February 2012 Serving the Worldwide Industry rotorandwing.com

Pilot Report: SIKORSKY S92

Regulating Night Vision Heli-Expo 2012 Preview Training for ‘the Ditch’ something big is about to take off and you won’t want to miss it!

Find out at 11:30 a.m. CST on 2.12.12 HELIEXPO® 2012, Booth #9846 Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas

Visit bellonamission.com and register to be our special HELIEXPO® guest for priority access to seminars and presentations. Soon you will see just how relentless we are about listening to customers.

© 2012 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. www.bellhelicopter.com | 2 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | JUNE 2011 HOW GOOD IS THE

EDITORIAL Andrew Parker Editor-in-Chief, [email protected] ® Chris Sheppard Associate Editor, [email protected] Ernie Stephens Editor-at-Large, [email protected] Andrew Drwiega Military Editor, [email protected] FastFin Claudio Agostini Bureau Chief ? Joe West Correspondent SYSTEM Contributing Writers: Chris Baur; Lee Benson; Shannon Bower; Igor Bozinovski; Tony Capozzi; Keith Cianfrani; Steve Colby; Frank Colucci; Dan Deutermann; Pat Gray; Frank Lombardi; Vicki McConnell; Robert Moorman; Douglas Nelms; Mark Robins; Dale Smith; Terry Terrell; Todd Vorenkamp; Richard Whittle.

ADVERTISING/BUSINESS Joe Rosone VP & Group Publisher, [email protected] Randy Jones Publisher, 1-972-713-9612, [email protected]

Eastern & Carol Mata , 1-512-607-6361, [email protected]

International Sales, Europe/Pac Rim/Asia James McAuley +34 952 118 018, [email protected]

DESIGN/PRODUCTION Gretchen Saval Graphic Designer Tony Campana Production Manager, 1-301-354-1689 [email protected] something big is about to take off Tesha Blett Web Production Manager

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT and you won’t want to miss it! Jill Braun Audience Development Director, The FastFin System for Bell 412s is a simple [email protected] George Severine Fulfillment Manager, [email protected] modification that will revolutionize your performance. Customer Service/Back Issues 1-847-559-7314 [email protected] It’s FAA certified for up to 1,250 pounds more useful load, is

LIST SALES OEM-endorsed for aftermarket retrofit, and has been Statlistics selected by Bell Helicopter for new Bell 412EPs. Jen Felling ,1-203-778-8700, [email protected] How good is FastFin? Just ask Bell Helicopter. REPRINTS Wright’s Media, 1-877-652-5295 Visit us at Heli-Expo, Exhibit 8846. [email protected]

ACCESS INTELLIGENCE, LLC Donald A. Pazour Chief Executive Officer Ed Pinedo Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Macy L. Fecto Executive Vice President, Human Resources & Administration Heather Farley Divisional President, Business Information Group Sylvia Sierra Senior Vice President of Corporate Audience Development Robert Paciorek Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer Michael Kraus Vice President of Production & Manufacturing [email protected] Steve Barber Vice President, Financial Planning and Internal Audit |

BLRaerospace.com/4842 425.405.4842 information. more for Gerald Stasko Vice President/Corporate Controller Scan with your smartphone Alison Johns Vice President, E-Media, Business Information Group

For photocopy or reuse requests: 1-800-772-3350 or [email protected] For over ten years, Aviation Today has been your Internet-hub for market intelligence and business resources, offering up-to-the-minute news and expert analysis in all aspects of the world of aviation.

Access Intelligence, LLC 4 Choke Cherry Rd., 2nd Floor Rockville, Md. 20850 - USA Phone: 1-301-354-2000, Fax: 1-301-354-1809 E-mail: [email protected]

Visit us today at www.aviationtoday.com. 17279

FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 3       

WHEN LAW ENFORCERS Editor’s Notebook DEPEND ON IT, WE’RE RIGHT ALONGSIDE. Own Worst Enemy [email protected]

By Andrew Parker

s we head into Heli-Expo, oncoming shift pilot, the pilot alleg- on duty overnight, and the accident it’s important to again bring edly said he “wanted to get the heli- occurred at an early hour that can be Aup the subjects of training copter out” after sitting on the helipad associated with degraded alertness.” and safety. Learning lessons at Jackson-Madison County Gen- Sometimes, we are our own worst from the mistakes of others is one of eral Hospital and waiting for the flight enemy. Human error, whether it’s the most basic ways of improving. nurses. The shift pilot suggested park- caused by fatigue, the desire to finish The U.S. National Transportation ing the helicopter, but the active duty a shift, or any of a large number of Safety Board issued similar rulings pilot insisted there was enough time other casual factors, is a part of avia- on January 19 involving two helicop- to make it, believing “he had about 18 tion operations. The stakes for aircraft ter EMS crashes where pilots flew minutes to beat the storm and return operators are high, we all know that, into storms at night. The first crash, to home base” while leaving the nurses but it’s important to keep this in mind which occurred Sept. 25, 2009 near behind. The shift pilot later spoke with as an example of where the decision Georgetown, S.C., involved a Carolina one of the flight nurses, who in fact to push forward into the gray area can Life Care Eurocopter AS350B2 oper- made it on board and said they were have dire consequences. When deal- ated by Omniflight . Three about 30 seconds from arrival, when ing with Mother Nature, know your people died in the crash, the pilot, a the helicopter went down. limits. The line may be closer than you flight nurse and a flight paramedic. Witnesses reported lighting, thun- think, and at times we can all be one According to the report, the pilot der and “heavy rain bands” in the area bad decision away from disaster. decided “to continue the VFR flight at the time of the accident. into an area of IMC, which resulted in NTSB faults the decision-making The New Face of the pilot’s spatial disorientation and a process of the pilot, saying that he Rotorandwing.com loss of control of the helicopter.” “could have chosen to stay at the hospi- If you haven’t had the opportunity NTSB noted “inadequate oversight tal helipad. The pilot, however, decid- already, take a moment to go to www. of the flight by Omniflight’s Opera- ed to enter the area of weather, despite rotorandwing.com and look at tional Control Center” as a contrib- the availability of a safer option. Based the new design and features of our uting factor to the accident, which on the pilot’s statement to the oncom- website. In addition to the home page, happened at around 11:30 p.m. as the ing pilot about the need to ‘beat the there are individual landing pages crew was headed back from dropping storm’ and his intention to . . . bring the for different sectors of the helicopter Good news for all law enforcement operators. Whatever off a patient. helicopter back, he was aware of the market—Commercial, Military, Public platforms you use for your , Goodrich The second accident took place storm and chose to fly into it.” Service, Personal/Corporate, Train- has a hoist that’s ready and available. on March 25, 2011 near Brownsville, The report continues by stating the ing, Products and Services. Tenn. The Hospital Wing Eurocopter pilot “made a risky decision to attempt On each of these landing pages, we Whether you operate AS350s, EC145s or A109s, AS350B3, registered to Memphis to outrun a storm in night conditions, aggregate our own news and edito- there’s a Goodrich hoist you can rely on to provide Medical Air Center, went down after which would enable him to return the rial coverage, photos and videos with the perfect solution. heading straight into a quick-develop- helicopter to its home base and end his press releases from industry vendors ing weather cell, resulting in the deaths shift there, rather than choosing a safer and links to important stories we’ve Goodrich is unique in providing the translating drum of the pilot and two flight nurses. The alternative of parking the helicopter in run across from other sources on the technology, which has the highest reliability in the safety board ruled that attempting to a secure area and exploring alternate web—all targeted to the unique inter- industry and no fleet angle restrictions. And Goodrich www.goodrich.com fly into “adverse weather, resulting in transportation arrangements or wait- ests of operators in each sector. Each has the lowest life cycle costs. an encounter with a thunderstorm ing for the storm to pass and returning landing page also serves as a central with localized IMC, heavy rain and to base after sunrise when conditions point for users to drill down into more So whichever platforms fly your missions, depend on severe turbulence,” is the probable improved.” specific coverage. Check it out and let Goodrich to be right there with you. cause of the crash. NTSB also noted that the pilot us know what you think. What’s disturbing is the part of the “was nearing the end of his 12-hour For more information about Goodrich rescue hoists, report’s narrative that describes the shift, during which he had flown pre- Look for reports from the Heli-Expo email [email protected] pilot’s apparent state of mind before vious missions and may have had lim- show floor at www.aviationtoday. the crash. In a conversation with an ited opportunities to rest. He had been com/rw/heliexpo2012

/ / 4 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM right attitude right approach right alongside       

WHEN LAW ENFORCERS DEPEND ON IT, WE’RE RIGHT ALONGSIDE. By Andrew Parker

[email protected]

Good news for all law enforcement operators. Whatever platforms you use for your search and rescue, Goodrich has a hoist that’s ready and available. Whether you operate AS350s, EC145s or A109s, there’s a Goodrich hoist you can rely on to provide the perfect solution. Goodrich is unique in providing the translating drum technology, which has the highest reliability in the industry and no fleet angle restrictions. And Goodrich www.goodrich.com has the lowest life cycle costs. So whichever platforms fly your missions, depend on Goodrich to be right there with you. For more information about Goodrich rescue hoists, email [email protected]

/ / rightWWW.ROTORANDWING.COMattitude right approach right alongside JANUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 5 THIS MONTH FROM

Personal|Corporate Commercial Military Public Service DEPARTMENTS 12 12 Rotorcraft Report 20 People 20 Coming Events 30 Hot Products 62 Training News 65 Classified Ads 67 Ad Index COLUMNS (Above) AgustaWestland’s AW189 lifts off for its first flight. (Bottom) An inside look at the cockpit of the Sikorsky S-92. Photo by Ernie Stephens. (Right) Air-to-air view showing a 4 Editor’s Notebook Aviation Sikorsky CH-53G over . 8 Feedback 10 Meet the Contributors FEATURES 64 Leading Edge

COVER STORY 66 Law Enforcement Notebook 32 ■ Pilot Report: Sikorsky S-92 68 Safety & Training Rotor & Wing takes to the skies in Sikorsky’s S-92 and gets behind the controls of the S-76D. By Ernie Stephens, Editor-at-Large 70 Military Insider 38 ■ Heli-Expo 2012 Preview An inside look at some of the highlights and what to expect during this year’s Heli-Expo in Dallas. By Dale Smith 44 ■ Night Vision Renaissance Providers of NVG cockpit modifications thrive despite the global 32 economic situation and a new set of FAA regulations governing this niche market. By Andrew Parker, Editor-in-Chief 48 ■ Prepping for the Ditch EASA workshop focuses on how to increase the survival rate in helicopter ditching incidents. By Thierry Dubois 56 ■ Recovery Training in Spain Spanish Air Force hosts EAG’s Combined Joint Personnel Recovery Standardization course. By Andrew Drwiega, Military Editor

On the Cover: Sikorsky S-92 with the Legacy of Heroes paint scheme. Sikorsky Photo by Stuart Walls.

6 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Vol. 46 | No. 2 February 2012

Public Service Training Products Services 56 ONLINE www.rotorandwing.com

CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOOK ON THE WEB • If you haven’t had the opportunity already, take a moment to go to www.rotorandwing.com and look at the new design of the Rotor & Wing website. Whether it’s just looking for the most important headlines or performing due-diligence research for an important contract or purchase decision, all the information you need is right at your fingertips and easy to sort, archive, forward, print, comment, Tweet or like! Take a look and let us know what you think. SIGN UP FOR THE ROTOR & WING COLLECTIVE • Subscribe today for our free weekly e-letter for helicopter news—The Rotor & Wing Collective, which features an in-depth Story of the Week, Top News Picks, Helicopter Jobs and links to Rotor & Wing’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Sign up now by visiting: www.aviationtoday.com/rw/collective_form.html WHAT DO THE EXPERTS THINK? • Ask questions to three experts on the topics of helicopter aerodynamics, AS9100 quality management systems audits and night vision goggle (NVG) certification at rotorandwing.com. Che Masters, certification engineer for NSF-ISR, discusses aerospace quality registration. Frank Lombardi, test and evaluation pilot, provides insights about the science behind helicopter flight. NVG certification expert Jessie Kearby fields questions about NVGs for both military and commercial uses.

DIRECT TO YOUR DESKTOP: CHECK YOUR EMAIL FEBURARY 1 • Digital edition of Rotor & Wing February 2012. Electronic version with enhanced web links makes navigating through the pages of Rotor & Wing easier than ever. WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27 • HOT PRODUCTS for Helicopter Operators—Latest in equipment upgrades, performance modifications, training devices and other tools for the rotorcraft industry. WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27 • Rotor & Wing’s Military Insider. Get the latest updates from helicopter defense Get connected: companies around the world, from Military Editor Andrew Drwiega. Become a fan of Rotor & Wing on Follow us on @rotorandwing TO SUBSCRIBE TO ANY OF OUR EXCLUSIVE EMAIL PRODUCTS, GO TO: WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM

The editors welcome new product information and other industry news. All editorial inquiries should be directed to Rotor & Wing magazine, 4 Choke Cherry Rd., 2nd Floor, Rockville, Md. 20850, USA; 1-301-354-1839; fax 1-301-762-8965. E-mail: rotorandwing@ accessintel.com. Rotor & Wing (ISSN-1066-8098) is published monthly by Access Intelligence, 4 Choke Cherry Rd., 2nd Floor, Rockville, Md. 20850, USA. Periodical postage paid at Rockville, Md. and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: Free to qualified individuals directly involved in the helicopter industry. All other subscriptions, U.S.: one year $89; two years $178. Canada: one year $99; two years $198; Foreign: one year $129; two years $258. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Rotor & Wing, P.O. Box 3089, Northbrook, Ill. 60065-3089, USA. Change of address two to eight weeks notice requested. Send both new and old address, including mailing label to Attn: Rotor & Wing magazine, Customer Services, P.O. Box 3089, Northbrook, Ill. 60065-3089, USA or call 1-847-559-7314. E-mail: [email protected]. Canada Post PM40063731. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5. ©2011 by Access Intelligence, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without written permission. Publication Mail Sales Agreement No. 40558009

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 7 Feedback Personal|Corporate Commercial Military Public Service Training Products Services

From Facebook R&W’s Question of the Month The following comments appeared on Rotor & Wing’s Facebook page: www. facebook.com/rotorandwing What do you think of the new look of the redesigned Accident Reduction The following responses are to the ques- www.rotorandwing.com? tion, “What more needs to be done to reduce helicopter accidents?” Let us know, and look for your and others’ responses in a future issue. You’ll find contact information below. More IFR training and IFR flights. In the helicopter world, IFR flights are a rare occurrence for most operators. Most guys don’t realize how easy it is and how much safer it is to file, get a Fly helicopters unmanned. We are in the process of replacing our clearance, and “punch in” versus scud Ron Hall Garmin (Apollo) 480s with Garmin running. I understand some operators 430s. I wish we could ditch the 430s aren’t equipped, but for those who Definitely more practice with 0/0 and separate transponders, and just go are.... instrument takeoffs. Could have saved with a Garmin 530s. Or, the ultimate Brad Weeks a bunch of guys when they browned would be all glass. out. More simulation time, too. The Wylie Mathis Dual-pilot requirement for EMS mis- virtual red screen is a lot more forgiv- sions. Certainly for those during IFR ing than a real world one. Upgrading the BFT so it would not and IMC. Charles Lamb burn out the VHF-AM radio. Jim Hickman Christopher Newlon

New avionics for sure; synthetic vision “The majority of accidents (moving map ), more accurate naviga- tion and improved IMC capability. come from human error.” Bülent Aydın Night vision enhancements. Clarity and range. Install a 44-oz. drink holder because Emphasis on disciplined flying, report Charlie Meadors with it between my legs it interferes and ground the undisciplined pilots with my cyclic. Also a CD player would instead of looking the other way and A more comfortable seat. be great because ATC gives me a head- allowing the “mishaps” to do the cull- Mike Cumbie ache so I take off my headset and all I ing for us. hear is “whupwhupwhup” . . . and some Carl Bush Equipment Upgrades Manilow would be welcome. Response to the question, “What’s on Peter McNees I+I+I (Inversion by operators plus your mind regarding the helicopter Instruction of crews plus Innovation industry? What has struck a chord The majority of accidents come from application). with you lately, or been on your mind human error. That being the case, you Jose Roca regarding a recent issue, broad or can train and train and train all you want, specific?” but in the end we are only human and Equipment Upgrades will make mistakes whether we are 25 or Responses to the question, “If you had What actions must a pilot take if he 65 years old, have 1,000 hours or 25,000. an unlimited budget to make a single gets into some serious downdrafts? In We will never fix human error. Just like upgrade to your company’s or unit’s this case, the helicopter is a Eurocop- friendly fire; It will always happen. helicopter (but could only pick one ter Ecureuil AS350 BA. Marc Raglin upgrade), what would it be and why?” Sobit Gauchan

Do you have comments on the rotorcraft industry or recent articles and viewpoints we’ve published? Send them to: Editor, Rotor & Wing, 4 Choke Cherry Road, Second Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, fax us at 301-354-1809 or email us at rotorandwing@accessintel. com. Please include a city and state or province with your name and ratings. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material.

8 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 Solid State. Solid Reliability.

Aspen’s reliable, solid-state AHRS technology meets the challenges of your most demanding missions and ensures your critical flight data is there when you need it. The Evolution Flight Display’s flexible intuitive interface enhances mission safety: Aspen’s unique PFD/MFD window layout flexibility allows you to prioritize critical flight data. Multiple views at your command significantly enhance situational awareness. Lightweight, robust, and equipped with built-in 30-minute battery backup, the Evolution Flight Display system is the most affordable, reliable EFIS system on the helicopter market today.

EFD500H MFD EFD1000H Pro PFD

Evolution 1500H: Unrivaled Reliability Made Affordable.

www.aspenavionics.com/helicopter Heli-Expo Booth 10-11

Copyright 2012 Aspen Avionics Inc. ”Aspen Avionics,” “Evolution Flight Display System,” “Connected Panel,” and the Aspen Avionics aircraft logo are trademarks of Aspen Avionics Inc. All rights reserved. Meet the Contributors

CLAUDIO AGOSTINI, aerospace and FRANK LOMBARDI, an ATP with both defense consultant, has been engaged fixed-wing and rotary-wing ratings, began with helicopter market competitive intel- his flying career in 1991 after graduating ligence for more than 20 years. He has with a bachelor’s of science in aerospace been writing for Rotor & Wing about heli- engineering, working on various airplane copters in Latin America since 1999. He has also been and helicopter programs as a flight test engineer for Grum- engaged with local helicopter events and seminars since man Aerospace Corp. Frank became a police officer for a 2002, and regularly provides support in some areas to the major East Coast police department in 1995, and has been Brazilian Association of Helicopter Pilots (ABRAPHE) flying helicopters in the department’s aviation section since in São Paulo, where he is based. Although not a licensed 2000. He remains active in test and evaluation, and holds a pilot, he’s had the opportunity to fly in a wide range of master’s degree in aviation systems-flight testing from the helicopters, from the Robinson R22 up to the Mil Mi-26, University of Tennessee Space Institute. in many parts of the world. DOUGLAS NELMS has more than 30 years of experience as an aviation journalist and currently works as a freelance writer. He has KEITH CIANFRANI is a retired U.S. served as managing editor of Rotor & Wing. Army lieutenant colonel, master aviator A former U.S. Army helicopter pilot, Nelms and Army instructor pilot, rated in both specializes in writing about helicopters. helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. He holds a master’s degree in aerospace safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Keith CHRIS SHEPPARD is the Associate Editor is a certificated flight instructor and has flown com- of Rotor & Wing. Coming from a strong mercial aircraft for more than 20 years in and around the background in journalism and public rela- New York City area. tions, she was an editor for a leading online newswire for several years. She has covered a wide range of topics, both online and in print since 2002. Chris is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Journalism ANDREW DRWIEGA, Military Editor, is a at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She can be senior defense journalist with a particular reached at [email protected]. focus on international military rotorcraft. He has reported on attachment from Iraq DALE SMITH has been an aviation journal- three times (the latest of which was with a ist for 24 years specializing in business avia- U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 squadron), and three times with tion. He is currently a contributing writer British forces in Afghanistan (Kandahar and Camp Bas- for Rotor & Wing and other leading aviation tion), as well as from numerous exercises. He has flown in magazines. He has been a licensed pilot a wide variety of rotorcraft including the MV-22B Osprey, since 1974 and has flown 35 different types of general avia- AH-64D Apache, Rooivalk and many others. tion, business and WWII vintage aircraft.

ERNIE STEPHENS, Editor-at-Large, began THIERRY DUBOIS is a long-time con- flying in the 1980s, earning his commer- tributor to Access Intelligence publica- cial pilot’s license and starting an aerial tions. He has been an aerospace journal- photography company as a sideline. In his ist for 12 years, specializing in helicopters regular job as a county police officer, he was since 2006. He writes on technical sub- transferred to the department’s newly established aviation jects, both for professional media and a popular science unit, where he served as the sergeant in charge and chief pilot magazine in . until his retirement in 2006.

10 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FIRST-class service no matter where you’re going.

The M250® FIRST networkTM is the most diverse and and convenient and responsive field support from customer focused gas turbine engine support network 33 authorized facilities worldwide. No matter where you in existence. With more than 4,500 operators relying on are, the M250 FIRST network ensures unparalleled service the M250 engine every day, no engine is more prominent and reduced operating costs. Exactly the service you among helicopter and light aircraft applications. expect for a world class engine. The M250 FIRST network offers extensive, quality products Trusted to deliver excellence >>

Personal|Corporate Commercial Military Public Service Training Products Services

■ SERVICES | FLIGHT TESTING ■ MILITARY | PROCUREMENT AW189 Takes Maiden Flight Army Orders 39 AgustaWestland’s AW189 prototype has taken to the skies for the first time. Lakotas from EADS Chief test pilot Giuseppe Lo Coco was at the controls for the AW189, which he EADS has received said “performed as expected” following the flight. The initial prototype will be a U.S. Army contract for 39 UH-72A used mainly for avionics testing and offshore certification. A second prototype Lakota light utility helicopters (LUHs). will conduct load survey testing during 2012. AgustaWestland expects civil The $212-million contract will involve certification of the helicopter in 2013, with deliveries to begin in 2014. The 32 Lakotas outfitted with a mission AW189 made its public debut at the 2011 Air Show. equipment package (MEP) being delivered to the Army’s security and support (S&S) battalion. Those 32 helicopters will enter service with the U.S. Army National Guard. EADS North America has handed over a total of 198 UH-72A Lakotas to the Army through early January 2012, with a total of 345 helicopters expected for delivery by 2015.

■ MILITARY | AIRFRAMES Boeing Wins Chinook Contract AgustaWestland The U.S. Army has contracted Boeing With onlookers witnessing the landmark event, AgustaWestland’s newest variant—the to supply 14 CH-47F Chinooks as part AW189—went airborne for the first time Dec. 21 at its plant in Cascina Costa, . of the government’s foreign military sales (FMS) program. The contract, ■ COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES valued at $370 million, will involve seven helicopters for the Australian Range Extension: Transport Canada Defence Force and six for the United Approves Bell 429 Performance Boost Arab Emirates (UAE). The other Transport Canada has granted approval for a 500-lb. increase to the weight of CH-47F will be dispatched to the U.S. the Bell 429. The move increases the maximum gross weight of the helicopter Army. According to H-47 program vice to 7,500 lbs., which gives operators additional range “to take better advantage of president Leanne Caret, the contract the helicopter’s IFR/WAAS capabilities,” according to Larry Roberts, senior vice raises Boeing’s Chinook backlog above president of Bell Helicopter’s Commercial business unit. The approval follows 200 aircraft. Boeing is also awaiting the months of testing and evaluation. Transport Canada concluded that the 429 “would Army’s decision on a second five-year, Helping you focus on your core business, flying suffer no technical constraints by increasing the gross weight.” Bell plans to petition firm fixed-price proposal for additional FAA and EASA for a Part 27 exemption from the max gross weight of 7,000 lbs. Chinooks.

For daily and breaking news involving helicopters, go to: www.aviationtoday/rw Become a fan of Rotor & Wing on Follow us on @rotorandwing

12 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM POWER BUILT ON TRUST

TOGET ER in a partnership based on constant improvements

Helping you focus on your core business, flying You want to take your business to new heights. You need tailored products, services and policies. Because you have chosen Turbomeca as your trusted partner, we focus on understanding your business and we continuously invest to expand global service and production capabilities, standard-setting design and engineering, and your 24-7 after-sales service. Meeting your needs every day is our priority. In the industry since 1938, Turbomeca is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines. More at turbomeca.com Rotorcraft Report

■ COMMERCIAL | OFFSHORE ■ PUBLIC SERVICE | COMPLETIONS Multitrole EC225s Support SAR-Configured S-92 Joins Heli-Union, COHC Irish Coast Guard Fleet Eurocopter has delivered two EC225s to French air transport Sikorsky has finished operator, Heli-Union. The new helicopters will be used for production on an S-92 offshore oil and gas transport missions. Heli-Union has also for CHC Helicopter. purchased four EC175s, with a projected delivery date of 2013. CHC will operate the The manufacturer has also received an order for seven search and rescue (SAR) EC225LP Super Pumas from CITIC Offshore Helicopter dedicated helicopter for Co. (COHC) in for oil and gas transport missions. In the Irish Coast Guard. Sikorsky addition to the purchase, the two companies are develop- The S-92 will replace This Sikorsky S-92 replaces an S-61. ing a joint venture that will focus on cooperative training the Coast Guard’s S-61, and launch a Chinese maintenance facility. Deliveries of the which has been in service EC225s are set to start in December 2012 and run until 2015. for around 20 years. The S-92 will be stationed in Shannon, In addition, Eurocopter has agreed to supply a second Ireland. CHC supplies a fleet of six S-61s on behalf of the EC225 to the Tokyo Fire Department’s Tachikawa Air Squad- Irish Coast Guard. The S-92 will serve offshore islands and ron. The helicopter will be equipped with a belly-mounted provide SAR coverage from Cork to Galway. water tank and EMS interior, and is expected to service Tokyo city, western mountainous areas and Hachijo-jima ■ SERVICES | ENGINES Island. The EC225 will join Tachikawa’s existing fleet, which consists of seven Eurocopter types—four Dauphin N3s, two M International Acquires Super Puma L1s and one EC225. Keystone Engine Services ! McLean, Va.-based M International has purchased the Keystone Engine Services division of Sikorsky Global Helicopters. M International has formed a new company, Keystone Turbine Services, that will operate from a 30,000-square-foot facility ! in Coatesville, Pa. The acquisition expands M’s turboprop and engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) ! services, notes CEO Richard McConn. Keystone Turbine is a

Eurocopter ! Rolls-Royce and Honeywell-approved MRO facility. From left to right: CNN CEO Patrick Molis, Eurocopter CEO Lutz exceptional hot and high performance, a flexible engine concept Bertling and Heli-Union CEO Jean-Christophe Schmitt. and a low noise signature. The modularity of the cabin makes the most of the flat floor and

! ! ! Introducing a remarkably !

!

14 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM ! SKYe SH09!

A light multipurpose single-engine helicopter! designed with Performance everywhere.! ! The SKYe SH09 offers exceptional hot and high performance, a flexible engine concept and a low noise signature. The modularity of the cabin makes the most of the flat floor and the unique high ceiling, with 5 to 8 individual crashworthy seats and facilitated rear access loading through the clamshell doors.! ! ! Introducing a remarkably versatile helicopter with additional power, greater pay-load and sling capacity and faster cruise speed.!

A Swiss made Helicopter!

www.marenco-swisshelicopter.com! Rotorcraft Report

■ | ■ MILITARY | COMPLETIONS SERVICES EMS Receive NH90s Reach Launches New Texas Base Santa Rosa, Calif.-based Reach Air Medical has teamed with Methodist Healthcare of Houston to establish a second HEMS base. Methodist AirCare 2, located in Pearsall, Texas, will operate a , equipped with night vision goggles (NVGs). Reach Air Medical has also added three new hospitals to its service region in southwest Texas.

■ MILITARY | AVIONICS Sagem Services Strix Systems SIMMAD has contracted Safran Group subsidiary, Sagem, to provide AgustaWestland life-cycle support for Strix sighting The first NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters from AgustaWestland’s Venice Tessera assembly line systems on the French Army’s fleet have been delivered to the Italian Army and Navy. The Italian Armed Forces have ordered 60 of Eurocopter Tigers. The five- helicopters in total. year agreement with the Army’s AgustaWestland has completed deliveries of two NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters air division (ALAT) covers 50 (NFHs) to the Italian Army and Navy. The helicopters were the first from Strix turret-mounted systems for AgustaWestland’s NH90 final assembly line in Venice Tessera, Italy. The Italian maintenance and service. Sagem Army’s delivery was the first of a 60-helicopter order as part of a fleet replacement, will also establish an ALAT hotline with the Italian Navy ordering 46 NFHs and 10 tactical transport helicopter (TTH) in France and in overseas locations NH90 variants. where the Tigers are in service.

PARTS AND SERVICES YOU CAN TRUST...EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! PLEASE VISIT US AT 2012 HELI-EXPO, BOOTH # 9046

Extensive Inventory of Rotor/Fixed Wing Spares EXCHANGES • SALES • REPAIR • OVERHAULS

TEL: 305-251-7200 • FAX: 305-251-2300 [email protected] 12181 S.W. 129TH CT. • MIAMI, FL 33186 www.aviation-instrument.com

16 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM John Friedrichs Director, Quality Control

Innovation. Reliability. Performance.

At Aeronautical Accessories, demanding quality is a way of life. We are a proven industry leader with global capabilities and stringent quality systems. But quality is more than our experience and achievements—it’s about our people. Our team takes pride in enabling our customers’ mission, and getting it right the first time. That personal commitment drives us to deliver reliable, top-quality parts you can depend on.

www.aero-access.com | [email protected] | 1-800-251-7094

©2012 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. All rights reserved. Rotorcraft Report

■ SERVICES | MAINTENANCE ■ COMMERCIAL | OFFSHORE to Maintain Brazilian EC725s Russia Certifies, UTair and Receive AS350s The Interstate Aviation Committee has approved the Eurocopter AS350B3e in Russia. This certification allows Ecureuil operation in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Following the certification, UTair Aviation took delivery of three of the type. UTair placed an order in 2010 for 20 helicopters from Eurocopter, comprising 13 AS350B3es, six AS355NPs and one AS350B3. The helicopters will be used for cargo airlift, oil and gas pipeline Eurocopter The Brazilian Armed Forces has a total of 47 more Eurocopter EC725s on order. patrols, surveillance and executive transport missions throughout Russia Eurocopter subsidiary, Helibras, has reached an agreement to provide parts, and Siberia. service, inspections, overhaul and repairs for the Brazilian Armed Forces’ fleet of Eurocopter has also handed over 50 Eurocopter EC725s on order. The five-year contract covers all three branches an AS350B3e to the of ’s military. Helibras will also dispatch teams to provide on-site service at Air-Wing, making it the first African EC725 bases. Three EC725s have entered service with the , operator of the variant. The aircraft fly Army and Navy, with production on the remaining 47 helicopters scheduled to anti-poaching, counterterrorism and start in 2012. other law enforcement duties.

18 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM HeliCenter

Europe’s top helicopter event in 2012 Solutions for Extensive networking possibilities any mission Exceptional conference offer September 11–16, 2012 Berlin ExpoCenter Airport www.ila-berlin.com

Hosted by Rotorcraft Report

PEOPLE

The EADS board Phil Sprio has tion facility in Bro- of directors has been named presi- ken Arrow, Okla. elected S e a n dent and CEO of Sammur was most O’Keefe as chair- Man Lift Manufac- recently staff sci- man of the board. turing in Cudahy, entist for the com- The EADS North Wis. Spiro replaces pany before being America CEO will replace the retiring Jeff Bailey, who founded the com- promoted to replace the retiring Ron Ralph Crosby. O’Keefe served as pany in 2000 and will remain as a Jantzen. Nidal has worked with Flight- vice president of the technology director. Safety since 1992. infrastructure sector of General The Civil Aviation Authority of Greg Setter has joined Mesa, Electric before being appointed CEO New Zealand has appointed Graeme Ariz.,-based BDN Aerospace Market- of EADS in 2009. Harris chief executive and director. ing as account director. Setter, who has Fargo, N.D.-based Spectrum Aer- Harris will succeed Steve Doug- more than 25 years of aviation experi- omed has hired Michael Gallagher as las following his resignation, which ence, will oversee strategic planning vice president and project manager. He will take effect in April. Harris has and account services for BDN. Setter will oversee design, product develop- worked with the CAA in a variety of was previously with Honeywell Aero- ment, sales and system analysis of air roles since 2004. space as its marketing communications medical equipment. Gallagher comes Dr. Nidal Sammur has been pro- strategy manager for commercial avia- to Spectrum from Curtis Construction moted to director of engineering for tion, and held similar roles at GE Avia- Company, where he was the owner. FlightSafety International’s simula- tion and Rockwell Collins.

2012:

Feb. 11–14: Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli- May 1–3: AHS Intl. 68th Annual Forum and Technology Expo 2012, Dallas, Texas. Contact HAI, 1-703-683-4646 or visit Display, Fort Worth, Texas. Contact AHS Intl, phone 1-703-684- www.rotor.com 6777 or visit www.vtol.org

Feb. 12–15: 1st Asian/Australian Rotorcraft Forum and May 17–19: 5th International Helicopter Industry Exhibition, Exhibition (ARF & Exhibition 2012), Busan, South Korea. Contact , Russia. Contact HeliRussia, phone +7 (0) 495 958 9490 or Asian Rotorcraft Forum, phone +82-42-350-5756 or visit www. visit helirussia.ru/en arf2012.org/ May 23–24: Heli & UV Pacific 2012, Queensland, . Feb. 15–17: Helicopter Maintenance Management Seminar Contact Shephard Group, phone +44 (0) 1753 727015 or visit www. (HMMS), Irving, Texas. Contact Conklin & de Decker, phone shephard.co.uk/events 1-817-277-6403 or visit www.conklindd.com Sept. 4–7: European Rotorcraft Forum 2012, Amsterdam, The Feb. 22–24: Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Winter . Contact National Aerospace Laboratory NLR, phone Symposium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Contact AUSA, 1-703-841-4300, +31 88 511 3165 or visit www.erf2012.nlr.nl/index.html toll free 1-800-336-4570 or visit www.ausa.org Sept. 26–27: The Helicopter Show, Luffield Abbey, England. March 16–18: Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC) 16th Contact The Helicopter Show, phone +44 (0) 20 8330 4424 or visit Annual Convention and Trade Show, Ottawa, Canada. Contact www.thehelicoptershow.com HAC, phone 1-613-231-1110 or visit www.h-a-c.ca Oct. 30–Nov.1: Helicopter Military Operations Technology March 15–16: SAR Europe 2012, Dublin, Ireland. Contact Specialists’ Meeting (HELMOT XV), Williamsburg, Va. Contact Shephard Group, phone +44 (0) 1753 727015 or visit www. AHS Intl, phone 1-703-684-6777 or visit www.vtol.org shephard.co.uk/events Nov. 6–8: Dubai Helishow 2012, Dubai, . April 3–6: 55th Annual AEA International Convention & Trade Contact Mediac Communications and Exhibitions, phone +44 Show, Washington, D.C. Contact AEA, phone 1-816-347-8400 or (0)1293 823 779 or visit www.dubaihelishow.com visit www.aea.net/convention 2013: April 22–27: Medical Transport Leadership Institute, Wheeling, May 21–23: AHS Intl. 69th Annual Forum and Technology W.V. AAMS, 1-703-836-8732 or visit www.aams.org Display, Phoenix, Ariz. Contact AHS Intl, phone 1-703-684-6777 or visit www.vtol.org

20 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

© 2012 Cobham. All rights reserved. ■ MILITARY | COMPLETIONS

Receives Final Lynx Eurocopter AS350 Series / 407

Eurocopter EC130 AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland has delivered the final British Army Lynx AH Mk9A.

AgustaWestland has handed over the last Lynx AH Mk9A to the British Army Air Corps. The Lynx Mk9A is a fleet-wide upgrade of the Lynx ® Mk9, outfitted with new engines and HeliSAS Autopilot and modifications to the gearbox, fuselage Stability Augmentation System and interior displays. AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility produced 22 of the The most important thing we build is trust upgraded helicopters under the Urgent Operational Requirement contracts from the Ministry of Defence.

■ SERVICES | CERTIFICATION HeliSAS is STC’d for Bell 206/407 FAA Approves Metro and Eurocopter AS350 Series/EC130 EC155 EMS Kit

Shreveport, La.-based Metro Aviation Enhances Flight Stability. Reduces Pilot Workload. Cobham Commercial Systems has received a supplemental type As one of HeliSAS’ two main As a two-axis attitude hold, One S-TEC Way certificate (STC) for its emergency functions, the Stability attitude command, flight Mineral Wells, TX 76067 medical system kit for the Eurocopter Augmentation System control system, HeliSAS (817) 215-7600 EC155B1. The certification marks the (SAS) provides precise significantly reduces pilot [email protected] control during all modes of workload. When engaged, first time an EC155B1 with an EMS flight, regardless of wind the pilot may perform package has received approval in the conditions or aircraft cockpit functions U.S., according to Metro. The STC center of gravity. hands-free. covers a variety of EMS interior options Visit us at Heli-Expo Booth 3122 including secondary patient restraint, seating and a cabin overhead module with four audio and control touch panels. www.helisas.com

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 21 Rotorcraft Report

■ MILITARY | UAV Unmanned K-MAX Operational in Afghanistan Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace’s unmanned K-MAX has entered combat service with the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan. USMC’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 received the first K-MAX unmanned aerial system in early December, with the initial cargo re-supply mission taking place on Dec. 17. The unmanned helicopter transported more than 3,000 lbs. of food and supplies from Camp Dwyer to troops at Combat Outpost Payne in the Helmand Province—all in less than two hours. “We delivered cargo today that was supposed to be delivered by convoy, now that convoy has three pallets that it does not have to carry,” noted Maj. Kyle O’Connor, the officer-in-charge of Squadron 1’s cargo resupply The K-MAX unmanned aerial helicopter during its first cargo detachment. The delivery signifies the first step in a six- delivery for the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan.

month testing period in Afghanistan, after which the Marine Corps may opt to use the K-MAX as part of its aerial resupply capabilities. The demonstration phase will “test the true capabilities of this aircraft and how well it can perform its job in a combat environment,” O’Connor continued. Lockheed Martin/Kaman While the unmanned K-MAX will lessen the threat of personnel loss during deliveries, the Navy doesn’t plan to take unnecessary risks with the K-MAX, stating that a majority of the re-supply operations “will be conducted at night and at higher altitudes … to keep out of small arms range.” The UAV completed a five-day quick reaction assess- ment (QRA) for the U.S. Navy in mid-2011. The QRA was part of a $45.8-million contract awarded in Decem- The unmanned K-MAX is now in the midst of a six-month aerial ber 2010 to test the UAV in a cargo resupply role for the resupply testing period in Afghanistan. Marine Corps.

■ SERVICES | MAINTENANCE ■ MILITARY | AVIONICS American Eurocopter Becomes DRS Upgrades Pave Hawks EC135, EC145 MRO Hub Dayton, Ohio-based DRS Defense Solutions’ intelligence, Eurocopter has designated its U.S. subsidiary as a communications and avionics solutions (ICAS) division maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center for has won a $12-million U.S. Air Force contract to upgrade EC135s and EC145s in North and Latin America. With Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawks. DRS will replace first- this designation, American Eurocopter is now able to generation altitude hold and hover stabilization systems perform Level D MRO actions on EC135/145 airframes, (AHHS) with fifth-generation improved altitude hold and blades and dynamic components. The manufacturer hover stabilization systems (IAHHS). The contract also expects turnaround times on repairs to decrease covers platform integration, the development of a technical for operators through the designation. American data package, production kits, spares and support. According Eurocopter, the largest of the parent company’s various to Logan Thiran, president of DRS ICAS, the avionics system geographical subsidiaries, already supports the AS350, will help pilots navigate through brownout conditions in AS365, EC120/130, and EC155. Afghanistan and Iraq.

22 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

© 2012 Cobham. All rights reserved. ■ MILITARY | COMPLETIONS Eagle Copters Polish Air Force NexAir Avionics LLC Upgrades Fleet Hillsboro Aviation AgustaWestland subsidiary PZL-Swidnik Mayday Avionics has inked an agreement with the Polish Ministry of National Defence to provide Aerial Avionics five W-3WA Sokols and upgrade 14 RJ Corman Aircraft Maintenance, LLC Edwards & Associates more. The Polish Air Force will use the Aeronautical Accessories Wysong W-3WAs for government and military Enterprises, Inc. transport. Plans call for PZL-Swidnik to Gardner Aviation Specialists, Inc. overhaul eight Russian Mi-2s, convert United Rotorcraft Solutions four W-3 Sokols to the W-3PL Gluszec Uniflight, LLC Metro Aviation armed configuration and upgrade two W-3s with a FADEC system. The Sarasota Avionics converted W-3PLs are scheduled for delivery in 2014.

® ■ TRAINING | SIMULATORS HeliSAS Authorized Dealerships CAE Wins Military, Civil Contracts The most important thing we build is trust

Canada-based CAE has received a number of recent military and civil Aerial Avionics RJ Corman Aircraft Maintenance, LLC contracts totaling more than C$100 [email protected] [email protected] million ($99 million). The Department of 408-258-5858 859-881-2480 National Defence in Canada has tasked CAE with upgrading its Bell CH-146 Aeronautical Accessories Sarasota Avionics [email protected] Griffon and Lockheed CC-130H [email protected] 423-538-5151 941-360-6877 x127 simulators. The Griffon simulator will feature an updated computer system and Eagle Copters Uniflight, LLC instructor operator station. [email protected] [email protected] Professional Way in has 403-250-7370 972-623-3444 signed with CAE for maintenance Edwards & Associates United Rotorcraft Solutions and support on the 3000 Series [email protected] [email protected] AgustaWestland AW139 full-flight 423-391-3806 940-627-0626 simulator that CAE is developing. Gardner Aviation Specialists, Inc. Wysong Enterprises, Inc. The company is also providing a 3000 [email protected] [email protected] Series FFS and training services for two 770-486-6061 423-325-6900 undisclosed customers. Hillsboro Aviation International dealership list available [email protected] at www.helisas.com. ■ COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES 503-648-2831 Mayday Avionics Robinson Doubles [email protected] Cobham Commercial Systems 616-957-4920 2010 Production One S-TEC Way Metro Aviation Mineral Wells, TX 76067 USA Torrance, Calif.-based Robinson [email protected] T: 817-215-7600 Helicopter Company is reporting an 318-698-5200 F: 940-325-3904 upswing in production for 2011, E: [email protected] NexAir Avionics LLC comprising 56 R22s, 88 R66s and 212 Interested in becoming a HeliSAS [email protected] R44s. The total number of 356 is a sharp dealership? Contact Judy Kring at 508-339-7077 increase over 2010, when Robinson [email protected] assembled 162 helicopters. www.cobham.com

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 23 Rotorcraft Report

■ PUBLIC SERVICE | LAW ENFORCEMENT ■ SERVICES | MAINTENANCE Fairfax Bell 429 Includes Becker Audio Canadian Forces Signs with Bell Bell has handed over the first of two 429s to the Fairfax County Police Department in Northern Virginia. The helicopters come equipped with Becker Avionics’ Bell Helicopter has won a 10-year, DVCS6100 digital audio system. Paradigm Aerospace Corporation/PAC C$640 million ($630.9 million) contract International customized the helicopter for both law enforcement and EMS for support and service for the Canadian missions at its facility in Mount Pleasant, Pa. Bell Helicopter plans to deliver the Forces’ fleet of CH146 Griffons. The second Fairfax 429 later this year. Fairfax County has two additional Bell 407s in CH146 optimized weapon system its Helicopter Division fleet. The new Bell 429 is also the first of the type to feature support (OWSS) contract will cover the new multi-mission configuration for airborne law enforcement, EMS and maintenance and management search and rescue (SAR). services, spare parts and engineering and technical publications. OWSS also has four one-year options available after See page 38 for a photo of the Fairfax County the initial 10-year contract expires and Bell 429. Look for the full story from Editor-at- will combine three existing contracts Large Ernie Stephens in Rotor & Wing’s Show Day for engineering, overhaul, repairs and publication at Heli-Expo, and visit our web page: supplies. According to Bell, the Mirabel www.aviationtoday.com/rw/heliexpo2012 plant and Calgary supply center will provide the materials needed to fulfill the agreement.

■ MILITARY | AIRFRAMES Russian Air Force Expands Fleet

Russian Helicopters has reached an FAA PMA agreement to provide the Russian Air Force with up to 30 Kamov Ka-226s by 2020, according to Defense Ministry MD 500 PARTS spokesman Vladimir Drik. The Air Force’s training center in Torzhok SAME-DAY SHIPPING already took delivery of 17 helicopters in December 2011, including Mi-8MTVs, Mi-28Ns, Mi-35s and Ka-52s. Four Ka-226s were projected for delivery to the training center by the end of January.

■ PRODUCTS | REPLACEMENT PARTS V-22 Awards Parts Contract

The Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office has obtained a $7.2-million modification involving a fixed-price- incentive-fee contract. The adjustment involves production line preparation of spare parts for the V-22 program. Bell-Boeing expects to complete the parts by October 2014. ph: 1.916.939.6888 www.aerometals.aero

24 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

■ COMMERCIAL | AVIONICS © 2012 Cobham plc. All rights reserved. S-92 Receives STC All-band P25 capability for Blue Sky Blue Sky Network has earned a supplemental type certificate (STC) for its communication and tracking systems on the Sikorsky S-92. La Jolla, Calif.-based Blue Sky’s D1000A uses built-in GPS position reporting with satellite transceivers and telemetry data to provide near real-time tracking. The ACH1000 allows voice and two-way communication between pilots and ground crews. The helicopter can also be securely tracked with Blue Sky’s online portal SkyRouter.

■ SERVICES | MILITARY AECOM Supports USAF Helicopters

Los Angeles, Calif.-based AECOM Technology Corporation has received a $16.5-million task order contract by the U.S. Air Force for Contract Field Teams (CFT). The three-year order covers field and limited sustainment maintenance for the USAF’s Boeing AH-64 We didn’t invent tactical Apaches, CH-47 Chinooks, Sikorsky radios. We just keep UH-60 Black Hawks and HH-60 perfecting them. Pave Hawks. Ground support equipment is also included with the contract. The most important thing we build is trust.

■ COMMERCIAL | EMS The new Ask about upgrading RT-5000P is the only all-band your existing RT-5000. Metro Completes P-25 transceiver It’s easy. Sanford EC145 in one radio.

Metro Aviation of Shreveport, La. Visit us at Heli-Expo, Booth 3122 has handed over the first of three The Cobham RT-5000P Eurocopter EC145s for Sanford Covers all current and future P-25 public service Health’s facility in Sioux Falls, frequency bands with one radio. Cobham Aerospace S.D. The helicopter is expected to Communications enter service in January. Scheduled Front Panel Programmable (FPP) of all AM/FM/ 6400 Wilkinson Drive for delivery later this year, the P-25 channel information. No computer required! Prescott, AZ 86301 USA remaining helicopters will be based The new and powerful SCAN function monitors 1-928-708-1550 out of Fargo, N.D. any frequency, any mode. [email protected] Communication Without Limits. www.cobham.com

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 25 Rotorcraft Report

■ MILITARY | ATTACK Longbow Snares Apache Contract Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman’s joint venture, Longbow LLC, has won an U.S. Army contract worth $181 million for Boeing AH-64D Apache Block III Longbow systems. The contract also covers ’s purchase of 15 Block III Longbow fire control (FCR) systems. The agreement marks the first international sales of the FCR. Longbow will also provide 14 unmanned aerial system tactical com- mon data link assembly (UTA) sys- tems and 18 Radar Electronic Units (REU), plus spares, for the Army’s new AgustaWestland fleet of Block III Apaches. Doctor Heli files the first EMS-equipped AgustaWestland GrandNew in . Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Ocala and Orlando, Fla. and Northrop ■ PUBLIC SERVICE | EMS Grumman’s plant in Baltimore, Md. will perform the work under the new Doctor Heli Adds GrandNew to Fleet contract. AgustaWestland has completed delivery of a GrandNew to Kagoshima International Aviation of Japan for the Doctor Heli EMS system. The helicopter is the first EMS- ■ TRAINING | CERTIFICATION configured GrandNew operating in the country. Doctor Heli’s latest helicopter has entered service the Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan. CASA Grants 147 to Australian Aero

■ SERVICES | NIGHT VISION Australian Aerospace has received Part 147 certificate approval from Aero Dynamix Upgrades Toll Bell 412s the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Australian Aerospace Euless, Texas-based Aero Dynamix has incorporated night vision goggle (NVG) becomes the first civil helicopter cockpit upgrades into two Bell 412s in service with Toll Remote Logistics. Toll maintenance training operator in contracted Spokane, Wash.-based Eagle Helicopters for the modifications, who the Asia-Pacific region to receive in turn, subcontracted Aero Dynamix. The newly outfitted Bell 412s will be used such approval under a new series of for multi-mission operations. maintenance safety regulations in Australia. “The new regulations, which came ■ PUBLIC SERVICE | MISSION EQUIPMENT into force in June this year, will enhance safety because they introduce require- and Max-Viz Outfit Canadian ments for safety management systems Sikorsky S-76s with EVS and human factors training into the maintenance sector for the first time,” Portland, Ore.-based Max-Viz has teamed with Helijet of Vancouver, Canada to according to John McCormick, direc- equip three Sikorsky S-76s with the Max-Viz EVS1500 system. The helicopters tor of aviation safety for CASA. will perform EMS missions for the British Columbia government under a McCormick also added that while contract with Helijet. Pilots flying the S-76s with the enhanced vision system operators had up to two years to tran- have already reported back that they are able to see “fog and cloud formations and sition to the new safety regulations, concentrations of precipitation during the day enabling them to pick safer routes Australian Aerospace completed it in ahead,” according to Max-Viz. less than six months.

26 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

© 2012 Cobham. All rights reserved. ■ CORPORATE | VIP Capital Air Flies EC135 Eurocopter has delivered an EC135 “l’Helicoptere par Hermes” to , England-based Capital Air Services. The House of Hermes- detailed helicopter features more than 150 design changes to both the interior and exterior. The EC135 is the fifth for Capital Air Services and will be used for corporate charter flights. Capital Air’s fleet also includes EC155 B1s, and AS355s.

The most important thing we build is trust

DACS Digital Audio Control System. You’ll hear the difference.

Cobham’s DACS delivers complete audio Cobham Aerospace Eurocopter control among aircraft transceivers, Communications Capital Air’s fleet now boasts a House of receivers, and audio warning sources. Hermes-outfitted Eurocopter EC135 for 6400 Wilkinson Drive executive transport in the UK. DACS is configurable to suit mission- Prescott, AZ 86301 USA specific communication needs. Designed 1-928-708-1550 ■ | MILITARY SERVICES for tactical operations, the DACS [email protected] three-component system offers significant Sikorsky Wins UAE technological advancements and Conversion Contract end-user benefits. Benefits and features: The U.S. Army has awarded Sikorsky Enhanced sound performance Aircraft Corp. an $81.2-million Reduced weight firm-fixed-price contract to convert Reduced complexity Visit us at Heli-Expo, Booth 3122 UH-60M Black Hawks for the United Reduced installation cost Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces. Flexible, configurable with Sikorsky’s facility in Stratford, Conn. DACS software will handle the conversions, which are Integrated Audio Warning Generator expected for completion by December Digital audio processing and control 2012. The U.S. Army Contracting TSO-C139, ETSO-C50c Command, based out of Redstone Arsenal, Ala. is tasked with the contracting activity. www.cobham.com

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 27 Rotorcraft Report CWO2 Michael Morris

Sgt. Joshua Stevens, a parachute rigger, prepares to hook up a sling load to a Russian Mi-8 at Forward Operating Base Salerno in Afghanistan in early January. Task Force Spartan recently took over areas of responsibility in Paktya and Khowst provinces.

28 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

■ SERVICES | MAINTENANCE © 2012 Cobham. All rights reserved. Marine Discovers Maintenance Issue U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher Lemke has received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in Afghanistan thanks to his discovery of previously unknown maintenance issue on a Bell UH-1Y Huey. Lemke, a mechanic with Marine Light Squadron 369, was performing a routine phase Sikorsky S-61, S-76, and UH-60 Retrofits inspection of the helicopter’s trans- Los Angeles Police Department mission compartment when he dis- covered that the pylon beam and the main beam joint, which attaches the transmission to the Huey airframe, were decomposing. “When two metals rub together, it creates this black liquid, and that’s what I found,” Lemke said. “No one else had ever found such an issue, but when we looked at another aircraft we had in phase, it had the same problem.” The area Lemke was inspecting is known as the “hell hole” as it is dif- ficult to reach and was not required that day as there was no known issue with that portion of the helicopter. Following Lemke’s find, there was a fleet-wide inspection and an engi- The most important thing we build is trust neering advisory report. “Our job isn’t just replacing things. If we don’t do it right, that’s someone’s life,” Lemke said. Trusted by Carson Helicopters and the Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Christopher Lemke under the “hell hole” of a Bell UH-1Y Huey.

Find out why Carson Helicopters and the Los Angeles Police Cobham Commercial Systems Department have selected Cobham’s 3D Synthetic Vision Integrated Systems EFIS for their helicopter fleets: One S-TEC Way Superior precision/increased reliability Mineral Wells, TX 76067 for higher dispatch rates 817-215-7600 £ADAHRS handles special mission flight [email protected] requirements such as multiple tight orbits £Lower operating costs £Lighter weight for increased payload Visit us at Heli-Expo Booth 3122 £Reduced pilot workload and fatigue for safer operation £Field-updatable software allows new functionalities

Photo by Cpl. Brian Adam Jones without replacing hardware components www.cobham.com

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 29 for Helicopter Operators

Aero Dynamix Provides Garmin Avionics Products and Repairs Aero Dynamix, Inc. (ADI) is the industry leader and principle innovator of integrated Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) solutions for both commercial and military aircraft. ADI is a full-line distributor and certified repair station for Garmin avionics, and offers internal NVG instrument modifications for Garmin products that do not compromise on the Garmin fac- tory warranty. Featured here are the Garmin GTN 650 and GTN 750. The GTN family combines GPS, COM and NAV functions with powerful multifunction display capabilities like high-resolution terrain mapping, graphical flight planning, satellite weather, traffic display and much more. The touchscreen interface provides quick and intuitive access to all GTN functions including pan and zoom, waypoint entry and route modification, weather, terrain, and communications. Data entry is handled through the on-screen keyboard. The GTN 750 offers a 6.9-inch diagonal high-resolution display. It’s even designed with raised grips in the bezel and a shelf across the lower edge of the display that serve as anchor points in both smooth and turbulent flight conditions. The GTN 650 packs the same powerful touchscreen technology as the GTN 750, but has been optimized to make the most of it smaller 4.9-inch diagonal screen. Contact Aero Dynamix today at [email protected] for more information or to request a quote. Aero Dynamix has a wide array of optional equipment with the best prices and exceptional customer support for all your Night Vision requirements. Let Aero Dynamix be your one-stop-shop for Night Vision solutions. For more information, visit www.aerodynamix.com

Professional Aviation Associates Ofers Extended Life Starter Generator Program Professional Aviation Associates’ Helicopter Starter Program for starter generators offers a custom designed inspection process to track brush wear. These custom solu- tions may extend the life of your starter generators, increase reliability, and reduce unscheduled removals and operating expenses. Our alliance partner A.O.G starter/ generator overhaul facility is well maintained to provide consistent and quality ser- vice. Ultrasonic cleaners are used on all armatures and stators to eliminate carbon shorting. This ensures a more dependable operation and a longer life for the arma- ture and stator. Two high-speed generator stands are available to test the operation of the unit after it has been serviced. Our reputation was built upon providing a high level of quality along with competitive pricing. For more information in the U.S. and Canada, please call 1-800-283-2015 or visit us at www.proaviation.com

CORRIDOR Aviation Maintenance Software CORRIDOR is industry-proven software developed to streamline the aviation maintenance process. Created by aviation professionals more than 15 years ago, CORRIDOR continues to improve efficiency, reduce errors, increase control and visibility, reduce costs, and elevate customer service levels for rotor and fixed-wing service providers. CORRIDOR handles all functions in real time. CORRIDOR’s modular design allows each organization to tailor the application to their specific needs. Modules include those for Inventory Control, Procurement & Logistics, Maintenance & Shop Management, Part Sales & Retail Distribution, Customer & Vendor Management, Aircraft Maintenance Record Keeping, Accounting Integration, and more. CORRIDOR is backed by an experienced in-house staff to support each business throughout training and implementation and continued user support. Contact us today for more information or to request a demo, call 1-512-918-8900 or visit www.corridor.aero

30 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM

PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES AT THE CONTROLS:

Sikorsky recently invited Rotor & Wing to fly the S-92 over rural Virginia and the S-76D (shown here) from its West Palm Beach facility in Florida.

By Ernie Stephens, Editor-at-Large

Rotor & Wing Editor-at-Large Ernie Stephens at the controls of the Sikorsky S-76D as part of a Dec. 8 demo flight. The S-76D shares the same sleek, elegant lines as earlier variants, but comes equipped with a state-of the-art Thales cockpit, composite rotor blades, and a set of Pratt & Whitney Canada 210S engines. See story on page 33.

ince 2009, the economy has trick pony. It is a medium, twin-engine ravaged many sectors of rotor- helicopter with a stand-up cabin that Scraft industry. Corporations can be completed for a variety of have cut back on flying, and missions, including executive some public service operations have transport, cargo hauling, shuttered their hangars altogether. military applications, But the good news is that the offshore and air ambu- industry, with its gas and oil explora- lance service. tion endeavors, managed to dodge the In the back is bullet. That was good news for the folks a huge, cabin- at Stratford, Conn.-based Sikorsky Air- width door that craft, because only a few years before, opens into a cargo ramp, or, in the VIP the 60-foot long, 15-foot tall S-92 look it had introduced the S-92, a hefty-size role, accesses a cavernous baggage com- supremely out of place amidst the helicopter that was exactly what the partment apart from the passenger area. Cessna 172s parked nearby. offshore industry needed. At the forward end is a state-of-the-art Inside the FBO, I met Les Gerrard, Many oil and gas companies drill- flight deck that will do everything for the senior applications engineer on the ing in the Gulf of Mexico have pushed the pilot, but order lunch. S-92 program; Stacy Sheard, a program farther away from the shore, so they While a Sikorsky crew was passing test pilot, and Joel Vigue, another of need a helicopter with good reach, high through the Washington, D.C., area the test pilots. They briefed me on the seating capacities, and the muscle to showing off a brand new S-92 in a lineage of the program, the general tote lots of people and equipment. The special Legacy of Heroes commemora- capabilities of the aircraft, the avionics, S-92 surfaced as the rotorcraft of choice tive livery—a paint scheme depicting and the local weather conditions—all of for several operations around the world, soldiers, firefighters and police officers which were impressive. It was now time including Cougar Helicopters of St. in silhouette—I was invited to take it to go flying! John’s, Newfoundland; PHI in Lafayette, for a spin. Stafford Regional (RMN) is The gunmetal grey aircraft, s/n La.; and Brunei Shell Petroleum based a sleepy little airport in rural Virginia 920146, was the 146th ship of its kind in Seria, Brunei Darussalam. about 34 nautical miles southwest of to roll off the assembly floor at the However, the S-92 is not a one- the District of Columbia. That made Coatesville, Pa. plant, and was showing Sikorsky Aircraft

32 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Sikorsky S-92 & S-76D LS: S92 & S76D

just about 50 hours on the Hobbs meter. Others in the fleet have been in service around the world in offshore drilling support, SAR operations and VIP service since its FAA certification back in 2004. The model was also the first aircraft to be certified under the newer, more rigorous safety standards adopted by the European Avia- tion Safety Agency/Joint Aviation Authorities. When it comes to size, the S-92 is no Chinook, but it certainly is large. When I stepped inside, I found seating for about 15 passengers—22 is the maximum—in webbed, fold-down crew seating affixed with their backs to the wall. And because it was built as a SAR demonstrator as well, there were three fold-up patient litters along the starboard wall, leaving the rest of the cabin with the utilitarian look one would expect in a SAR configuration. Up front in the cockpit, pilot Joel Vigue was already strapped into the left seat, leaving me the other side to occupy. So, I stepped through the cockpit door, and belted myself in. The flight deck is about the size of the front office in a UH-60 Black Hawk, and was equipped with four color, multi-function displays (MFDs), with a blank center position for a fifth one. The massive center console and overhead panel were loaded with all of the usual radios, switches and knobs, which Vigue was already configuring for our flight. Between the pedals that could be moved closer and farther away, and the nicely cushioned seat that could be adjusted in four directions; this 250-lb. writer had no problem finding a comfortable position for piloting. The field of view from the cockpit of the S-92 is excellent. The center windshield post and windshield wipers, which park ver- tically, weren’t bothersome, and the wide windshields and side windows offered a good look at everything throughout a better-

S-76D: The S-92’s New Stablemate exceptionally popular in the executive transport arena. In 1979, Sikorsky sold the first models of the Sikorsky Eric Welch, who operates a C++ in the northeast corridor S-76 intermediate, twin-turbine helicopter. Billed as the of the U.S., equipped his company aircraft for executive first true executive transport helicopter, it could also be transport. “We have the latest in state-of-the-art equip- found flying in a wide variety roles where a spacious ment in the back,” said Welch. “We have flat-screen cabin was a must. There was even a military version, but digital TV, XM stereo and worldwide communications. it found limited popularity. We are very happy with it.” In a high-density seating configuration, the S-76 can Sikorsky, however, has not stopped improving on the carry 13 passengers, plus two pilots. For EMS missions, S-76. On Dec. 8, 2011, the company gave Rotor & Wing a it can easily transport two patients in a fully equipped look at the new S-76D. The D model has all-composite medical cabin. rotor blades that are spun by a pair of 1,050-shp P&WC Powerplant options were added in the ensuing 210S engines with FADEC, a quiet and a Thales years, giving customers a choice between the original cockpit. Engineers say the aircraft has increased range, Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6Bs, the 1S, and an even quieter cabin. In addition, many of the D’s the Arriel 1S1 and the P&WC PT6B-36A. The last model features will be backward-compatible to older S-76s. of the S-76 to be certified, the C++, receives power Certification of the S-76D is expected in 2012, and from a pair of 922-shp Arriel 2S2 engines, and became will be assembled in Coatesville, Pa. alongside the S-92.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 33 PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES

than-180-degree sweep. Two small win- 18,000 lbs. as loaded (about 8,500 lbs. “talk” to its pilot. Feedback through the dows overhead were nice, but the chin less than its max gross takeoff weight), cyclic was just enough to let me know windows weren’t good for much more got light on its gear, and came up nose that I had her full cooperation, but light than checking the polish on my boots. first, as is common with wheeled heli- enough to feel like I was in something (They just don’t show enough out the copters. It granted me a nice, stabilized several thousand pounds lighter. Even front of the aircraft.) The instrument hover about 15 feet off the ground the information on the Rockwell Collins panel was just right: not too high, not to before I pulled it into a normal takeoff. MFDs were easy to interpret; not that low, not too deep, and not too shallow. The S-92, like most rotorcraft its there was much to stare at. The ship was And the engineers were kind enough size, has a couple of trim triggers on holding airspeed, heading and altitude to keep the height of the panel lower on the collective and cyclic which, when without a fuss, and the gages showed the ends than in the middle, making it squeezed, allow the flight controls to that the engines were barely breaking a easy to see over while on approach. move with the ease of a much smaller sweat, let alone being overworked. Vigue already had the two Gen- helicopter. Let them go, and the controls Under most conditions, my first eral Electric CT7-8A engines—rated at immediately adopt that position, allow- approach in an aircraft under evaluation 2,520 shp each—online with the S-92’s ing the pilot to relax a bit. They aren’t would be a normal one to the numbers. four-bladed, fully articulated main rotor, locked there, mind you. They’re just But I actually felt so comfortable with and canted four-bladed tailrotor system. trimmed to that position. However, I N146UK, I asked Vigue to advise local traf- All that was left to do was to take a quick wanted to get to know this aircraft, so I fic that we would be extending our down- look at the numbers being displayed kept the triggers in through climb out, wind, in anticipation of a run-on landing. on the Rockwell Collins Pro Line IV crosswind, and a bit of the downwind. At a little less than a mile off the instrument suite, which we both did. I’ve flown a lot of helicopters for Rotor approach end of the runway, I brought With everything well in the green, I was & Wing, but this was one of the quickest the aircraft through a base leg, and awarded the controls. to get comfortable with. Because after turned final. The ride down was a non- Picking up the S-92 was unevent- just a few minutes on the controls, it event. The infamous “clothes line” we ful. The ship, which was approximately was clear to see that the S-92 wanted to were all taught to slide down felt like

Your Eurocopter. Our Windows. Perfect Fit.

Aircraft AOG? Need windows? Tech-Tool Plastics has long-life, perfect-fit, mission-specific replacement windows in stock, ready to ship for most Eurocopter models. With easy installation and less down time, your helicopter will be ready in no time. Mission accomplished!

Tech-Tool Plastics, Inc. EC120/130 windows available 7800 Skyline Park Drive with crack resistant edging. Fort Worth, TX 76108 USA 1-800-433-2210 1-817-246-4694 Fax: 1-817-246-7402 Come visit us at Booth 3506 [email protected] www.tech-tool.com Heli-Expo 2012

34 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Sikorsky S-92 & S-76D

it was actually running through the tures. Just about everything you’d expect er radar, optional rotor anti-ice system centerline of the aircraft as we coasted to find on the flight deck of a business and a host of other tools. down. Tweaking the descent and haul- jet was here, plus some. The engineers Of special interest was an in-flight ing it back to the recommended run-on packed this aircraft with a 500-param- diagnostic system. If you suspect that landing speed of 50 KIAS was more a eter health and usage management one of the four main rotor blades—or matter of thinking about it than com- system (HUMS), traffic collision avoid- one of the four tail rotor blades, for that manding it. ance system (TCAS), enhanced ground matter—isn’t playing well with the oth- For grins, I decided to do it at 46 proximity warning system (EGPWS), ers, it’s no problem. The ship can per- KIAS, and had no trouble holding exact- navigation management system, weath- form a track and balance examination of ly that all the way to the touchdown zone. A bit of aerodynamic braking just after touchdown, and toe brakes at 34 KIAS, brought the aircraft to a smooth stop without so much as a shutter. Next on the menu was a maximum performance takeoff, which I spoke to Vigue about first, since he was the one the company signed the aircraft out to. I think he was waiting for me to ask, so he could make the recommendation that he loves making during all S-92 demonstrations. “Try it with your feet off the pedals,” he said. I replied: “Excuse me?” After all, snatching-in a boatload of power is as much an exercise in pedal work as it is in collective control, right? Well, to ease pilot workload, Sikorsky equipped the S-92 with an anti-torque hold system that takes over as soon as the pilot removes his or her feet from the pedals. But barely touch a pedal, and the system’s micro-switch will know, and instantaneously understand that you’re back in command. (At least that’s how Vigue said it worked.) From a hover, I pulled the collective smartly, with my size 11 boots flat on the floor, and one eye on the compass. Up we went. The magnetic compass might as well have been glued in its housing, because it didn’t rotate by so much as a degree, not even after I reached 50 feet and was pushed the nose over to dial up some airspeed. (I believe I heard the aircraft laugh just a bit.) After a couple more takeoffs and landings, Vigue suggested we depart the pattern, so I could check out a few of the other features of the S-92. Coupling up the four-axis autopilot to put us on a departure course gave me time to take a better look at the other fea-

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 35 PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES

Performance Powerplant and fuel system Accommodations Maximum Gross Number of Cabin 26,500 lbs 12,020 kg 2 20 ft 6.1 m Weight Engines Length Maximum Cruise Engine Type GE CT7-8A 151 kts 280 kph Cabin Width 6.6 ft 2.0 m Speed Take-off Shaft Cabin Height 6.0 ft 1.8 m Maximum Range - horsepower 2,520 shp 1,897 kw 539 nm 999 km No Reserve (5 min) HIGE Ceiling 9,000 ft 2,743 m OEI Shaft Chad Phillips, a mechanic with Sikorsky’s horsepower 2,740 shp 2,043 kw final production team, as he performed a HOGE Ceiling 6,500 ft 1,981 m (30 sec) quick post-flight check of the aircraft. OEI Service Ceiling 5,000 ft 1,524 m As Phillips conducted his visual AEO Service 15,000 ft 4,572 m in mind, so it comes equipped with inspection of the main rotor Ceiling an autopilot that will fly a hands-off, blades, he explained that there were cur- all eight blades, and make the appropri- crew-defined search pattern over rently about 340,000 hours of flight time ate adjustments to permanently correct water. It has a hard time holding grid on the entire fleet of S-92s produced to the problem while cruising at altitude; and spiral searches over the kind of date, which was 147 aircraft as of Octo- a nice feature, since 70 percent of all terrain found in central Virginia, so it ber 2011. The line was sold out through S-92s delivered are used in offshore had a tough time when I tried it. But the rest of the year. support missions. having flown the same system over “This is the easiest aircraft to But that’s not all. If a VIP or litter Long Island Sound, I can testify that maintain,” said Phillips, who was patient is getting too rough of a ride, it works well in the environment for specially selected to travel with that same set of force generators can which it was intended: water. N146UK. Most hose fittings, inspec- be commanded to smooth out the ride After a nice airborne visit with the tion ports and linkages can be seen in that passenger’s particular zone. S-92, we steered back to Stafford Region- without mirrors, or having to assume Sikorsky built this aircraft with SAR al for a break. Once back, I followed contortionist’s positions. “Every-

36 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Sikorsky S-92 & S-76D Photo by Ernie Stephens

N146UK, designated Sikorsky’s Legacy of Heroes S-92 aircraft, was specially painted to salute the contributions of U.S. military, fire, rescue, and police personnel, whose silhouettes appear on each side. In October 2011, it began a six-month world tour that included scheduled stops throughout the Americas, Asia and India. thing is really easy to get to,” he said. “How much is an S-92?” you ask? showing. Interior-space versatility, After our break, I went up with Stacy With all the variations of equip- cockpit design, avionics, and ease Sheard, a former Army Black Hawk ment and contract deals available, of maintenance puts it high on pilot. Don’t tell Sikorsky, but this was Sikorsky was—as would most heli- my list of impressive helicopters. I more of a fun flight, since I had con- copter manufacturers—reluctant guess the best way to describe it is cluded the evaluation portion with to discuss sticker prices. But my to say that it flies along with you, Vigue. I just wanted a couple more educated guess puts the Legacy as if it’s an extension of your own turns around the airport to enjoy the ship that I flew in the neighborhood body and thoughts. And what bet- feel of hand-flying the S-92, and prac- of $20 million. At the end of the ter compliment can a pilot give an ticing with the systems. day, the Sikorsky S-92 gave a great aircraft?

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 37 COMMERCIAL | EVENT COVERAGE Heli-expo preview ••• THE BIGGEST ‘LITTLE HELICOPTER SHOW’ IN TEXAS

Major league �

baseball has the �

World Series. The �

NFL has the Super �

Bowl. NASCAR has � the Daytona 500. When it comes to the biggest event in helicopters, of Photo by Ernie Stephens, Editor-at-Large

course it’s Heli-Expo. Virginia’s Fairfax County Police Department is displaying its new Bell 429 at Heli-Expo in Dallas. For the full story and coverage from the event, visit www.aviationtoday.com/rw/heliexpo2012 By Dale Smith and look for Rotor & Wing’s Show Day publication on the convention center floor.

n case you haven’t attended in ers uncovered leading up to the show. increase efficiency by providing a tool the past few years (and why Take a minute to check out a few of these for routing, fuel planning and weight Inot?), Heli-Expo has grown to not-to-be-missed exhibitors. and balance calculations. be the world’s largest helicop- The CHC project “taps into our ter event. According to Helicopter For more highlights, news and cover- considerable software development Association International, this year’s age from the show, look for Rotor & expertise, leveraging our experience iteration will be one of the biggest ever, Wing’s Show Day publication at Heli- in mobile development and cloud taking up more than 1 million square Expo, and visit our dedicated web computing,” notes Barry Batcheller, feet of the Dallas Convention Center. page: www.aviationtoday.com/rw/ president and CEO of Appareo. “We’re The 2012 edition will feature 600-plus heliexpo2012 honored to be partners with CHC,” he exhibitors with more than 60 helicop- adds. ters on display. That’s on top of hun- While Appareo will only have a dreds of hours of meetings, technical Appareo Systems prototype of the EFB at Heli-Expo, briefings, educational courses and the (Booth 7834) the company will have its full array of ever-popular Job Fair. Appareo Systems, which is best known ALERTS systems on hand, including its With all that floor space and all for its ALERTS (Aircraft Logging and latest unit, ALERTS Vision 1000. Jointly those exhibitors to cover—not to men- Event Recording for Training and developed by Appareo and Eurocopter, tion navigating through an expected Safety) system, plans to introduce elec- Vision 1000 captures inertial and posi- attendance of above 18,000 people— tronic flight bag (EFB) software that tioning data, as well as cockpit imagery trying to take it all in three days can be is being developed for CHC Helicopter. and audio. just a bit overwhelming. According to John Pederson, man- In an effort to help save time and ager, marketing communications Cobham (Booth 3122) energy before hitting the convention for Appareo Systems, the new CHC Cobham and Carson Helicopters floor, we’ve collected a handful of the EFB will run on the Apple iPad. The recently announced a program to announcements that helicopter suppli- software will help CHC flight crews retrofit Sikorsky S-61, S-76 and UH-60

••

•

38 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM

HNKIJVUCHGV["JGNKEQRVGT"CFXCPVCIG"CF"/"TQVQT"("YKPI"/"Dnggf<":/31:Ñy"z"33Ñj""Vtko<"9/91:Ñ"z"32/516Ñ"j""""RFH1Z/3c"XKC"GOCKN Label Feature

First to Deploy Level 7 Helicopter FTDs

Programs Tailored to Your Individual Needs Enhancing Safety by Delivering Superior Helicopter Training in the Areas That Matter Most

• • • Quality Value Service Technology Inadvertent IMC Training

Mission-Specific Training

� Emergency Medical

� Corporate/Executive Transport

� Law Enforcement

� Newsgathering

� Offshore

New Helicopter- Dedicated Lafayette Learning Center

Exceptional Overall Value

eLearning Convenience

When you choose to train with FlightSafety International, Mission-specific training uses realistic scenarios to Training to Proficiency you receive much more than just basic instruction. prepare pilots and crew for the conditions and situations You leverage the unmatched resources of the world’s they encounter in the field. Whether your mission is First to Develop Level D leading aviation training company. More courses, more corporate/executive transportation, emergency medical Helicopter Simulators instructors, more top-level fully qualified simulators, transport, offshore support, law enforcement or more training locations. We’re the authorized trainer newsgathering, our industry-leading training focuses on for the majority of aircraft manufacturers, including your particular challenges, helping ensure that you’re 1,400 Highly Qualified Instructors Bell Helicopter and Sikorsky Aircraft. prepared when the routine turns into the unforeseen.

Simulation-based training from FlightSafety is the single most We offer training for Bell helicopters at Fort Worth, Texas, Dedicated to Enhancing effective way to enhance safety in helicopter flight operations. and Lafayette, Louisiana, and for Sikorsky helicopters at Safety Since 1951 We were the first to bring Level D performance to full flight West Palm Beach, Florida; London Farnborough, England; helicopter simulation and the first to introduce the quiet and Lafayette. Our Lafayette Learning Center dedicates Integrated Customer precision of simulator electric motion and control loading. its efforts wholly to helicopter safety training, offering Training System We continue our decades-long helicopter safety leadership Customer-specific training supporting multiple aircraft with the world’s first Level 7 helicopter flight training devices manufacturer product lines. The center’s training programs for effective and economical training, and the world’s only serve all sectors of the industry, including the large and Worldwide Network of 40 Learning Centers Level D Eurocopter EC135 simulator. And we are the only diverse fleet operating in the Gulf of Mexico. source for simulation-based night vision goggle training, which delivers comprehensive instruction night or day, Our Eurocopter training includes cost-effective AStar Online Training allowing wide-ranging scenarios not possible in the aircraft training on a Level 7 FTD in Tucson, Arizona, and Level D Program Management while leaving your helicopter free for its intended mission. full flight simulator EC135 training at DFW Airport, Texas.

Flexible and Convenient Scheduling

For information, contact Scott Fera, Vice President

Marketing • 718.565.4774 • sales@flightsafety.com

flightsafety.com • A Berkshire Hathaway company Outstanding Customer Service

HNKIJVUCHGV["JGNKEQRVGT"CFXCPVCIG"CF"/"TQVQT"("YKPI"/"Dnggf<":/31:Ñy"z"33Ñj""Vtko<"9/91:Ñ"z"32/516Ñ"j""""RFH1Z/3c"XKC"GOCKN COMMERCIAL | EVENT COVERAGE

operators. To keep up with demand the company has recently invested in upgrading maintenance capabilities for COST-EFFECTIVE ROTARY WING SIMULATION both groups, as well as other operators who use helicopters similar to those in the Columbia fleet. “While we have grown conserva- tively,” Fahey says, “we do not expect our business model to change.” Era Training Center (Booth 4023) Cobham To help meet the rapidly growing demand for the AgustaWestland Sikorsky S-61 panel from Carson Helicopters and Cobham. AW139, Era Training Center in Lake helicopters with Carson’s performance new contracts with our global petro- Charles, La. has received FAA certifica- modifications and Cobham’s suite of leum and logging customers.” tion for its Level 6, full-motion flight integrated avionics. The new deck will The company is certainly enjoying simulation training device (FSTD). include Cobham’s large-format EFIS growth across the board. According According to Marc Schechter, displays with 3D synthetic vision/ to its year-end release, hiring is up general manager, the simulator is the highway-in-the-sky (HITS), integrated 12 percent over 2010, with nearly second in North America to receive flight hazard alerting (terrain, traffic 200 jobs added since late 2009. That FAA certification. “With the resound- and weather), VHF com/nav, audio/ brings its global workforce to nearly ing popularity of this type of aircraft, radio management and more. 700 with over 200 more employed by the demand for AW139 training has According to Frank Carson, owner international subsidiaries or affiliate been surging.” of Carson Helicopters, adding Cob- support organizations. The FSTD includes the latest flight ham’s avionics “dramatically reduces Columbia’s aircraft fleet is pretty software for the AW139’s FMS and pilot workload, increases safety and healthy, too. It currently operates seven replicates the aircraft in every detail. provides for future growth.” Model 234 Chinooks and 14 Model It features a high-fidelity simulation of Your training programs maintain pilot and operator readiness; our integrated off-the-shelf Cobham also comes to Heli-Expo 107-IIs. According to Fahey, much of the helicopter’s flight characteristics 2012 with some additional supplemen- the recent growth has been fueled by and, with the aid of a high-performance software allows you to build applications that address your unique needs. Working with Presagis tal type certificate (STC) approvals the company’s entry into the military electric control loading system, deliv- enables you to develop high fidelity cost-effective rotary-wing training and simulation systems on for its HeliSAS autopilot and stabil- operation market. Columbia deployed ers a “realistic” flying experience. The time and on budget. With proven software solutions and expert technical services, Presagis can ity augmentation system, including for five heavy-lift helicopters and support FSTD features a high-resolution visual help take your training programs to new heights. the Bell 206/407 and the Eurocopter personnel to Afghanistan on Dec. 1, imagery system presented on a spheri- AS350 and EC130. The company has 2011 as part of a multi-million dollar cal screen using TruVision Global also received Brazilian validation contract to supply non-tactical support database, which includes over 10,000 for aftermarket installation of its 3D for the U.S. Transportation Command. runways, coastlines and other geo- synthetic vision system aboard the “The Afghanistan mission is a pre- graphic features. Eurocopter AS350/355 series. fect fit for the skill levels and expertise Along with the AW139 program, we have built over our 55-year his- Era Training Center has two other FAA- Columbia Helicopters tory and our understanding that we approved Level 6 FSTDs—one Euro- SEE FOR YOURSELF AT HELI-EXPO BOOTH 8840 OR VISIT WWW.PRESAGIS.COM/HELI (Booth 7334) are making a difference,” Fahey says. copter EC135P2+ and one AS350B2. Columbia Helicopters is looking toward “The military has repeatedly expressed Both simulators are designed by Frasca Heli-Expo to kick-off a big 2012. “Our great appreciation of our operational International to provide training for pursuit of commercial and military tempo, high level of availability and the both single- and dual-pilot IFR configu-

helicopter maintenance and operation- flexibility of our crews to perform our rations. The company also offers a vari- © Presagis Canada Inc. and/or Presagis USA Inc. 2012. All rights reserved. All other al contracts in new areas has resulted in missions in a timely, and very profes- ety of training programs for helicopter trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. our ability to hire more people,” reports sional manner.” pilots and crewmembers, including in Michael Fahey, president of the Aurora, In addition to the growth in its the corporate, oil and gas, EMS, ENG, Ore.-based company. “At the same military sector, Columbia continues its law enforcement, government and time, we are continually developing support work for its global commercial military sectors.

40 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Label Label

TAKE YOUR TRAINING TO NEW HEIGHTS

COST-EFFECTIVE ROTARY WING SIMULATION

PRE-LIVE THE FUTURE

Your training programs maintain pilot and operator readiness; our integrated off-the-shelf software allows you to build applications that address your unique needs. Working with Presagis enables you to develop high fidelity cost-effective rotary-wing training and simulation systems on time and on budget. With proven software solutions and expert technical services, Presagis can help take your training programs to new heights.

SEE FOR YOURSELF AT HELI-EXPO BOOTH 8840 OR VISIT WWW.PRESAGIS.COM/HELI

© Presagis Canada Inc. and/or Presagis USA Inc. 2012. All rights reserved. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 41 COMMERCIAL | EVENT COVERAGE

Garmin (Booths 31 Operations facility to see how the and 9432) NVGs are made. For many Heli-Expo attendees, their “NVGs are playing an ever-increas- first stop this year will be the Garmin ing role in night helicopter operations,” booth for the opportunity to reach says Bryan Cox, assistant professor, out and touch the new GTN 650 and ERAU. “It provides not only hands-on GTN 750 series avionics—successors training, the field trip to L-3 also gives to Garmin’s GNS 430/530 GPS/nav/ students an appreciation for emerging com. The highlight of the GTN design technology that will undoubtedly be is a large touchscreen for data entry and useful in the helicopter industry.” Photo by Ernie Stephens radio tuning. The units recently received View of the show floor at Heli-Expo 2011. EASA validation. Rockwell Collins The GTN series has received a good (Booth 6119) and available on the Vector S-61 upgrades. market response, “with thousands of Vector Aerospace In addition to the S-61 panel and its units already installed,” says Carl Wolf, new ADS-B Out transponder, Rockwell Garmin’s vice president of aviation sales Helicopter Services Collins is also displaying its Venue cabin and marketing. He adds that because (Booth 7139) management system for executive and of the EASA validation, European For a company that’s not normally VIP helicopters. operators can now employ “the latest viewed a leader in commercial helicop- technology, simplified interface and ter avionics systems, Rockwell Collins is Marenco enhanced safety features” of the GTN headed to Heli-Expo aiming to further Swisshelicopter series. Garmin also recently announced position itself in the rotorcraft market. that its new GMA 35 remote mount The avionics maker’s booth will feature (Booth 4417) audio processor has the ability to inter- a mock-up of the Sikorsky S-61 Pro Marenco Swisshelicopter is planning to face with the GTN 750. This optional Line 21 avionics upgrade program that bring a full-size pre-prototype carbon- installation configuration will enable Vector Aerospace announced at last fiber mock-up of the SKYe SH09 light the GTN 750 to act as a touchscreen year’s event. John Peterson, director of helicopter to Heli-Expo. Unveiled control head for the aircraft’s audio and avionics and flight controls marketing during last year’s convention, the SKYe intercom functions. A Garmin spokes- for Rockwell Collins, notes that Vector SH09 is a light, single-engine turbine ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀ person said that the company is cur- Aerospace received an STC in June designed to provide multiple missions rently working on a blanket STC from 2011 for the Pro Line 21 installation, in adverse weather environments. the FAA and EASA covering helicopter adding that Vector has “already deliv- The SKYe SH09 is being developed installations for the GTN series. ered two aircraft into service.” specifically to meet the needs of opera- Rockwell Collins is “bringing next- tors who require hot and high altitude L-3 Communications gen capabilities to legacy aircraft,” with performance, greater payload capacity, (Booth 8056) the Pro Line 21, Peterson says, adding an augmented sling load capability and L-3 Communications recently donated that it “provides a host of features that faster cruise speed, according to the a set of night vision goggles (NVGs) to you typically see on the latest OEM company. Preliminary specifications Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Universi- aircraft like graphical weather, charts, indicate a cruise speed of 145 knots ty’s Prescott, Ariz. campus. The NVGs runway charts, maps, video inputs, solid (270 km/h), making it one of the fastest will be used in the university’s bachelor state MEMS, ADS-B Out as well as single-engine light helicopters in the of aeronautical science, helicopter spe- solid-state AHARS.” From an avionics category. Marenco Swisshelicopter says cialty degree program. perspective, he continues, “we’ve moved that the first flying prototype is in the The NVG system will train stu- that aircraft well into the future with assembly stage and the program is on dents in a variety of environmental respect to operations, efficiency and track to begin deliveries in 2015. conditions. The ground instruction reliability. All of this is certified for Part The SKYe SH09 will have a maxi- on NVG operations course will be 29 IMC operations. Rockwell Collins mum takeoff weight of 6,170 lbs. (2,800 administered in accordance with the is seeing an increase in demand for the kg) and feature a new modular cabin requirements outlined in FAR Part upgrade with S-61 operators around design with a large flat floor and a 61.31(k). As part of the program, the world. Peterson said the company is “unique high ceiling” concept, offering students will also get to the tour L-3 also in the process of certifying Pro Line multiple seating configurations for up Warrior Systems’ Electron Tube 21’s synthetic vision suite, which will be to seven passengers.

42 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM SETTING THE STANDARD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

MAINTENANCE REPAIR OVERHAUL

฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀

Visit our Sales Team at As a world wide leader in helicopter maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) - Vector Aerospace Heli-Expo 2012 provides comprehensive support for Sikorsky, Bell, Eurocopter, AgustaWestland & Boeing helicopters. February 11 - 14, Dallas, Texas

TOLL FREE: 1.888.729.2276 WWW.VECTORAEROSPACE.COM SERVICES | NIGHT VISION

espite the challenges of the ment, offshore, military—it’s across the NVGs,” including those units who global marketplace, cutbacks board, they’re all turning to NVG.” had previously held back because of Dby public-use helicopter The percentage of NVG users “has budget concerns. operators and new guidance continued to grow, even in the eco- Shawn Woodworth, director of in the form of FAA Order N8900.152 nomic situation that we have,” he adds. maintenance for ASU out of Boise, that took effect in April 2011, compa- “Once the economy returns in earnest, Idaho, says his colleagues have been nies that provide night vision goggle we expect to see the demand for NVG expecting this business to start drop- (NVG) cockpit modifications are to go even higher than it is today.” ping off soon. “But for the past three doing well, posting higher year-end The worldwide economy “has had years, every year we’ve been [modify- returns and expanding at a time when only a slight impact on REBTECH ing] more and more aircraft—2011 many businesses are pulling back on over the past few years,” notes Richard was a booming year for us despite all the reins. Borkowski, president of the Bedford, the challenges we’ve had, and 2012 is Rotor & Wing spoke with three of Texas-based company. “The market is starting out to be a boom year too.” the major commercial NVG cockpit pretty strong right now. We do foresee Hannah Gordon, director of sales modifiers—Aero Dynamix Inc. (ADI), that it’s probably already hitting its and marketing for ASU, explains that Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) peak—maybe. Our sales have contin- EMS is the company’s biggest sector. and REBTECH—to gauge the state of ued to rise at a pretty healthy rate over “It used to be police, but under the the specialized market and find out the the past four and a half years.” ‘new economy,’ public uses have taken impacts of N8900.152, Special Empha- While the numbers are steadily the biggest hit on extra spending.” sis Inspection of Night Vision Imaging going up overall, Borkowski observes She adds that ASU sees the global System Lighting Installations, on both that some taxpayer-funded operations marketplace as a major growth area— operators and modifiers. are “being forced to go with the lowest although that brings its own chal- “Across the board, NVG demand modification bid over a source which is lenges, due to U.S. government export lately is high,” says Dennis Trout, gen- sometimes preferred by the pilots and regulations and varying rules among eral manager of Euless, Texas-based maintenance personnel. Many in the different countries. Aero Dynamix. “Back in the old days, law enforcement field have seen their The increased awareness of the and I’m just throwing figures out there, operational budgets cut drastically to importance of NVGs as a safety tool probably 10 percent of rotary wing the point of not being able to acquire has helped isolate some of the losses aircraft required NVGs. Now, even NVG equipment at the moment, or in experienced in the public use arena. though the market for aircraft is down piece parts over a period of time.” “NVG is an operational require- overall, roughly 30 percent of new But in the next few years, he sees ment in many cases these days. Before it aircraft require NVG. All market sec- “more and more air applications need- was a luxury, but today a lot of operators Aero Dynamix Aero tors are up—EMS, police, law enforce- ing and benefiting from the use of won’t do without it,” Trout observes.

44 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM NVG Modifi cations

MOD MARKET FLOURISHES

As the attitudes and perceptions of night vision goggles (NVGs) has evolved from “luxury” or “toy” to an essential safety device, the night vision cockpit modification business remains healthy despite challenges in the global economy and new guidance from FAA governing this niche market.

By Andrew Parker, Editor-in-Chief

Gilbert Martinez, chief inspector and R&D supervisor for Aero Dynamix, looks at a panel at the company’s facility in Euless, which recently underwent an expansion.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 45 SERVICES | NIGHT VISION

“We’ve seen a trend to go toward subjective—while one inspector might have overlooked the impact the change NVG,” says Borkowski, “whether you’re a decide that daylight readability in a may have had on the NVG certification.” law enforcement, EMS, offshore opera- particular aircraft is adequate, another Aero Dynamix has experienced “a tor, etc. We do a lot with operators might have a different opinion. huge increase in demand [to answer] like the Ontario Ministry of Natural Describing it as an ongoing “learning questions. That’s driven a very large, Resources, for example—those that fly experience for both the industry and new requirement for STC updates and power lines at night, those that check the FAA,” the process of developing and re-certifications. That is, aircraft that on control towers or cell phone towers. enforcing the regulations has created were field approved before 2003/2004, They are flying all the time and they’re additional time and costs for NVG mod- or even as far back as the late 90s, that realizing that they’re a lot safer if they are ifiers, according to Harris. The company are now coming back and requiring a trained properly, have an STC-approved worked with FAA in 2007/2008 in a pro- full FAA STC,” Hufford continues. cockpit, and using a good quality set of cess that involved “paperwork cleanup The increased demand has been a goggles. They’re seeing that there’s not as and a lot of special emphasis inspec- factor in helping drive a recent expan- many nighttime crashes” for operators tions,” Gordon explains. sion of the Aero Dynamix headquarters with NVGs. The initial aircraft reviews were in Euless to 23,000 square feet, with a Unfortunately, says Jeff Stubbs, senior “a huge expense for us, but a definite workforce now approaching 100 people. vice president of operations and systems learning experience for everyone—us, Stubbs says that the FAA Special technology for REBTECH, public ser- the FAA and the operators,” Harris says, Emphasis Inspection “was not only vice aircraft units, with a few exceptions, adding that when the special emphasis needed but long overdue. N8900.152 have historically “been treated as an inspection guidelines came out in 2011, has provided the FSDOs with initial unwanted evil, and NVGs as toys. Once “the lessons learned from our experi- NVG training and a regulatory format we can convince a decision maker that ence helped the entire industry.” in which to insure the NVG STC is this could save lives and avert a possible According to Stubbs, “when we were maintained and documentation is cur- ‘incident,’ then we can move forward.” first made aware of N8900.152 a couple rent. Many of our operators have taken “There are obviously times when months before it came out, I was prob- N8900.152 and are implementing it we know that an operator’s going to ably the ‘chicken little’ of REBTECH, into their quality system as well.” get a couple of aircraft completed and running around concerned about what From an operator’s perspective, “it’s due to their budget situation, will drop was going to come out of it.” an entire shift in how they perceive NVG—but it’s a pretty rare occasion But in reality, he continues, “out of modifying their aircraft,” says Gordon. comparative to what it was four or five our 300 aircraft, we really did have less “So in that regard, there’s a lot of dis- years ago,” notes Tonka Hufford, opera- than three percent of our fleet affected crepancies a lot of modifiers are dealing tions manager for Aero Dynamix. “Back by 152, and that three percent was solely with. A good 30-40 percent of those then NVGs might be the first thing off operators who had modifications a few problems have to do with an operator the list, today it’s one of the biggest things years ago and they lost documentation. upgrading their GPS but not realizing that people fight to keep on the list.” It really did not impact us much at all. that they have to get an ECO [engineer- One of the recent issues impacting For other companies, it nearly ruined ing change order] to do that. They can’t operators in the NVG modification them.” do it with a [Form] 337 anymore.” industry is FAA’s N8900.152, which For operators, “one of the biggest Economics is based on filling a took effect in April 2011. challenges is the budget,” Trout says of demand, and the demand for NVG Stubbs says that the biggest chal- N8900.152. “These new demands have modifications remains high and it lenge for NVG operators and modifiers a big impact on their budget—some should continue to be a productive in dealing with the FAA “is that unlike instruments either have to be updated, segment for many years to come. While any other STC, civil NVG approval can or the user wants to make changes to the sector involves a very complicated be subjective.” improve safety or effectiveness. From product—with issues like daylight read- Regardless of experience, education our side, the regulations have given the ability still a case-by-case challenge—it or training, he continues, “ultimately an operators and maintenance provid- clearly isn’t on the decline. individual is making a decision that is ers more awareness of what the FAA “Filtering infrared light today is not based on perception or opinion.” guidelines have evolved to.” the hardest part of modifying equip- Kim Harris, director of operations That increased awareness, Hufford ment, it’s the balance and the daylight for ASU, agrees. Much of the NVG pro- explains, “has driven the operators to readability,” Trout explains. gram within the FAA is kind of a round realize that, while they may have added “It’s easy to make a cockpit NVIS peg in a square hole, he says. a couple small units over the years and compatible, but can you read it during Both Woodworth and Harris elabo- thought everything was just fine, often the day? That really is the challenge,” rate that NVG evaluations can be very times the maintenance providers may adds Woodworth.

46 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM All engine filters are not created equal

Can you afford to wait?

Protecting your most valuable assets, especially your engine, makes even

more financial sense in today’s economy. The best way to safeguard your engine from

FOD, dirt, erosion, and other costly damage is with Inlet Barrier Filtration from Donaldson.

If you can’t afford unscheduled maintenance or an engine replacement,

you can’t afford to wait. Now more than ever. Demand Donaldson.

Donaldson provides the most comprehensive

product line of barrier filter solutions for

commercial and military helicopters.

www.DonaldsonAerospace-Defense.com

Visit us at Heli-Expo Booth #8451 Now Certified for the AS350B3e TRAINING | SPECIALTY

Bristow Group’s Eurocopter EC225s fly over water on a regular basis, making ditching a necessary part of pilot and crew training.

Helicopter Industry Struggles to Improve Ditching Survivability

By Thierry Dubois

ost ditching events and make this safety picture somewhat rosier. impacts happened between 1971 and water impacts would be Let’s first define what they are dealing 1992. They caused 338 fatalities, includ- Msurvived if on the ground. with. A ditching event is an emergency ing 192 caused by drowning. An under- Civil aviation authorities, landing on water. It is performed so water escape (from a flooded helicopter helicopter makers and equipment man- that it enables a “safe and orderly egress” cabin) too often mismatches breath-hold ufacturers are struggling to improve the of the occupants. A water impact is time. survivability of these accidents, as the uncontrolled or partially controlled. An Shell Aircraft senior aviation advi- number of fatalities due to drowning of example is a Sikorsky S-76C+ accident sor Alan Ward insisted his company conscious occupants is still unacceptable. in 2005 near Tallin, . All 14 pas- has “a strong belief in using more mod- Improving floatability is a major focus. sengers and crewmembers drowned ern aircraft.” Oil companies wanting Just as important, avoiding helicopter (they inhaled water), although there to buy safer aircraft is one more incen- capsizing would save many lives. was enough survivable volume after tive for the manufacturers to carry on Emergency breathers can help, but the impact. Statistics show that what is with their efforts in this direction. First, can be challenging to use. Underwa- probably the most strictly run helicopter they may want to have manufacturers ter evacuation training helps, too, but activity, offshore transportation, lags better understand ditching dynamics. only happens once every four years. At behind in terms of safety. Commercial Russia-based Kazan Helicopter is thus December’s European Aviation Safety airlines have 0.9 fatal accidents per mil- endeavoring to properly model these Agency (EASA) helicopter ditching lion flight hours. Offshore helicopter forces. “This will help determine proper workshop in Cologne, , about transportation has 5.7 (2010 numbers). piloting,” said Dmitry Nedelko, chief of 65 attendees—a lot of them representing Why focus on ditching and water Kazan’s calculation bureau. North Sea oil-and-gas offshore oper- impacts? According to a review of world Operators may want to have their ators—heard how difficult it will be to civil water impacts, 98 survivable water helicopters floating longer. As John

48 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Ditch Training

Franklin, an EASA safety analysis coor- if it hadn’t been for the automatic activa- The flight manual now refers to sea dinator, noted, in 26 of 184 accidents tion system,” Howson told Rotor & Wing. state 6. (since 1970) that involved ditches, the AgustaWestland claims to have dem- The Anglo-Italian manufacturer helicopter sank much too early. This was onstrated its AW139 medium twin is recalculated float and structural loads. immediately or during the evacuation. seaworthy up to sea state 6 (very rough It then performed tests in a water tank Sometimes floats did not inflate. sea). Initially, it was just complying with on a 1/12th model, said Daniele Robust- Sometimes they inflated, then deflated. the regulation—sea state 4 (moderate). elli, marine and general airframe systems So what about emergency floatation sys- tem (EFS) crashworthiness? “Statistics indicate improving floatation is the most important factor for better survivabil- ity,” noted Dave Howson, UK civil avia- Introducing the tion authority (CAA) flight operations research manager. Indeed, the major drowning cause is the inability to escape an inverted helicopter. Surprisingly, computation has shown that a 100-percent increase of EFS design strength translates into a modest crash- worthiness improvement. A designer should think of a greater number of floats rather than stronger floats. In simulations, the helicopter stayed afloat in all impacts, providing it had two high- mounted floats—in addition to the usual four floats at the bottom of the airframe. The two upper floats bring redundancy and a side-floatation capability. Other ways to save lives by improving floatation include, for example, auto- matic activation. This can be done with immersion switches. However, to auto- matically activate the EFS, it has to be armed at all times. This has a cost. “You either have to demonstrate inadvertent deployment does not jeopardize the flight or certify a system, using speed or altitude switches for example, to prevent such inadvertent deployment,” Howson explained. As a result, the estimated cost per life saved would be about $380,000. This is consid- ered highly cost effective. “Oil & Gas UK uses a figure around $7 million per life saved,” Howson reminded. Lowest acquisition and operating costs of any turbine helicopter All of the North Sea helicopters already have automatic floats. They Hover ceiling OGE at maximum gross weight over 10,000 ft proved their value in a Super Puma 300 lb capacity dedicated baggage compartment (G-REDU) accident there in Febru- ary 2009. “Most of us believe that the helicopter would have capsized and drowned at least some of the occupants www.robinsonheli.com ̋ 310-539-0508

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 49 TRAINING | SPECIALTY

with water when the float immerses. The added weight of the water acts to increase the aircraft’s righting moment when above the water. The drag of the pocket also dampens rolling when below the surface. As a result, the helicopter can withstand one more sea state—sea state 5 instead of sea state 4, for example. This model shows an example of the “side floating” concept. It remains that capsizing is a non- linear process. “Therefore, it is difficult specialist. On a video, the AW139 model require a huge water tank. This would to relate it to measurable helicopter appears not to capsize, despite the simu- be to accommodate the drift caused by parameters such as dimensions,” How- lated waves and wind. the simulated wind over the irregular son noted. Fundamentally, the reason Robustelli was challenged, though. wave scheme period. EASA rotorcraft why helicopters roll over is that a lot of The audience expressed surprise at see- certification manager Massimo Maz- weight is located on the top—engines ing smooth water surface on the video. zoletti wondered, “should we mandate and main rotor. “Don’t stay in the aircraft It turned out that the rules that govern sea state 6?” if it seems to keep upright, as it may cap- such demonstrations are quite relaxed. As for post-ditch stability, adding float size,” warned UK CAA’s Tony Eagles, a “I agree irregular waves may be a more scoops would be a significant improve- former pilot. severe environment, which we have not ment. The EFS would then just cost 10 Other ideas have been pitched to tested,” Robustelli added. percent more or so. A float scoop is a avoid capsizing and sinking. Mazzoletti A Eurocopter representative pointed small, flexible bucket, attached to the pleaded for the “jettison fuel” item to be out that irregular wave testing would exterior of the float. It naturally fills up removed from the ditching checklist. “It

W’¦¢"z£¢¤\{¦§\¢̃"x"ü\̃’“"¤\¡«~x“£§C"~££|"“£" “’¦"z£¡⁄x¢fl"“§«¤“¦{"yfl"’¦~\z£⁄“¦§"“§x\¢\¢̃" £§̃x¢\‒x“\£¢¤"›£§~{›\{¦E"k’¦"û§¤“"z£¡⁄x¢fl"“£" ¡x¢«}xz“«§¦"c¦‹¦~"N"_¦~\z£⁄“¦§"]k[¤E"X"z£¡⁄x¢fl" “’x“"’x¤"ƒ«x~\û¦{"x¢{"{¦~\‹¦§¦{"]«~~"]~\̃’“" j\¡«~x“£§¤"x¢{"]~\̃’“"k§x\¢\¢̃"[¦‹\z¦¤"}£§"x¢" \¡⁄§¦¤¤\‹¦"§x¢̃¦"£}"’¦~\z£⁄“¦§¤E"X"z£¡⁄x¢fl"fl£«" `¢¢£‹x“\‹¦"k¦z’¢£~£̃fl"x¢{"k§x\¢\¢̃"j£~«“\£¢¤" |¢£›"›\“’"x"⁄§£{«z“"fl£«"zx¢"“§«¤“"“£"¡¦¦“"fl£«§" }§£¡"“’¦"¥fi⁄¦§“"\¢"_¦~\z£⁄“¦§"j\¡«~x“\£¢ “§x\¢\¢̃"§¦ƒ«\§¦¡¦¢“¤E"k§«¤“"]§x¤zx"“£"¡¦¦“"fl£«§" ¤\¡«~x“\£¢"¢¦¦{¤"x¢{"¦fiz¦¦{"fl£«§"¦fi⁄¦z“x“\£¢¤E

k£"~¦x§¢"¡£§¦"xy£«“"£«§"⁄§£{«z“"~\¢¦C" ‹\¤\“"›››E}§x¤zxEz£¡

PGM"X\§⁄£§“"i£x{""""""""""""""""""""""""""g’Q"IHNDJKKDPIGG l§yx¢xC"`c"MHOGIDNJNL"""""""""""""""]xfiQ"IHNQ"JKKDPIGN ljX \¢}£W}§x¤zxEz£¡

See us at Heli-Expo, booth 4021

50 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM 6th to 8th November 2012, Grand Stand, Meydan Hotel, Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE TRAINING | SPECIALTY

does not improve floatability and makes surface effect.” The side-floating concept float, is preferred, he said. It provides a the cg higher,” he said. brought a lot of attention and debate. single rather than two-side floating posi- Separately, the suggestion to let some Howson supports it. Human subject tion. This avoids the helicopter switching water in (the “wet floor” concept) to trials showed it is much easier to escape from one position to the other. Moreover, stabilize the aircraft has been ruled from a helicopter that is floating on its it is cheaper, lighter and generates less out. It brings a risk of capsizing when side, rather than inverted. An asymmet- aerodynamic drag (even when stored, the water rolls—this is called the “free ric configuration, with only one upper emergency floats make the helicopter’s exterior less smooth). Eurocopter had quite a different view. Louis Delorme, in charge of EFS design, does not quite like seeing a float near the ฀ main rotor, in case of inadvertent deploy- ment. Moreover, the proximity of gas Conference & Exhibition ฀ 21-22 March 2012 exhaust requires new fabrics or thermal M.O.C. Event Centre protection. Then, the weight of the extra Munich, Germany floats can be close to 200 lbs. www.avionics-event.com On the asymmetric configuration, ฀ Delorme said it does not provide as much air volume in the cabin as a sym- metrical one. “Today, we are not sure of the risk-benefit ratio of side floating,” he summarized. Eurocopter is therefore focusing on upright stability. DRIVING SES & NEXT-GEN What about a sea anchor? Howson INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE said it is good because it helps keep the COMMON SKY: OPERATING IN ONE AIR SPACE. helicopter facing waves—hence much Be up-to-date on: more stability. Therefore, the helicopter t'VUVSF"WJPOJDT t4&4"3 has a better chance to avoid rolling over. t&'#T t$FSUJýDBUJPn “But the time it takes to deploy a sea &BSMZ#JSE4BWJOHT anchor is an issue,” he added. It doesn’t Register online before 21 February and benet from Early Bird discount at work until the connecting line is tight XXXBWJPOJDTFWFOUDPN and the helicopter could capsize before The Avionics Europe 2012 conference and exhibition will highlight and explore the that is achieved. technological, policy, and design issues faced by designers and operators of commercial and civil aircraft, military aircraft, helicopters and UAVs as global aviation moves into the new François Hochart, an investigator at frontier of air trafc management exemplied by SESAR and NextGen. the French BEA (the equivalent of the Event Highlights: NTSB), noted additional equipment to 0QFOJOH,FZOPUF4FTTJPO – with leading commercial and defence industry representatives prevent helicopter capsizing appears 5XP5SBDL$POGFSFODF1SPHSBNNF – with 12 conference sessions and over 35 to be difficult to design. “Were other presentations from industry leading professionals and speakers 'PSVNTBOE5FDIOJDBM8PSLTIPQT ways investigated in terms of design or /FUXPSLJOH3FDFQUJPO training to improve safety?” he asked. -FBEJOH&YIJCJUJPO – showcasing the latest products, technologies and avionics solutions He suggested to find other locations for &YIJCJUPS1SFTFOUBUJPOT – FREE to attend presentations on the exhibition oor emergency exits and to enhance pas- For the full conference programme, workshops and forums visit XXXBWJPOJDTFWFOUDPN senger training. Join us in Munich, Germany for the annual gathering of avionics professionals to As things stand, if the efforts to keep learn and discover the latest information and future for the avionics industry. some exits “dry” fail and the helicopter actually inverts, occupant disorientation Owned and Produced by Sponsors is immediate. According to Paul Sparkes, a UK CAA flight operations inspector, the occupants’ allies will be training, Presented by Supporting Organisations Media Partner equipment “and a lot of good luck.” Seats should be aligned with windows. “Oth- erwise, once inverted, you’ll never find your way,” Sparkes stressed. Not all mod-

52 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM CAE Global Helicopter Training Solutions for Safety and Efficiency

We can help you achieve your goals – safer flights and reduced operational costs. High-fidelity simulation training enhances pilot and technician skills without risk and at lower cost than training on the helicopter. ฀Worldwide civil simulator fleet accessible to your operations – 11 training locations with 17 simulators by 2012 ฀Immersive training scenarios for oil and gas, emergency medical, law enforcement and other missions, customized to your operating procedures ฀The most extensive flight simulator experience – more than 100 military and civil helicopter simulators developed across 10 OEMs

Have a conversation with CAE about your helicopter pilot and maintenance technician training needs Aberdeen

Stavanger Zhuhai

Bengaluru Vancouver Sesto Calende New York Dubai

Phoenix

CAE Civil Helicopter Training Programs AgustaWestland AW109 – Sesto Calende AgustaWestland AW139 – New York, Sesto Calende Mexico City Bell 212 / 412 – Bengaluru, Dubai, Mexico City (Now Open) Eurocopter AS332L/L1 Super Puma – Stavanger São Paulo Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Puma – Aberdeen Eurocopter AS350B2 Astar – Phoenix Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin – Bengaluru (Now Open) HAL Dhruv – Bengaluru Sikorsky S-61 – Stavanger Sikorsky S-76B, S76C+ – New York Sikorsky S-76C++ – São Paulo (2012), Vancouver, Zhuhai (2012)

cae.com [email protected] TRAINING | SPECIALTY

ern helicopters used today in offshore operations have such alignment. Once the occupant has pushed the window out, he or she often needs some- thing to hang on the fuselage to help egress. But recent aircraft have smooth, aerodynamic surfaces. This does not make egress easier, several speakers noted. The Sikorsky S-61 Sea King had a lifeline rope. It even had a hull properly designed for landing on water, like the SA321 Super Frelon. Although the fuselage offers little to hang on, it happens that it dam- ages liferafts. “We have to delethalize the fuselage,” Sparkes said. Also, as Paul AgustaWestland AW139 flying over water. Photo courtesy AgustaWestland. Hannant, a UK Aircraft Accident Inves- tigation Branch (AAIB) senior inspector don his goggles. This affected his vision. to ensure there is a net safety benefit in emphasized, survival equipment should Typical escape time is 45 to 60 sec- using EBS. Howson hopes the EASA will not be mounted on a door that can be onds in a real accident. Meanwhile, adopt the resulting specification. It could jettisoned. breath-hold time can be as short as 20 then issue it as a European Technical Then, an occupant has to wear a seconds in cold water. Standard Order (ETSO). well-sized immersion suit. “They are To help solve the mismatch between Consultant Sue Coleshaw is devel- sometimes chosen too large for comfort underwater escape and breath-hold oping a technical standard for EBS. She reasons,” Michael Cunningham, investi- time, three types of emergency breathing pointed out that using an EBS should gator in charge of the 2009 Cougar flight systems (EBS) are available. The first one be easy. For example, the mouthpiece 91 (a Sikorsky S-92) crash, said. There is uses a small bottle of compressed air. The should not be hidden in the folds of the also a risk of snagging. Involved can be second one is a rebreather. The third type stored air pocket. Also, the emergency emergency breathers or, for the military, is a hybrid of the first two. breather should not prevent harness survival equipment (such as a dinghy) The idea is to have at least one min- release. Designing an EBS with a deploy- attached to the back of the pilot. ute of breathing time. “It helps over- ment time clearly below breath-hold Water temperature can add one chal- come panic and disorientation,” Howson time is still a challenge. lenge. To keep dexterity, occupants are added. Training is needed, though. In Underwater escape training is obvi- encouraged to put gloves on only after addition to the snagging hazard, the ously very useful but it must be properly egress. But, in one instance, a survivor added buoyancy can impede egress from done. Regulations only call for one such got his fingers so cold that he could not an inverted aircraft. Research is going on training session every four years. In a pre- sentation by Michael Taber, director of The North Sea is a Hostile Environment—But What research and development with Survival About Other Places? Systems Training, it appeared this brings As one attendee, representing an operator flying off West African coasts, somewhat contradictory requirements. told Rotor & Wing, rulemakers should not forget about those environments The simulated cabin has to be as real- that are less hostile than the North Sea. For example, should helicopter occu- istic as possible with accurate window pants off wear immersion suits? Yes, if one thinks helicopter search- and handle locations etc. However, as and-rescue services there are virtually non-existent—rescue will come by boat. training sessions do not occur often, the But, if they wear an immersion suit during a flight in Africa’s hot environment, simulator also should be representative they will dehydrate, the attendee pointed out. for several types. One passenger may be In addition, do all occupants there have the necessary culture to take ben- carried in several different helicopters efit from safety training? “The cooks we fly to oil platforms may find it chal- over the four-year interval. lenging to use European-designed, complex safety devices,” he said. Taber also insisted the stress level in About aircraft ditching certification, some participants suggested sea state underwater escape training should be 4 is perfectly acceptable for environments like the Mediterranean and the Gulf high enough for knowledge and skills to of Mexico. be retained.

54 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM REGISTER NOW

26TH - 28TH MARCH 2012 Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Improved Safety Culture Through Talent, Training and Trust

2012 KEY SPEAKERS:

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, Pilot of “Miracle on the Hudson”, safety expert and accident investigator Stephen M.R. Covey, world renowned Speaker and Author of the bestselling book “Speed of Trust” Tom Casey, Author of “Talent Readiness - The Future is now: Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce” Tony Kern, Author of “Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism” www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSOR & OFFICIAL COURIER

PARTNERS IN SAFETY SAFETY OFFICERS MEDIA Aviabel SACWT Insurance Houston Casualty General Insurance Company Company (HCC) Corporation of India Lenovo SWISS AS TRAINING | MILITARY

TEST PERSONNEL RECOVERY TECHNIQUES

In October the Spanish Air Force hosted the European Air Group’s 5th Annual Personnel Recovery Training Meet, CJPRSC.

By Andrew Drwiega, Military Editor

he fifth gathering of European international military aircrews that were seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in personnel Trecovery techniques met at the Albacete airbase in Spain from Octo- ber 14-26, 2011 under the auspices of the European Air Group. This was the annual Combined Joint Personnel Recovery Standardization course (CJPRSC), formally known as the Combined Joint Combat Search and Rescue course (CJCSAR), organized under the direction of the EAG’s Lt. Col. Uwe Schleimer (JPR-1), based at RAF High Wycombe in the UK. This was Schleimer’s fourth course in as many years, although he was deputy com- mander the first time around. The basis for the course actually goes back to Spanish Air Force AS332B behind one of the international extraction forces. 2002-2006 with the VOLCANEX/CSAR exercises.

56 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM

TRAINING | MILITARY

BUSINESS AVIATION ON FULL DISPLAY IN SHANGHAI — MAKE PLANS TO BE THERE

A pair of Spanish Air Force Super Pumas acting as recovery vehicles.

The concept behind the annual The course has matured over ing sorties. During the flying phase, CJPRSC is to provide individual the years and although some of the Schleimer revealed that 90 percent training for those with responsibility participants are knowledgeable in its of the scheduled sorties took place. for personnel recovery tasks. requirements, most have no expe- Once again however, as in recent It trains and tests their knowledge rience. Which is a good balance, years, no night flying exercises were and proficiency in planning and explained Schleimer. possible due to limited residual con- executing PR missions “in a non per- Those on the course get to know ditions and the two night missions missive, multinational environment tactics, techniques and procedures became day missions instead. embedded in a COMAO [Composite (TTPs) and identify common operat- The program calls for the aircraft Air Operation], using operational ing principals instead of using their present to be divided into two PR Task documents.” own standard operating procedures Force groups, with each group receiv- The structure of the CJPRSC “is (SOPs) and standing SPINS (Special ing their own separate task. Forward virtually unchanged since last year,” Instructions). Air Refuelling Points (FARPS) were said Schleimer, adding that, “the only EAG held the initial planning once again used although the Spanish real difference was that the course meeting at its RAF High Wycombe conditions led to some unscheduled was more operator-oriented and a headquarters in January 2011, fol- ‘brownout’ training. little more away from the theoretical.” lowed by a further planning meeting Once again the course attracted a Most of the participants are new to at the airbase in Spain during June. good international attendance with the course although a good num- The Program of Instruction (PoI) is 13 nations sending a total of 319 per- ber of the instructors and directors based around four days of theoretical sonnel and 17 helicopters and fixed- return to assist with instruction. instruction and seven days of fly- wing aircraft. The main nations con-

58 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Label Feature

BUSINESS AVIATION ON FULL DISPLAY IN SHANGHAI — MAKE PLANS TO BE THERE

Shanghai, China March 27, 28, 29, 2012

Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre on Hongqiao International Airport

Exhibits, Dozens of Aircraft on Side-by-Side Display and Education Sessions All in One Location

WWW.ABACE.AERO

The Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition is co-hosted by The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and The Shanghai Exhibition Center, in Partnership With Shanghai Airport Authority.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 59 TRAINING | MILITARY

The amount of financial invest- ment that countries make in training LEADERS and qualifying their flying personnel makes them expensive assets. In the current difficult financial cli- mate, cuts to training will mean that individuals will be harder and cost- lier to replace in the future, Schliemer stated. Overall the course achieved its training objectives, despite the lack of night flying. As Schleimer outlined in his debriefing document, “The shift in focus away from pure CSAR missions towards the wider scope of Personnel Recovery operations con- tinues to prove beneficial to tailor the course objectives towards real time requirements.” The ultimate lessons learned by the teams that participate in the CJPRSC will hopefully be taken away and used when they are called upon to plan and execute real PR missions in a non-permissive multinational scenario operating within a Com- bined Air Operation (COMAO). The next European Air Group CJPRSC training course will be held later this year. It is scheduled to run from October 8 through Oct. 26, 2012 in the Schönewalde/Holzdorf (Above) Italian Navy EH101 on the ground prior to takeoff with an extraction force. (Bottom) The CJPRSC 2011 group photo at the Tactical Leadership Program (TLP) facilities at Albacete region in Germany. Air Base, Spain.

tributing forces and benefiting from Although a fixed-wing NATO Participating Aircraft: the CJPRSC training were Spain, E-3A Sentry airborne early warning CJPRSC Exercise France, Germany, Italy, , Swe- (AEW) aircraft wasn’t available, the den and the United States. role was performed by an EH 101 C2 1 x MC-130, USAF Personnel from six other nations from the Italian Navy. 1 x EH-101 C2, Italian Navy contributed to support and observer Enemy ground forces were pro- 2 x F1M, Spanish Air Force roles. vided by the Spanish 2 x F-18M, Spanish Air Force “The Spanish forces should be with the Swedish, Polish, French and 2 x AS555, French Air Force recognized for the great effort that Italian militaries provided the extrac- 2 x AB212, they put into making this CJPRSC tion forces. 1 x EH101, Italian Navy one of the best with 10 fixed-wing “Today we are not looking at high- 1 x CH-53G, German Army sorties per day. There was also the intensity warfare or home country 1 x SA330, French Air Force chance to use fast jet pilots as on defense,” said Schleimer. 2 x AS332B, Italian Air Force scene commanders—something that “Now what is more usual is 2 x HH3F, Italian Air Force rarely happens in exercise but can expeditionary warfare. We have a happen operationally,” explained Lt. moral obligation to try and get our Total hours flown: 227 Col. Schleimer. people back.”

60 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Follow theLEADERS U.S.INTERNATIONALPAVILIONSINGAPOREAIRSHOWFEBRUARY1419 AccurateBushingCompany L3Communicaons AeroPrecisionIndustries Laversab,Inc. AerospaceProductsInternaonal(API) Lektro,Inc. AirTractor,Inc. MarvidInternaonalPteLtd AllSystemAerospaceInt'lInc. NewportAeronaucalSales AMGeneralCorporaon OceofNavalResearch ArgosyInternaonal,Inc. PartsBase ArrowheadProducts PASTechnologies ATK/AlliantTechsystems124686 Pelican Products, Inc. BralcoMetals Robertson Avia on, L.L.C. BreezeEastern Rockwell Collins CBOLCorporaon CompositeEngineeringInc. RolledAlloys CustomControlSensors,Inc. RubbInc. DakotaAirPartsIntl.Inc. SatcomDirect,Inc. DefenseNewsMediaGroup SegersAeroCorporaon DefenseTechnologyEquipmentInc. SeyTec/CWAerotech DeAerospaceCoangs SigmaAerospaceMetals,LLC DynatechInternaonalCorporaon SOIAviaon FlightDirector,Inc. TelephonicsCorp. FLIRHQ TradeAPlane ForecastInternaonal/DMS TransaeroInc. FrascaInternaonal Transupport,Inc. GATelesisLLC TronairInc. Glenair,Inc. U.S.MarineCorpsWarghngLab HarrisCorporaon UniversalAvionicsSystemsCorp. InsituPacicLimited WestCoastIndustries,Inc. JabilDefense&Aerospace ZipChemProducts JOINTHETEAMOFLEADINGCOMPANIESLIKETHESE EXHIBITWITHCONFIDENCE™ATTHESEINTERNATIONALTRADESHOWS:

FIDAE FarnboroughIntlAirshow AfricaAerospace&Defence JapanAerospace AirshowChina March27April1 July915 September1923 October914 November1318 Sanago, Farnborough,UK Pretoria,SouthAfrica Nagoya,Japan Zhuhai,China

THESEANDOTHERFINESHOWS ORGANIZERSOF REPRESENTEDINTHEU.S.BY KallmanWorldwideInc.www.kallman.com(201)2512600 CATEGORY | INFOINFO

EASA Prepares for ‘the Ditch’ 48 Apache Block III Enters Service 62 TRAINING NEWS 68 Enhancing Safety & Professionalism U.S. Army

Lt. Col. Edward Vedder using an AH-64D Apache Block III simulator at Boeing’s facility in Mesa, Ariz.

Army Unit First to Train on of having flown all three incarnations of the Apache—the Upgraded Block III Apaches AH-64A Block I and AH-64D Longbow Block II, in addition The U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, part of the 1st Attack to the current iteration. Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, Combat “At Block II, it has a certain level of power when you pick Aviation Brigade, has become the first unit to fly the Boeing it up. This is totally different,” notes Vedder. “When you pick Apache Block III. Pilots flying the Block III, which features this aircraft up you are going to immediately feel the power 26 new technological upgrades, will receive three weeks of difference.” The Block III variant also comes with the ability training on the revamped helicopters at Boeing’s facility in to communicate with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and Mesa, Ariz. its controllers, as well as watching the UAV video feed and Lt. Col. Edward Vedder, commander of the 1-1 ARB, taking control of the UAV, should the situation warrant it. explains that there are new components to the helicopter. The unit currently has 85 Apache pilots that will require “There is new head tracker, a new helmet and new flight training on the Block III. The first 75 will train in Mesa, with pages. It doesn’t take additional skills to fly it, but the aircraft the remainder handled via mobile training at Fort Riley, Kan. is significantly different.” All pilots will be trained on the Block III prior to their next Vedder is one of the first 10 Apache pilots to undergo deployment. —Information from Sgt. Jeff Troth contributed to Block III training in Arizona. He also has the distinction this report. Navy Employs Sikorsky Virtual Bell Sim Opens Environment Trainer at CAE Mexico The U.S. Navy has begun using its first virtual reality training CAE has launched a new train- device, a Sikorsky MH-60S aircrew virtual environmental ing center in Mexico for Bell trainer (AVET). MH-60S and HH-60H crew members will helicopter and business jet pilot practice aerial gunnery, cargo replenishment, confined area training. The facility features a landings and search and rescue (SAR) with the new full- Level D-equivalent full- motion simulator. Capt. John Feeney, Naval Aviation Train- flight simulator (FFS) as well as ing Systems Program Office (PMA-205) program manager, various fixed-wing simulators, says that future plans call for the Navy to “network this trainer all qualified by Mexico’s Direc- Bell 412 FFS in Toluca. with the tactical operational flight trainers for multi-crew torate General of Civil Aviation mission rehearsal training.” The simulator is based at Naval (DGAC). The Toluca, Mexico Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif. location is CAE’s ninth for civil helicopter training.

62 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Label Feature

Why pay $10K+ for a new ground International Marketplace handling wheel, when we can overhaul your existing one for as little as $1,600? LOW PROFILE SATCOM ANTENNA 10-264-44 Helicopter Accessory Repairs is the world leader in mechanical and hydraulic ground handling wheel overhauls, refurbish them back to factory-new condition. www.HelicopterAccessoryRepairs.com or call us at 208-899-6010.

www.MachidaScope.com ザ 800.431.5420

‚" Borescopes ‚" Videoscopes ‚" Borescope Kits ‚" Accessories Ground plane independent Electronically “steerable” Optional switching matrix

HR Smith Group of Companies www.hr-smith.com Techtest Limited r Street Court r Kingsland Specmat Technologies Inc r 215 Dunavant Drive Leominster r HR6 9QA r England Rockford r Tennessee rTN37853 r USA T. +44(0) 1568 708744 E. [email protected] T. +1 (865) 6091411 E. [email protected]

Come Visit Us At Booth #4110 During Heli-Expo 2012 in Dallas, TX - World Class MRO Support ゼ 24 Sales Professionals ゼ"Ucngu."Tgrcktu."Gzejcpigu" """"("OTQ"Ugtxkegu ゼ 65,000 Line Item Inventory of Accessories, Avionics & Instruments ゼ"Nkxg"46191587"Worldwide AOG Support ゼ"Oqtg"vjcp"32.222"Qxgtjcwn"("Tgrckt" """"Ecrcdknkvkgu"Kp/jqwug ゼ"Ukz"Uvtcvgike"Nqecvkqpu"Pgct<" """"CVN1[XT1NCZ

Precision Heliparts Tel: (404) 768-9090 ヰ 24/7/365 AOG: (404) 218-5777 Precision Heliparts ヰ Canada Tel: (604) 542-8820 ヰ 24/7/365 AOG: (778) 919-8581

“Others sell parts, WE SELL SUPPORT”®

Unlimited Accessories ヰ Unlimited Avionics ヰ Unlimited Instruments www.heliparts.com

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 63 COMMERCIAL | TECHNOLOGY Leading Edge By Frank Lombardi

Quiet Please

he beginning of a new year slowed on approach. As you begin to tors to control trailing edge flaps on seems like an appropriate “ride the burble,” the tip vortices impart each rotor blade. Piezoelectric actua- time to look at what lies high vibratory loads on the blades that tors can change their shape when an Tahead with evolving helicop- pass down the rotor shaft, into the electrical voltage is applied, and actuate ter systems and technologies. One fuselage, and into the seat of your pants those flaps at 15-40 times per second, area that always welcomes improve- until the helicopter slows to a hover effectively flying it up and over or down ment is that of helicopter noise and and the vortices are once again blown and under the approaching vortex vibration. A quieter, smoother heli- down beneath the rotor. with every revolution, greatly reduc- copter makes those who fly in them There is more than one way to less- ing transmitted noise and vibration. smile bigger, and those who are on en BVI. In recent months, Eurocopter Eurocopter has reported a 5-decibel the ground complain less; a win-win has publicized its latest efforts to make decrease with the system. for all. There are many oscillating friendlier-sounding, smoother-riding These methods of BVI reduction forces and moments at work creat- helicopters, developing both passive have been around for a while, but only ing sources of noise and vibration in and active systems to combat blade- now are they coming into their own. flight. One of the most well known vortex interaction. The manufacturer’s The constant development of materi- sources is due to blade-vortex inter- passive system, which is called Blue als technology is what has allowed this action (BVI), otherwise known as Edge, involves redesigning the conven- to be so. The unconventional shape of “blade slap.” tional straight rotor blade from the root the Blue Edge rotor would plague engi- Just like an airplane wing, higher- outward, to include forward sweep, aft neers with difficult bending and twist- pressure air will spill out from under a sweep, and anhedral (droop) at the tip. ing loads that try to distort the shape rotor blade at the tip, get sucked toward The intensity of the BVI is governed by of the blade in flight, were it not for the its upper surface, and create a strong the distance between the vortex center advent of composite materials that can corkscrewing swirl of air, or tip vortex. and the plane of the blade, the strength resist such aeroelastic effects. With Blue Under normal conditions in level flight, of the vortex at the time it meets the Pulse, piezoelectric actuators made these vortices tend to sink and lose blade, and how parallel the vortex is to largely of ceramic light-weight materi- energy as they get blown below the the blade edge when they meet. Blue als and virtually no mechanical parts rotor. In , they pass above Edge combats all three of these. The have proven to be very robust while the helicopter as the aircraft descends forward and aft sweep of the blade living in the high-g, oscillatory environ- quickly. However, in a partial-power sit at an oblique angle to the vortex ment of the spinning rotor; something descent, or when the helicopter is during contact, while the anhedral, or that has long-troubled earlier projects rolled into a turn, an approaching blade drooped tip weakens and deposits the exploring active-blade control. will often come into the vicinity of a tip vortex lower, giving the approaching Until these newer systems are fully vortex left by a preceding blade. When blade more clearance over the top. integrated into the helicopter produc- the high-energy swirling air strikes the This has produced a reduction of noise tion line, it falls upon us to keep the rotor blade, it causes a sudden change levels by 3-4 decibels, according to the negative public perception of our flying in angle of attack and an associated company. Blue Edge has been said to to a minimum. Knowing what causes change in pressure on the surface of increase hover performance as well, BVI and the regimes of flight it is com- the blade. This is what creates the loud since reducing the strength of tip vorti- monly encountered in allows us to do impulsive noise that can be annoying ces will increase rotor efficiency. our best to avoid it, and we should con- to those on the ground. There can be Eurocopter’s Blue Pulse technology tinue to be good neighbors and use “fly increased vibrations in the cockpit is an active noise/vibration canceling friendly” techniques until technology due to BVI, especially as the aircraft is system that uses piezoelectric actua- gives us a quiet helping hand.

64 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM The New Authority for International Marketplace Composite Rotor Blades Tail Rotor Blades for 206B/L, OH-58A+/C, UH-1 Series -- More T/R Authority at High Altitude -- Increased Service Life -- Reduced Noise (206/OH-58) Van Horn Aviation XXXWBOIPSOBWJBUJPODPNt5FNQF ";

#1 for Dauphin Parts

Authorized Honeywell T53 Engine Service Center

A One Stop Shop for You! Transmissions and Components Huey, Cobra, 205, 206, 212, 412 & OH58 We own and stock the largest Precision Repairs & Engineering independently held Dauphin heli- Spare Parts copter parts inventory available on the market today. Rotables, avionics & instruments ready to ship worldwide. Parts for exchange and outright sales. [email protected]

Phone : +41 52 345 3605 Fax : +41 52 345 3606 FL USA Tel: 239-643-0011 Europe Tel: 44-1749-673-485 US-Phone : +1 207-513-1921 Fax: 239-643-0940 Fax: 44-1749-673-074 E-Mail : [email protected] Web : www.alpine.aero www.AirTechnology.com FAA Repair Station E6TR404N – ISO Certified, EASA Certified

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 65 PUBLIC SERVICE | POLICE

By Ernie Stephens A Paid Advertisement?! On a Police Helicopter?! good friend of mine sent me to work later—and a sponsor’s interest is needed for search and rescue services a news clipping the other is one of the properties in harm’s way— in remote areas—could go the way of Aday. Basically, the sheriff of a how will it play out? Will the involved other units that have had to sell their fair-size department is hav- sponsor expect—or subtly demand— ships due to lack of funding. ing such a tough time financing his air priority consideration, and withdraw Once all of the discussions, gnash- unit, he has decided to solicit sponsors its support if it doesn’t get it? And if the ing of teeth, and moaning passes, here to help cover the costs of the operation. sponsor legitimately deserves priority, is where I land: Trading ad space on Now, if the image of a decal-lad- will the “regular citizen” assume money a police helicopter for operating cash en NASCAR vehicle comes to mind, drove that decision? would be so far down on my list of unit- you’re headed in the right direction. Just For the record, I know Fennessey. saving options, you’d skin your knees change the car to a helicopter, and the I’m sure he would never let sponsorship trying to get low enough to read it. It isn’t laundry detergent logo on the hood to, interfere with how the SDFD prioritized that I would feel obligated to give pref- oh, maybe a local grocery store chain, its missions. But for every honorable erential treatment to a sponsor, because and you’ll be dead on. Because just like public servant like him, there are plenty I wouldn’t. And if I were an elected unit Tony Stewart’s #14 Chevy with “Home who are less honorable, and might very head, as this sheriff is, I wouldn’t be too Depot” emblazoned across the hood, well allow contribution-dollars to cloud worried about outside influence trying that agency’s helicopter will be a flying their better judgment. (Refer to the to make me do otherwise. I would, how- billboard for whichever companies take politics section of your local newspaper ever, be concerned if I were an appoint- the sheriff up on his offer. to learn more about money can corrupt ed official, who might have to deal with The only reason this news didn’t decision-making.) The meat and pota- a boss or political figure that might lean shock me was because it was not the toes of this whole method for finding on me to play favorites based upon who first time I had heard of such an idea. San revenue is just another piece of the eco- send in the largest check. Diego Fire Department (SDFD) did the nomic-meltdown pie, especially since That said, if I were stuck in the unen- same thing several years ago when they things got really ugly back in 2008. The viable position of having to rely on spon- invited area companies and organiza- woes of the housing market clobbered sors to operate my unit, I’d do my best to tions to place logos on the department’s the tax base that public services need limit it to those who probably wouldn’t Bell 212, in exchange for a donation to operate. Unlike private businesses, need my services, such as the non-res- toward the then-one ship operation. It which can divest, merge, and do a bunch ident providers of my unit’s radio gear, worked well, too. They had logos from of other things, government agencies jet fuel, or mission equipment. It would a medical center, a Native American are pretty much limited to cutting costs, keep my unit from having to face accusa- resort, and a couple of other outfits; not raising taxes and selling bonds to make- tions that I gave better police service to a to mention a happy little bundle of cash. up for the shortfall. sponsor than to a non-contributor. Deputy Chief Brian Fennessey, a So, here we have a sheriff, who is So, while I salute that sheriff’s efforts lieutenant at the time I met him in 2007, wedged between a financial rock and to keep his deputies flying, and don’t said the sponsorship method was the an operational hard place with his heli- blame him for looking for outside only option the SDFD had to get their copter unit. I’m betting he has already sponsors if that’s his last resort, I sure unit up and running—a unit that battles reduced staffing to the bare bone, virtu- hope it works for him. Air assets are brush fires nearly all year. The deal made ally cut out all overtime, and must hold extremely important. Hopefully, he some in the SDFD nervous. After all, his fleet of patrol cars together with can discontinue the whole sponsorship if the choice has to be made between bailing wire. And now, his helicopter deal once things get better, as the SDFD which fire to work now and which one operation—which not only patrols, but was able to do.

66 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Ground Handling International Marketplace

MRO & Logistics Software Solutions Integrated with componentcontrol.com · 619-696-5400

QUALITY DISCOUNTED Eurocopter Helicopter Spares Specializing in A II III L

T

A ISO AS C C 353 Lambs Bridge Rd, Swainsboro, GA 30401, USA Email: [email protected] Tel:+1 (478) 237 0020 Fax: +1 (478) 237 0028 Website: www.aeroxs.com

Helmets Heliport Lighting ANVIS 6 HELICOPTER HELMETS (Kevlar helmets and HELIPORT LIGHTING FAA-approved equipment. spares including: HGU models). NOMEX coveralls, jackets, MANAIRCO, INC. (419) 524 - 2121, www.manairco.com gloves, etc. factory new, in stock. Sage green and desert tan. GOVERNMENT SALES, INC., 89 Francis Ave. Hartford, CT 06106, Tel: (860) 247-7787, Fax: (860) 586-8020. Catalogue on website: www.aviationhelmets.com advertiser index Page# ...... Advertiser ...... Website Page# ...... Advertiser ...... Website 35, 37...... Aero Dynamix ...... www.aerodynamix.com 50 ...... Frasca International ...... www.frasca.com 24 ...... Aerometals ...... www.aerometals.aero 31 ...... Garmin International ...... www.garmin.com 17 ...... Aeronautical Accessories ...... www.aero-access.com 5 ...... Goodrich Corp. Sensor ...... www.sensors.goodrich.com 18 ...... Aerospace Optics Inc...... www.vivisun.com 63 ...... Helicopter Accessory Repairs ..... www.helicopteraccessoryrepairs.com 67 ...... AeroXS ...... www.aeroxs.com 63 ...... HR Smith ...... www.hr-smith.com 65 ...... Air Technology Engines ...... www.airtechnology.com 28 ...... JSSI ...... www.jetsupport.com 65 ...... Alpine Air Support ...... www.alpine.aero 71 ...... L3-Communications/Avionics ....www.l-3com.com 72 ...... American Eurocopter ...... www.eurocopterusa.com 63 ...... Machida Inc...... www.machidascope.com 9 ...... Aspen Avionics ...... www.aspenavionics.com 15 ...... Marenco Swisshelicopter ...... www.marenco-swisshelicopter.com 16 ...... Aviation Instrument Services ..... www.aviation-instrument.com 19 ...... Messe Berlin ...... www.ila-berlin.com 14 ...... Becker Avionics...... www.beckerusa.com 63 ...... Precision Heliparts ...... www.precisionaviationgroup.com 2 ...... Bell Helicopters ...... www.bellhelicopter.com 41 ...... Presagis ...... www.presagis.com 3 ...... BLR Aerospace ...... www.blrvgs.com 49 ...... Robinson Helicopter ...... www.robinsonheli.com 51 ...... CAE ...... www.cae.com 11 ...... Rolls Royce ...... www.rolls-royce.com/defence_aerospace 67 ...... Chopper Spotter ...... www.jbk.rotor.com 65 ...... Survival Products ...... www.survivalproductsinc.com 21, 23...... Cobham/HeliSAS ...... www.helisas.com 65 ...... Switlik ...... www.switlik.com 25 ...... Cobham/Radios ...... www.cobham.com 67 ...... Tanis Aircraft ...... www.tanispreheat.com 27 ...... Cobham/Audio ...... www.cobham.com 34 ...... Tech Tool Plastics ...... www.tech-tool.com 29 ...... Cobham/EFIS ...... www.cobham.com 13 ...... Turbomeca ...... www.turbomeca.com 67 ...... Component Control ...... www.componentcontrol.com 36 ...... Uniflight ...... www.uniflight.com 47 ...... Donaldson Filtration ...... www.afs.donaldson.com 65 ...... Van Horn Aviation ...... www.vanhornaviation.com 39 ...... FlightSafety ...... www.flightsafety.com 43 ...... Vector Aerospace ...... www.vectoraerospace.com

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM FEBRUARY 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 67 AHS F68ad_trim7.875x10.75_RotorWing_ROTOR ads 1/6/2012 1:52 PM Page 1

TRAINING | EVENT COVERAGE

Safety & Training By Keith Cianfrani Enhancing Safety and Professionalism

had the pleasure of attending (MAPA), Mid-Atlantic Aviation Coali- aeronautical decision-making assess- the Eastern Region Helicopter tion (MAAC), Long Island Business ments, obtaining legal weather briefings, Council (ERHC) seminar in Sep- Aviation Association (LIBAA), and New and reviewing safety “hot spots.” We Itember last year in Mahwah, Jersey Aviation Association (NJAA). The discussed how pilots need to plan for all N.J. and enjoyed spending time with council meets five times yearly. Its first flight conditions on the ground prior to the council’s President, Jeff Smith, and priority always has been, and remains— each flight. He believes every solution HAI’s Safety Director Stan Rose. The safety. Since 1977, ERHC has promoted begins with each and every pilot. first several sessions were focused communication among local-elected Of course, we then talked about new around employment in the rotary wing officials, FAA, the public and the region’s CFIs and how many of them do not have industry. Attending were young pilots helicopter operators to enhance safety, the ideal cognitive skills and aeronautical looking to get that “perfect” flying job professionalism, efficiency and com- experience, a topic I have written about and a few more experienced pilots try- munity compatibility. Following Smith’s several times. Rose went on to say how ing to back into the cockpit. presentation, the chief pilot of Liberty pilots are task overloaded and how risk Smith spoke on the state of the indus- Helicopters, Paul Tramontana, gave an management is not performed on all This is your best opportunity to network with the world's leading vertical try and explained what the ERHC is and update regarding sightseeing along the occasions, as there are limitations to see flight experts and present the latest breakthroughs in vertical flight what they do. He explained that local Hudson River and how they’ve adjusted and avoid and how it is the responsibility helicopter pilots who were interested in to the new airspace limitations in the of the PIC to manage the workload. technology. the availability of IFR flight for rotorcraft New York area. Liberty Helicopters is Rose finished our interview with • Reach top military program managers Materials, Test & Evaluation, UAVs and started the organization in 1977. Their one of the major tour operators and hires mentioning what pilots need to know much more… ad hoc meetings in New York City, using low-time pilots to fly the river for several about the industry. He stated that 30 • Showcase your rotorcraft technology to the initial name of Northeast Helicopter years before they are upgraded to other percent of the Era pilots (many the industry’s finest engineers and • Network at the Vertical Flight Operator Council (NEHOC), were types of flying. Other companies flying in of which are approximately 65 years old) designers Foundation Reception and AHS Grand the initial step in forming the eastern the area are Manhattan Helicopters, Zip would retire, but because of the poor • Hear the latest from the CEOs of the top Awards Banquet seaboard’s first locally organized aviation Aviation and Helicopter Flight Services. performance of their 401K plans, still manufacturers • Exhibitors include companies group to represent helicopters. After the The air tours operate under CFR 49, Part need to work. Pilots must know their • Hear more than 280 presentations on representing airframes, avionics and charter member pilots realized their suc- 136. There are three heliports in use, competition. With many of these pilots Aerodynamics, Acoustics, Dynamics, sensors, components, design cess in joining together with respect to West 30th Street, East 34th Street Heli- retiring in the next five years, there may Flight Simulation, HUMS, Handling capabilities, display systems, electro- the IFR issue, they incorporated in 1979, port, and the Downtown Heliport. be opportunities for employment. Qualities, History, Manufacturing optics, engine/propulsion, fabrication, renaming the non-profit organization Rose presented several sessions on Finally, the FAASafety Team conduct- Technology and Processing, Modeling fuel and utility systems, HUMS, mission Eastern Region Helicopter Council, Inc. the “State of the Industry” and safety ed a seminar concerning areas of interest and Simulation, Structures and support, safety systems, simulation and to represent their interests in aviation. awareness. He spoke on the reasons why such as the ongoing work of IHST and training and more ERHC has always had an active com- we crash aircraft and that these mishaps how with PRIA a pilots training history munity outreach program to address are all preventable. Shortly after his ses- will be tracked. In other words, if you For more information on exhibiting or sponsorship please visit our web site the concerns of residents, relating to sion, I had the opportunity to speak with fail a check ride, it stays on your record at www.vtol.org. This is truly an outstanding event that you will want to helicopter and heliport issues. In 1982, Stan and we talked about many areas permanently. They also discussed that include on your business calendar. the ERHC was awarded the first-ever of safety in our industry. He went on to there is no evidence that twin-engine Fly Neighborly Award from HAI, and say that HAI is a lobbyist organization helicopters are safer than single-engine is featured as an example in the Fly promoting safety and helicopter aviation models and the need for LARS. Overall, www.vtol.org Neighborly Guide. ERHC is an affiliate worldwide while representing interests it was a great event, featuring very profes- AHS International, The Vertical Flight Technical Society member of HAI and NBAA. Since 2007, of owners, most of which have less than sional presenters and and opportunity 217 N. Washington St. • Alexandria, VA • 22314-2538 • USA the group has strengthened its bonds five aircraft. We discussed how HAI for operators and pilots to network. I was with other local aviation groups, such is working with ERHC to reduce acci- very glad the focus was on safety and risk Tel: (703) 684-6777 • Toll Free (855) AHS-INTL • Fax: (703) 739-9279 • Email: [email protected] as the Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association dents in the community by promoting management. Good job guys. For more than 68 years AHS International has worked to advance the development of worldwide vertical flight technology.

68 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AHS F68ad_trim7.875x10.75_RotorWing_ROTOR ads 1/6/2012 1:52 PM Page 1

This is your best opportunity to network with the world's leading vertical flight experts and present the latest breakthroughs in vertical flight technology. • Reach top military program managers Materials, Test & Evaluation, UAVs and • Showcase your rotorcraft technology to much more… the industry’s finest engineers and • Network at the Vertical Flight designers Foundation Reception and AHS Grand • Hear the latest from the CEOs of the top Awards Banquet manufacturers • Exhibitors include companies • Hear more than 280 presentations on representing airframes, avionics and Aerodynamics, Acoustics, Dynamics, sensors, components, design Flight Simulation, HUMS, Handling capabilities, display systems, electro- Qualities, History, Manufacturing optics, engine/propulsion, fabrication, Technology and Processing, Modeling fuel and utility systems, HUMS, mission and Simulation, Structures and support, safety systems, simulation and training and more For more information on exhibiting or sponsorship please visit our web site at www.vtol.org. This is truly an outstanding event that you will want to include on your business calendar. www.vtol.org AHS International, The Vertical Flight Technical Society 217 N. Washington St. • Alexandria, VA • 22314-2538 • USA Tel: (703) 684-6777 • Toll Free (855) AHS-INTL • Fax: (703) 739-9279 • Email: [email protected] For more than 68 years AHS International has worked to advance the development of worldwide vertical flight technology. R&W Trilolgy 2012_MB-2005-10.qxd 1/5/2012 10:10 AM Page 1

MILITARY | COMBAT Military Insider By Andrew Drwiega The Challenge to be Good Enough ith Afghanistan already and Marines will no longer need to be its regular colleagues, then the build up in in the drawdown stages sized to support the kind of large-scale, its force structure and ability to integrate Win the minds of politicians, long-term stability operations that have with regular formations must continue. the challenge ahead for dominated military priorities and force Many have stated in recent times that U.S. Army Aviation commanders will generation over the past decade.” So if it’s still not at a level that will be required, be to maintain the quality, capability, vol- there is a reduction in ground force num- particularly in terms of pre-deployment ume and performance of the force it has bers, it is likely that Army Aviation will training with regular units, unmanned built up since the windfall in spending be reduced accordingly. Panetta added aerial systems (UAS) and Special Forces. following the cancellation of the Coman- to his remarks saying the “U.S. joint force On-the-job training, while possible at che program. As its commander Maj. will be smaller, and it will be leaner.” times in Afghanistan, may not be pos- Gen. Anthony Crutchfield stated during So joint is also in; remember, this sible next time around. In the case of his opening address at the recent AUSA is why the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) air- the Guard, it will be very tempting for Institute of Land Warfare (ILW) aviation craft is—this time—unlikely to go away. financiers to contemplate slipping back conference, “the last 10 years of war are Joint equipment programs are going to into the mindset that placed the Guard at not the blueprint for the next war.” increasingly appeal to DoD financiers a lower level of requirement to the regu- But Army Aviation is starting this because a shared platform across differ- lars—but this must not happen if they are new phase in U.S. global defense strat- ent forces equates to reductions in not to be relied upon to be interchangeable egy from a position of strength. It is well only procurement but also through-life operationally with the regular force. on the way to modernizing its entire ownership costs. So better for the Army, Crutchfield’s will lay down his line on fleet—with the exception of the Kiowa the Marines, the Air Force and the Navy the general way ahead for Army Aviation Warrior and the oldest fleet in the books, to have their share of JMR aircraft rather in April at Quad-A in Nashville, Tenn. the variety of training aircraft at Fort than lose out by not participating—then He will release his Vision 2030 paper and Rucker, Ala. It is also well into the process have no option further down the road. campaign plan for the future, but gave of constituting its 13th Combat Aviation The first players in this development a brief insight as to its contents during Brigade (CAB)—getting it through the will have an opportunity to shape the AUSA. “We need to sustain the active budgetary door before it slams shut. Six design for the future—those coming to reserve when the Army is not at war. We CABs are currently committed globally: the table reluctantly at a later stage may need to know what our advisories can four in Afghanistan, one in (still be limited in their ability to influence exploit in our current equipment. And supporting the Iraq forces in spite of the such a program. we have to rethink the current way of If you’re planning a glass panel upgrade, pair it up with a glass standby heavy PR campaign emphasizing depar- Panetta also stated the requirement doing business in our acquisition pro- ture of all troops from that country) and to the future force being able to regener- cess.” Finally, he said, everyone in avia- that matches your primary. Certified to the FAA’s highest Level A one in South Korea. But the “elephant in ate and mobilize quickly, and that it was tion needs to take an “appetite suppres- standards, the Trilogy Electronic Standby Instrument (ESI) displays all the room” is the government’s declared a priority to maintain a strong National sant” for the journey ahead. “We need commitment to cutting $487 billion from Guard. The challenge will be to ensure to be happy with what is good enough.” the vital flight cues on a compact 3.7-inch screen, while its internal defense spending in the next decade. that the Guard is equipped, trained and By this he didn’t mean cutting capabil- lithium-ion battery and NVG compatibility assure you’re never in the Speaking in January 2012, Secretary paid in line with the level of commit- ity, but having what was required to get of Defense Leon Panetta said, “...with ment expected of it in the future. If, as the job done in a balanced way, mea- dark. With the Trilogy ESI, your standby instrument resembles your the end of U.S. military commitments has already been stated, it will continue sured against the overall capability of primary glass instrument, easing the transition in a crisis. in Iraq and the drawdown that is already to take its share of front line duties, car- the force available. In short, there won’t under way in Afghanistan, the Army rying out the same tasks and missions as be any more Comanches. Visit us at HELI-EXPO, Booth 8056, or online at www.FlyTrilogy.com.

Avionics Systems L-3com.com 70 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM R&W Trilolgy 2012_MB-2005-10.qxd 1/5/2012 10:10 AM Page 1

IT’S TIME FOR A NEW PAIR OF GLASSES International Marketplace

If you’re planning a glass panel upgrade, pair it up with a glass standby that matches your primary. Certified to the FAA’s highest Level A standards, the Trilogy Electronic Standby Instrument (ESI) displays all the vital flight cues on a compact 3.7-inch screen, while its internal lithium-ion battery and NVG compatibility assure you’re never in the dark. With the Trilogy ESI, your standby instrument resembles your primary glass instrument, easing the transition in a crisis.

Visit us at HELI-EXPO, Booth 8056, or online at www.FlyTrilogy.com.

Avionics Systems L-3com.com WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM OCTOBER 2011 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 71 ( THINK INNOVATION )

Our commitment to ongoing investment in technology and product development rtqxkfgu"Gwtqeqrvgt"ewuvqogtu"ykvj"kppqxcvkqpu"kp"tkijv"uchgv{."tgfwegf qrgtcvkpi"equvu"cpf"kortqxgf"gpxktqpogpvcn"rgthqtocpeg0 How to make helicopters that work better.

VISIT US AT HAI Hgdtwct{"33/36."4234 Hall B - Stand 1917

Thinking without limits