example, an ice breaker • Date: 2010 with 30 scientists and the H125 on board was deliberately frozen • Purpose: Airlift provided into the ice of the Antarctic. The mission was to explore, among © Airlift fi lming services for the BBC other things, the drift of ice and the pollution of air, water and documentary The Frozen ice. The scientists and helicopter crew spent six months on the Planet. ship. “These polar missions can be very diffi cult,” says Gunnar • Result: The documentary, Svein Nordahl, who accompanies some of these expeditions as a technician. “But it is an important task, because the data we presented by Sir David collect enables researchers to observe changes in the climate.” Attenborough and refl ecting on the incredible fragility of an ever-changing world, was a huge success.

• Date: 2011 • Purpose: Airlift assisted the © Airlift testing of a prototype of NASA’s Curiosity Rover in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. • Result: The assignment

“The H125 is • Date: since 2011 extremely reliable • Purpose: On its missions for in the cold. © Airlift the Norwegian Polar Institute, Airlift uses an H125 with an We often operate electromagnetic measuring in temperatures system on board to assess the thickness of the sea ice. down to minus • Result: The data collected 30 degrees helps scientists to understand Celsius and have the impact of climate change. to land on the sea • Date: between 1996 to 2014 ice. This means it • Purpose: In Spitsbergen,

is very important © Airlift an island in Arctic Norway, Airlift fl ew search and rescue to know that the operations with an AS332 L1 Airlift, founded helicopter. in 1986 and helicopter is able comprising • Result: At temperatures as low 70 employees, to take off again.” as minus 40 degrees Celsius, is part of Gunnar Svein Nordahl, Airlift provided onshore NHV Group. from Airlift and off shore rescue missions.

ROTOR - No. 103 - MARCH 2016 / 31 THE FUTURE TAKES OFF

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