DAY 2 January 29, 2020

HAI PUBLICATIONS Convention News MARIANO ROSALES

Regulator FAA Admin Dickson Leonardo captures Kopter talks safety › page 3 by Curt Epstein Safety Before ever having put a helicopter into ser- act as an autonomous legal entity and brand flew the SH09 and its engineers conducted Vuichard recovery in vice, Swiss OEM Kopter has been sold to within Leonardo’s helicopter division, “for detailed analysis. Leonardo, the two companies revealed yes- the time being,” according to Leonardo Heli- “We really complete our product portfolio FAA handbook › page 26 terday as Heli-Expo 2020 opened. The Ital- copters managing director Gian Piero Cutillo. with that,” added Cutillo. “Leonardo is the ian manufacturer will acquire 100 percent of “We will start working together, obviously all leader in the three- to nine-tonne catego- OEMs the Wetzikon, Switzerland-based company, the decisions will be made in the interest of ries, with this opportunity, we think that we which anticipates dual EASA/FAA certifica- Leonardo, but from now on we have a com- can be the leader also in [the light single] Enstrom celebrates tion for its SH09 light single by year-end. mon target,” he said, adding that he foresees segment.” He acknowledged that Leonardo Leonardo expects the purchase from invest- no major changes with Kopter’s previously did not buy just a product, but is also adding 60 years › page 6 ment firm Lynwood to be completed in the announced plans for a new U.S. production capability to the family. first quarter, subject to regulatory approval. facility in Lafayette, Louisiana, which was “Within Leonardo, we get the support to Avionics The purchase price consists of a $185 announced at last year’s Heli-Expo. finalize our development on various fronts million fixed component and an earn-out At the announcement on the Heli-Expo while keeping the ability to remain the Astronautics aims for mechanism linked to certain milestones over show floor yesterday morning, Leonardo agile, single-engine pioneer that we are,” wACS entry › page 14 the life of the program, starting in 2022. In CEO Alessandro Profumo admitted to initial said Kopter CEO Andreas Löwenstein. “I 2016, Cyprus-based Lynwood, controlled by skepticism over the deal. “I would say that I am very proud to join this company, and I Russian oligarch Alexander Mamut, invested was not enthusiastic, then the more we’re am very proud that we will jointly conquer OEMs $270 million into the company. working on that, the more I was positive,” the market.” While merger integration teams on both he told the crowd. That enthusiasm grew He said that becoming part of Leonardo Erickson intros new sides begin to meet, Kopter will continue to after the company’s test pilots evaluated and continues on page 30 S-64F+ › page 3

Pg-1-30_d2_v3.indd 2 1/28/20 5:58 PM years, Airbus has delivered more than 120 helicopters to CBP. Deliveries of the H125s to CBP will begin later this year. These helicopters will be equipped with infrared detection, ther- mal imaging, night vision goggles, hoist With a strong 2019 provisions, and loudspeakers. The H125 in the record books, accounts for half of all law enforcement Airbus Helicopters deliveries in North America, Airbus said. CEO Bruno Even In addition, Germany-based air ambu- outlined the lance provider DRF Luftrettung inked company’s robust an order for three H135 light twins and outlook for 2020 15 medium-twin H145s, as well as signed and beyond. The an agreement to convert its current fleet Airbus fleet has of 20 H145s to the five-bladed, H145D3 flown more than 100 variant announced last year at Heli-Expo. million flight hours The deal will bring DRF’s H145 fleet to 35 and the highly and make the service the world’s largest anticipated H160 is operator of the H145D3. closer to achieving It also renews DRF’s “HCare” parts-by- certification. the-hour contract with Airbus for the next

BARRY AMBROSE BARRY eight years. In total, DRF operates more than 50 Airbus helicopters from 35 bases in Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. INDEX In 2019, it flew 40,738 missions. AC Air Technology ...... 15 Airbus orders reach record Airbus said NASA also ordered three Air Methods ...... 28 H135s to provide helicopter EMS and Airbus Helicopters ...... 2, 18 passenger transport at the Kennedy Space Applied Video Imaging ...... 12 in 2019, H160 nears cert Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Two Astronautics...... 14 will be delivered in the third quarter and Astronics ...... 12 by Mark Huber a third in 2021. Bell ...... 4, 29 Finally, Las Vegas-based helitour oper- BLR Aerospace ...... 24 Blueberry Aviation ...... 12 Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even service with 1,500 customers. ator Maverick Helicopters has agreed to Camp Systems ...... 12 announced Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2020 Throughout Heli-Expo’s opening day, retrofit its entire fleet of 34 EC130B4s with CAMTS ...... 12 that the company’s installed fleet has Airbus announced a steady stream of new the Airbus Helicopters Crash Resistant Fuel Enstrom Helicopter ...... 6 achieved 100 million flight hours, a record orders for H125s and other models. System (CRFS). Maverick operates a mixed Erickson ...... 3, 19 2019 for new bookings thanks largely to Among them was an order from the fleet of 50 H130 and EC130B4 singles and FAA Administrator ...... 3 strong military orders, and certification U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s flies more than 250,000 passengers annu- FAIAS Lighting ...... 24 “within the next few weeks” of the new (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) ally from its locations in Las Vegas and Guardian Mobility ...... 10 intermediate twin H160. Shell Aircraft division for 16 H125s as part of a fleet- Hawaii. The CRFS has been standard on HAI ...... 30 would be one of the first operators of the modernization program. Over the past 30 H130s since its entry into service in 2012.n Hawaiian air tour task force ...... 17 H160 and fly it to support its offshore Heli-One ...... 18 energy operations, he added. HeliOffshore ...... 9 Helitak Firefighting Equipment ...... 12 Even also provided details on prod- ITT ...... 15 uct enhancements related to Airbus’s JetNet ...... 13 ubiquitous turbine single, the H125, that Milestone Aviation lands 7 more leases JSfirm ...... 14 provide up to an additional 419 pounds Kaman ...... 4 of payload and better hover ceiling per- Helicopter lessor Milestone Aviation Group analyze massive amounts of data for getting Kopter ...... 1 formance thanks to additional power (Booth 4916) has purchased three Leon- through the downturn. LCI...... 4 from the helicopter’s Safran Arriel 2D ardo AW139s and is leasing them back to “We are seeing a positive demand out- Leonardo ...... 1, 9 engine. The extra power will be a no-cost French helicopter services provider Héli- look,” Sheedy told AIN. “There are still Lufthansa Aviation Training ...... 19 enhancement on all new-build H125s and Union, boosting Milestone’s AW139 fleet to structural issues within the space, which MD Helicopters ...... 24 is expected to be available in the third more than 80. The transaction includes four will put a cap on how quickly we can Metro Aviation ...... 10, 19 quarter. A retrofit solution will be avail- additional leases: two Airbus H225s; an recover and how quickly capital will come Midwest AeroCare ...... 28 Milestone Aviation Group ...... 2 able for all AS350B3e series that requires additional AW139; and a lease extension for back into the space.” Pratt & Whitney ...... 8 a simple software upgrade to that helicop- another AW139. The primary concern, he said, is the Pulsar Infomatics ...... 25 ter’s vehicle and engine multifunction dis- Milestone CEO Pat Sheedy pronounced standard lease agreement. “When we Rotortrade ...... 13 play (VEMD). his company “delighted to expand our rela- purchase a new aircraft, we make a 25- Safran ...... 17 New H125s will also be equipped with tionship” with the French operator, with to 30-year bet on that aircraft. We lease Salute to Excellence ...... 20, 21, 22 the BLR Fast Fin tailrotor kit, which will which it’s been working for more than two that to our operators who make a six- to Sikorsky ...... 27 improve the OGE hover ceiling up to years. Héli-Union’s AW139s will be used eight-year bet on the lease,” but “an Sterling Helicopter ...... 13 13,400 feet, a gain of 2,300 feet. Avionics to support drilling programs, exploration, end-user can cancel the contract within Uniflight Global ...... 25 enhancements for the H125 include a sim- and production campaigns for oil and gas 60 days,” Sheedy said. “That risk-reward Universal Avionics ...... 10, 24 plified instrument panel with the Garmin customers in countries including Angola, equation just does not add up. And I think Urban air taxis ...... 16 G500H TXI touchscreen, remote display Gabon, and Myanmar, while the H225s will there was going to be a need to change VR-Technologies ...... 8 Vuichard recovery ...... 26 of the VEMD engine parameters via Blue- support drilling operations in Namibia. that if capital is going to continue to Windfarms and heli-ops ...... 16 tooth connection on smartphones and Low oil and gas prices and oversupply of come into this space.” tablets, useful when monitoring external aircraft have depressed the rotorcraft market If changes aren’t made, he said, “I think loads, and two additional upper windows since the middle of the last decade, leading to over the next number of years, if end-users to improve forward visibility. recent bankruptcies of high-profile helicopter want to start bringing in new products, and North American customer H125s are lessors. Sheedy credited Dublin-based Mile- new technology, the capital won’t be there

YOUR SOURCE FOR AVIATION NEWS assembled at Airbus’s manufacturing stone’s scale; the backing of parent company, unless there is a change in how they are plant in Columbus, Mississippi. World- J.W. www.ainonline.com GE Capital Aviation Services; and ability to contracting with their counterparties.” wide, more than 4,000 H125s are in

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FOR NEWS VIDEO FROM HELIEXPO

FOR NEWS VIDEO FROM EBACE ensure innovation can drive forward.” We’re serious The FAA is currently conducting trials for about getting on package deliveries by drone with UPS and FedEx, among others. top of safety Meanwhile, electric flying taxis are challenges you face in quickly moving “from prototype to test- the industry.” ing,” Dickson said, and the agency is “cur- rently engaged with the builders of more than 15 electric vertical takeoff and land- The former airline and fighter pilot ing aircraft projects.” admitted he has little background in heli- Helicopters have a fatal accident rate copters. “I’m a student and I’m here to of about 0.63 per 100,000 hours., eVTOL learn from you,” he told attendees. “But passengers of tomorrow will expect “the it’s clear to me from a professional per- [near-zero] level of safety achieved by the spective that rotary-wing aviation is a cen- airlines,” Dickson said, underscoring safe- tral element of our transportation system.” ty’s critical role in industry growth. Comprising about 6 percent of general As for current issues, Dickson cited the aviation aircraft in the U.S., helicopters safety of air-tour operations and noise as

MARIANO ROSALES make a “significant and even dispropor- particular problem areas. “I’m here to Although the helicopter industry is new to FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson, he welcomed tionate” impact “when you count the tell you this needs to change,” he said. the opportunity to learn about rotary-wing aviation from Heli-Expo attendees. benefits,” Dickson said, noting applica- “There’s a lot of energy in Congress as it tions include medevac, search-and-rescue, relates to safety and noise concerns. If we fire-suppression, and air-taxi operations. can’t take meaningful action on both of But traditional views of the industry are these fronts very soon, I suspect that path FAA Administrator Dickson outdated, given the rise of drones and the forward might be dictated to us.” nascent urban mobility industry, he added. Promising paths for enhancing safety Since the FAA established a mandatory include risk-based decision-making; imple- stresses safety at Heli-Expo registry four years ago, more than 1.5 mil- mentation of safety management systems; lion drones have been registered—some sharing of best industry practices; and by James Wynbrandt 400,000 of them for commercial use—and ensuring operators have clear channels the agency has already approved 27 opera- for employees to report safety concerns, Making his first appearance at Heli-Expo by the helicopter accident that claimed tors under Part 137 to use drones commer- without fear of retribution, he said. as FAA Administrator, Stephen Dickson Kobe Bryant and eight others on the eve cially to perform aerial applications. Dickson also cited FAA helicopter delivered a safety-focused message to of the gathering, “only 50 miles away from Three years ago, the FAA “shifted our safety initiatives including its Helicopter show attendees yesterday morning, cit- the convention center,” Dickson said. strategy from writing rules to getting Safety Team’s new “Workshop in a Box” ing numerous challenges the industry “Whatever the investigations ultimately machines in the air and flying, and tak- program. “We’re serious about getting

BARRY AMBROSE BARRY faces and what the FAA is doing to help determine, all of us in this room know ing lessons learned from the operations on top of safety challenges you face in craft solutions. that all too often helicopter accidents approval process to write better rules,” the industry,” he concluded. “The FAA is His safety theme was cast in sharp relief turned out to have been preventable.” he said, an approach that “can help us ready to work together with you.” n

disclosed over time. In fact, a partnership Erickson with a major OEM on a new flight con- trol system and cockpit awareness sys- tem is expected to be unveiled today at develops Heli-Expo. “The technology to accomplish what we want is out there, and it’s really a systems next-gen integration exercise,” he said. “We don’t see a huge amount of technology risk, but we are going to focus on the things heavy-lifter that we think are important for bringing the aircraft to market sooner rather than by Curt Epstein later.” Kitani added that the process will be subject to FAA approval, which could Erickson has begun preparations for what extend several years. it describes as the next generation of Among the upgrades will be a new Erickson has begun development on the next generation of its iconic heavy-lift S-64 Air Crane. heavy-lift helicopters, the Oregon-based zero-hour airframe—Erickson’s first to The Portland, Oregon-based OEM and operator has owned the type certificate for the airframe company announced on the opening day incorporate a new design—as well as since 1992 and has performed more than 3,000 modifications since. of Heli-Expo 2020. composite rotor blades that are pending CEO Doug Kitani described the con- FAA certification. Kitani demurred on role over the re-engining process. customers that own their own S-64 fleets, cept, which has been designated as the detailing the performance improvement While its initial effort will be to upgrade including South Korea and Italy, will S-64F+ Air Crane in general terms. “We the blades will impart to the aircraft until existing S-64s to the new F+ standard, Erick- request new models, while other govern- will build the world’s most advanced certification is granted, but allowed it son sees global demand for 50 to 100 new ments such as Australia, which currently heavy-lift and heavy-aerial-attack plat- would be significant. airframes. “We’re seeing things like in fire- leases the Air Crane, will desire its own. form,” he told the crowd gathered at the Another improvement will come from fighting where there are not enough aircraft “It’s a specialist aircraft in terms of company’s booth (7545). “Our goal is to more powerful Fadec-equipped engines, to go around,” Kitani said, using the recent being this ultra-heavy-lift aircraft, we’re improve the performance of the aircraft which would replace the original Pratt & fires in Australia as an example. “We’re see- not moving people around per se, like a and to provide unmatched night, terrain, Whitney models that have powered the ing where operators used to go between Chinook,” explained Kitani. “But for its and obstacle-awareness systems.” Air Crane since the late 1950s. Erickson Northern and Southern hemispheres, and mission—firefighting and precision con- Kitani mentioned that more specific has engaged Philadelphia-based Piasecki we’re seeing that model break down.” struction—it’s a phenomenal machine. details on the helicopter’s planned capa- Aircraft, which has enjoyed a long associ- While the upgrade process begins, With these improvements, we think it’s bilities, as well as partnerships, would be ation with the Air Crane, in a consultant the company anticipates its sovereign going to just be incredibly compelling.” n

ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 3

Pg-3_d2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 6:32 PM Kaman moves ahead with unmanned K-Max program by James Wynbrandt

Kaman Aerospace (Booth 4904) is advanc- Kaman Air Vehicle’s senior director of ing its military and commercial K-Max business development. unmanned aerial system (UAS)—an In parallel with the military project, autonomously flown version of the K-Max Kaman is developing a new K-Max UAS utility helicopter, the company reported kit for commercial applications, with Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2020. first flight slated for the third quar- The UAS K-Max proved itself in ter. Kit deliveries to launch customers Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Georgia-based Helicopter Express and Freedom, where the U.S. Marine Corps Oregon’s Swanson Group Aviation are

(USMC) deployed two of the platforms scheduled for 2021. ROSALES MARIANO PHOTOS: to supply forward bases. In two years in The UAS kit—which allows for pilot- An unmanned Kaman K-Max for commercial operators is the company’s latest developement, theater, the autonomously flown heavy less operations and can be installed or and first flight is set for the third quarter with deliveries beginning in 2021. haulers delivered more than 4.5 million removed in about an hour—will be avail- pounds of cargo—the equivalent load of able for both legacy and new K-Maxes. As “The Marines in Afghanistan did not orders, Athanas called the UAS K-Max 900 convoy vehicles—while boasting a 95 a UAS, the K-Max has a mission radius believe in the concept,” he said. “They “the wave of the future.” percent mission readiness rate. greater than 100 miles and is able to oper- said this is never going to work.” Developed by company founder and Taken out of service after the conflict ate at night and conditions too risky for The Marines ultimately credited the former CEO Charlie Kaman for logging ended, Kaman is updating those two manned operations, according to Kaman UAS deliveries with saving an estimated operations, the K-Max features a pair of helicopters under a U.S. Navy contract Swanson Group general manager Ste- 48 lives of soldiers who would have per- counterrotating props; their counteracting to “leverage advancements in unmanned ven Athanas, formerly an Army helicop- ished in equivalent ground convoy deliv- forces eliminate the need for a tail rotor, technologies, and add new autonomy ter pilot who flew in Afghanistan, led the eries. At a Kaman ceremony this week and is designed around an external hoist capabilities,” said Romin Dasmalchi, K-Max UAS program during the conflict. at Heli-Expo marking the commercial capable of lifting up to 6,000 pounds. n

When the 525 is certified, 37 kits will Bell 525 flight-test program in final stages also be approved, including items such as air-conditioning, floats, weather radar, by Matt Thurber dual radar altimeters, and other features needed for oil-and-gas industry custom- Bell’s production-conforming super- The Bell 525 at Heli-Expo is S/N 15, Bell isn’t providing a predicted timeline ers, said Bell. medium 525 Relentless is making its the fifth flying Relentless, but now one for FAA certification, but “we’re firmly in The full ice-protection system (FIPS) Heli-Expo debut this week in Anaheim, of four flight-test vehicles as the first was the certification phase,” he said. “Flight will come later, probably two years after California. Registered as N525TY, the lost in a flight-test accident. FAA flight testing is generating certification data with FAA certification, according to program helicopter made its way from Bell’s Fort testing will conclude after about 2,000 all four aircraft. It’s a matter of getting all director Byron Ward, primarily due to the Worth, Texas headquarters in about seven hours of flying, and the four helicop - the documentation and reports in hand need to find suitable icing conditions for hours and with four stops—a longer dis- ters are at about the three-quarter mark, and sending them to the FAA.” Once that flight testing. The FIPS was designed as tance than usual because of the restric- according to Josh O’Neil, Bell’s manager is done, the final steps are up to the FAA, an integral part of the 525 from the begin- tions on experimental aircraft flying over of technology and evaluation and chief and Bell has elected not to predict how ning, as were all the kits. densely populated areas. engineer for the 525 program. quickly the FAA will complete its work. Bell is targeting FAA production cer- tification shortly after type certification, Ward said. EASA certification is also planned fairly soon after the FAA nod, he added. While Bell isn’t identifying the num- ber of orders for the 525, some custom- ers have flown the helicopter. Bell has been collaborating with German oil and gas operator Wintershall Dea on testing of the 525, but the company hasn’t been identified as a 525 buyer. According to O’Neill, the 525 meets or With four Bell 525s exceeds all of Bell’s original design goals. in the flight-test With a fly-by-wire flight control system program, Bell flew and Garmin G5000 avionics suite, “this S/N 15 to Anaheim for design is going to be contemporary for display at its Heli-Expo the next 25 to 30 years,” he said. booth. This particular The 525 Relentless, which is powered super-medium 525 by two 1,714-shp GE CT7-2F1 turboshafts, is equipped for oil- has a 160-knot cruise speed and no- and-gas operations, reserve range of 580 nm. Hover ceiling with seats for 16 IGE is 10,700 feet and OGE is 8,100 feet. passengers and Max gross weight is 20,500 pounds, and a production- in the oil-and-gas configuration shown on conforming interior. N525TY, there are 16 passenger seats with close access to emergency exits. n

4 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

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20-MCJT28334 Helicopter Solutions-Missions Ad-10.8125x13.875-AIN_HAI Day2.indd 1 1/14/20 4:06 PM Enstrom celebrates

60-year anniversary | by Mark Huber Enstrom Helicopter marked 60 years in The company’s roots derived from business on December 22. Over the period, the garage-produced prototypes the company has delivered more than 1,300 of Michigan mining engineer Rudy helicopters to customers in 50 countries. Enstrom in the 1940s and 1950s. Enstrom (Booth 2904) was for- mally incorporated in 1959, and its first production helicopter, the F28, was certified in 1965, beating out the iconic Ford Mustang automobile for “Michigan Product of the Year.” An additional piston-engine model, HELICOPTER ENGINES the 280, was added in the 1970s, the same decade when production peaked at 100 aircraft per year from the company’s plant in Menomi- nee, Michigan. Enstrom went on to develop the single-engine turbine model, the 480, in the 1990s. The company has had multiple ownerships over the years includ- ing the Purex Corporation, celebrity attorney F. Lee Bailey, and inventor Dean Kamen. Today Enstrom oper- ates from a modern 160,000-sq-ft plant in Menominee and is owned by China’s Chongqing General Avi- ation Industry Group Co. (CGAG). RESPONSIVE AND Current production aircraft include the F28F and 280FX turbocharged piston-engine models and the tur- MISSION-FOCUSED bine-engine 480B. n

LCI adds AW139s, S-92s

Helicopter lessor LCI (Booth 7710) announced long-term leases for five rotorcraft— three Leonardo AW139s and two Sikorsky S-92s. The leases were made via a new $100 million investment vehicle in partnership with the Flexam Tangible Asset Income Fund, registered in Luxembourg. Flexam invests in industrial equipment and commercial real estate. Responsiveness and focus, these key qualities are shared with our customers “The helicopter leasing and reflected in their missions every day. With unparalleled helicopter engines marketplace is a dynamic one and the steadfast commitment of our support teams, we are a market leader offering many investment dedicated to your success. opportunities,” said Flexam Invest partners Fabrice Fraikin safran-helicopter-engines.com #ARRIUS #ARRIEL #ARRANO #MTR390 #ARDIDEN #MAKILA #RTM322 #ANETO @safran-engines and Florian de Sigy. LCI’s fleet of almost 100 air- craft is valued at approximately $1 billion. The fleet is deployed across four continents in multi- ple sectors, including offshore wind, emergency medical ser- vices, search and rescue, mari- time pilot transfer, and offshore oil and gas. M.H.

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8 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com Leonardo marks milestones at Philadelphia facility by Mark Huber

Leonardo Helicopters managing director delivered to the Philadelphia training Gian Piero Cutillo said the company has academy this summer. It features a six- “successfully achieved its industrial plan” degrees-of-freedom electric-motion due to profitable contracts and “contin- system, a high-performance vibration uous optimization” of the company’s platform, 220 by 75 degrees field of “industrial process.” He also made clear view, and the CAE Medallion high-res- this week at Heli-Expo that the company’s olution image generator. Philadelphia plant is taking on an increas- Leonardo also said it would offer ingly important role. AW609 customers high-fidelity training Major milestones achieved at the on a virtual enhanced training device rotorcraft maker during the preceding (VETD) that uses actual aircraft com- year include deliveries of the 1,000th ponents to replicate the cockpit. AW609 AW139 intermediate twin, including the training also will include a distance and 300th AW139 produced at its Philadel- e-learning package complemented with phia plant; delivery of the 100th AW169 interactive computer-based training, a medium twin; winning the U.S. Navy’s virtual cockpit trainer, and a full AW609 helicopter training program contract; maintenance training bay. The AW609 initial production of the first two cus- test fleet has amassed more than 1,600 tomer AW609 civil tiltrotors for Era Heli- hours and test AC4 made its first flight in copters; and the continued development late December. of its larger, next-generation tiltrotor, In addition, customer service from scheduled for first flight in 2023. Accord- Philadelphia was augmented following ing to Cutillo, Leonardo has expanded the opening of a satellite Gulf of Mexico its share of the turbine multi-engine VIP maintenance facility in Broussard, Lou- helicopter market to 40 percent world- siana, last February to primarily service Leonardo’s AW609 matches the utility of a tiltrotor configuration with modern touchscreen wide by dollar value. the offshore energy market. During 2019, Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics, as seen in the company’s simulator. Meanwhile, Leonardo’s Philadelphia the Broussard facility repaired 100 rotor plant will take on increased importance blades and has the ability to grow that planning. As the company transitions to analytics, algorithms for cyber-protec- with the award of the Navy contract this capacity fourfold in 2020. HAS, it is integrating a range of digital tool- tion, and advanced power management. year and the Air Force’s contract for 84 Cutillo said Leonardo plans to transform sets into a secure portal it calls Leonardo He said the company is also working MH-139s, awarded in 2018, said Cutillo. its customer support into a helicopter as Helicopter Advanced Services. on urban air mobility and eVTOL air - He reported that annual revenues at Phil- a service (HAS) digital solution, where all Going forward, Cutillo said Leonardo craft, but that “it requires a partnering adelphia have grown to $551 million, add- Leonardo helicopters would be connected will continue to invest in innovative new effort with synergies across different ing that the location now employs 700 to real-time, 24/7 maintenance monitoring products and “disruptive technologies,” competencies. We will provide more and operates three assembly lines. via a sophisticated system that employs including advanced materials and pro- evidence of what we are thinking at the William Hunt, president of the Philadel- artificial intelligence and enhanced mission cesses, real-time sensors and advanced right time,” he said. n phia operation, said the company plans to open a fourth production line to accommo- date the new Navy program. Philadelphia currently is Leonardo’s sole facility for pro- ducing the AW119, the base airframe for the Oil companies step up investments in shared work to deliver safety excellence Navy’s new TH-73A trainer. in areas we know will save lives,” said Cutillo said Leonardo Philadelphia HeliOffshore’s safety programs HeliOffshore CEO Gretchen Haskins. “It is would continue to grow with the opening especially encouraging to see this powerful of a new training academy there this June The International Association of Oil and hazard analysis training and underpin investment in safety in the current challeng- and noted that the U.S.-installed fleet has Gas Producers (IOGP) announced plans to work to systematically consider the poten- ing business environment. We call for our doubled over the last decade and now invest in HeliOffshore’s work to enhance tial for human error and develop ways to members to create the business case for JIP stands at 500 helicopters. Worldwide, the safety of offshore helicopter opera- address these through changes in design funding for new collaborative projects with he said Leonardo has provided training tions. Funding will be channeled through and maintenance procedures; and opera- the potential to prevent fatalities.” for more than 1,200 operators with 5,000 a new Joint Industry Project (JIP) as part tional effectiveness projects, such as evi- HeliOffshore is the safety-focused helicopters in 40 countries and that of IOGP’s wider Project Safira goal of dence-based training, pilot eye-tracking association for the offshore helicopter annually the company trains more than eliminating fatalities from the upstream research, and a new weather-information industry, with more than 100 member com- 10,000 students who accumulate more energy business. and rig-location trial. panies worldwide. This week, the group than 41,000 hours in 16 full-flight simula- In the first 12 months of the new JIP, “The unique collaboration demonstrated announced the appointment of Keith Mullett tors, nine maintenance training devices, IOGP’s Safety and Aviation Committee by the JIP participants offers a means of to its board of directors. Mullett is president and three flight training devices (FTDs). is committing £500,000 ($650,000) to accelerating vital offshore helicopter safety of PHI International and acting president of Annual training also includes more than HeliOffshore programs. The funding is sup- programs, combining with expertise of our PHI Americas. 6,500 in-aircraft hours. ported by 10 IOGP member companies, but HeliOffshore and helicopter operator part- In December, HeliOffshore published Leonardo and CAE have developed more are expected to join them during the ners, to deliver the zero-fatality operational its first annual Helicopter Safety Perfor- a new level-D simulator based on the course of this year. performance we all strive for,” commented mance Report, which provides a summary CAE 3000 Series that will feature Initially, the new JIP will support the Tony Cramp, chairman of the IOGP aviation of safety performance by offshore opera- roll-on/roll-off capabilities to allow for HeliOffshore Safety Intelligence Program committee. The JIP is being chaired by IOGP tors based on data gathered through the quick interchange between the AW609 (HSIP) to aid data-driven decisions on how safety director Olav Skar. HSIP. The first report covers the 2013 to and AW169 cockpits. The simulator to advance safety work and verify that the “We are delighted with this strong com- 2018 period, and an updated report is due will be operated by the Leonardo/CAE work is delivering the right results; human mitment from the oil companies to our to be published in June. R.F. joint venture, Rotorsim, and will be

ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 9

Pg-9_d2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 6:10 PM a single-pilot/dual-pilot IFR avionics Metro delivers first U.S.-made EC145e system, representing a major update from the original basic VFR panel. The by James Wynbrandt standard medical interior includes extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, Metro Aviation has delivered the first (Booth 3624) is showcasing the helicop- Louisiana completions facility and head- intra-aortic balloon pumps, and nitric U.S.-made Airbus EC145e, it announced ter this week at its Heli-Expo display in quarters. Duke Life Flight program direc- oxide ventilation equipment. this morning at Heli-Expo 2020. It is Anaheim. tor René Borghese said the completion Other operators of Metro’s EC145e one of two of the medium twins ordered The operator’s EC145es are equipped process “has been seamless—we actually include Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; by Duke Health’s Duke Life Flight from with a lightweight IFR package Metro took delivery sooner than expected.” GundersonAir; West Michigan Air Care; the air medical services provider. Metro developed and installed at its Shreveport, A lower-cost variant of the out-of- and the University of Utah AirMed. These production EC145C2, the -e model shares ships were made in Donauwörth. its predecessor’s 7,903-pound mtow, but Though the platform’s cost is unan- has an increased useful load, service ceil- nounced, Metro said the starting price ing, and endurance. Also similar to the point is “well below comparably sized U.S. Army’s UH-72A Lakota, the EC145e, aircraft,” and it has taken orders for more formerly produced in Donauwörth, Ger- than 20 of the helicopters. many, is now built at the same Airbus Metro also expects to receive Transport facility in Columbus, Mississippi, where Canada certification for the EC145e’s IFR the Lakota is manufactured. package this year. This certification will Airbus Helicopters (Booth 3432, Static come ahead of expected 2020 delivery of Displays 19 and 21) unveiled the EC145e an IFR-capable EC145e to Canadian EMS at Heli-Expo 2015 in tandem with naming operator Airmedic. n Metro as its launch customer. At the 2018 gathering, Metro placed a $125 million fleet order for 25 EC145es. Metro has continued improving the YOUR SOURCE FOR AVIATION NEWS platform, and last year partnered with www.ainonline.com Genesys AeroSystems to incorporate

BARRY AMBROSE BARRY ENEWSLETTER FOR BUSINESS AVIATION This Airbus EC145e, on display at Heli-Expo 2020, is one of two ordered by Duke Life Flight Universal Avionicswww.ainonline.com/ addsalerts and features a Genesys Aerosystems IFR avionics suite and a medical-transport interior. i-FMS to Fly by Sight AERO DEFENSE INDUSTRY ENEWSLETTER by Rob Finfrock www.ainonline.com/subscribe Guardian Mobility debuts new dual-mode Universal Avionics (Booth 3408) unveiled location, pinpoint it visually, and then satellite and cellular flight tracker a new software-based i-FMS navigation click a button. It will then mark the

system this week at Heli-Expo 2020. This locationAIR TRANSPORT and put INDUSTRY it in the ENEWSLETTER flight manage- Guardian Mobility has launched its new connections offer a broader range of marks the latest development to its Fly ment system. After the location is set, www.ainonline.com/subscribe G4C dual-mode flight tracking system, coverage at a reasonable price, allowing by Sight integrated head-up/head- Golan said the pilot “can select the nav- the Canadian manufacturer announced the system to meet the demands of any down concept for the heli- igation actions again, all by looking on Tuesday at Heli-Expo 2020. This latest mission no matter the location by using copter market. outside. The pilot doesn’t have to unit is designed for global fleet opera- the more advantageous channel. The company intro- tap away via FMS.” tors such as law enforcement, EMS, and The G4C also enables operators to duced the Fly by Sight “We are continuing to develop government agencies, with missions into simultaneously view and track ground concept at last year’s FOR NEWS VIDEOand FROM enhance HELIEXPO our capa- areas as varied as remote to metropolitan, and air units on one screen, as well as Heli-Expo, combin- bilities, bringing according to Guardian (Booth 3624). through the GMI Connect app, which ing the InSight flight a fully functional The single unit, which can be either communicates with the unit via Bluetooth. deck display suite demonstration installed permanently or moved from Using any smart device, aircrews can with its ClearVision to the show this aircraft to aircraft, focuses on deliver- send and receive text messages, initiate enhanced flight vision Universal Avionics FOR NEWS VIDEO FROMyear, EBACE featuring ing continuous and efficient coverage mark-current-position and alerts reports, system (EFVS) that SkyLens and EFVS even more mission through both satellite and cellular chan- and configure the system for automatic can be viewed through and life-saving operation capa- nels, which allows users to transmit flight following (AFF), additional telemetry either a SkyLens head-wearable display or bilities critical to EMS, law enforcement, data at the same time, without inter - unit reports, flight data monitoring system SkyVis helmet-mounted display. and SAR operators,” said company CEO ruption, while transiting between urban logging, and external input triggered map- According to Universal, the integrated Dror Yahav. “i-FMS offers the latest in and remote areas. Combined, the two ping events. C.E. system improves safety in low-visibility design flexibility with a feature set that environments and allows more intuitive provides helicopter operators with head-up operation during critical flight advanced mission capabilities that are phases. With the addition of iFMS, oper- simplified, automated and more intu- ators can also view critical flight man- itive, and enhancing mission launch agement information through either completion rates, while maintaining the wearable display. highest level of safety.” Fly by Sight is building on the compa- Heli-Expo attendees can participate ny’s enhanced vision capabilities, said in a demonstration of the Fly by Sight Tal Golan, business development man- helicopter system at Universal’s booth. ager for Universal Avionics. Ultimately, The integrated system also includes high- The GMI Connect iOS app enables users to connect via Bluetooth to the Guardian a pilot will be able to manipulate fea - resolution LCD screens, 3D synthetic Mobility G4C dual-mode flight tracking system. tures visually. vision system, and 2D topographical mov- With the system, a pilot can look at a ing map functionality. n

10 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

Pg-10_d2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 1:57 PM Complete Lifecycle Sustainment for Legacy Avionics & Electronics

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www . extantaerospace . com faster,” said ILS executive v-p and gen- News Clips Camp Systems previews eral manager John Herrman. “We look forward to demonstrating the value of Astronics Gets Canadian STC our marketplace, as well as our business for Bell 407 Max-Viz SVS new mx-tracking programs intelligence solutions, to our customers Astronics Corporation (Booth 1428) and helicopter industry partners.” has received an amended STC from by Rob Finfrock Camp supports 20,000 aircraft, 32,000 Transport Canada for its Max-Viz 1400 engines, and 1,500 maintenance facili- and 1200 Enhanced Vision Systems on Aviation maintenance tracking provider analytical data and artificial intelligence ties. The company is the factory-recom- Bell 407 helicopters. Astronics obtained Camp Systems is previewing its new algorithms to determine up-to-date mar- mended maintenance tracking provider the approval in cooperation with Calgary, suite of digital maintenance tools this ket values of parts and services for heli- for Airbus Corporate Jets, Beechcraft, Canada-based Avio. The first installation week at Heli-Expo 2020. Camp is also copter industry customers. Bell, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier, is being performed on a Bell 407GXI for being joined by its recently acquired “Forward-thinking helicopter indus- Cessna, Daher, Dassault, Embraer, Gulf- a VIP client, New York-based Astronics digital parts, equipment and services try operators, OEMs, and distributors stream, Honda Aircraft, Leonardo, Piag- said. FAA validation is expected to marketplace company—Inventory increasingly need aerospace industry gio, Pilatus, Quest, Viking, and numerous follow within six months, it added. Locator Services (ILS)—in exhibiting intelligence to make better decisions other aircraft manufacturers. n at the show. Applied Video Imaging Extends The new digital solutions on display at Warranty to Three Years Camp’s booth (4636) include advanced Charlottesville, Virginia-based Applied component maintenance tracking, com- Video Imaging (AVI, Booth 2525), which prehensive fleetwide document manage- Air Center gets special ops accreditation makes rugged video system components, ment, and a fully digital maintenance has extended its warranty period from program manager. The Commission on Accreditation of Med- provided aviation services, performing two to three years. Users who have “Camp has worked very closely with our ical Transport Systems (CAMTS, Booth multiple missions for diverse customers already purchased AVI products will also customers to develop tools and processes 2610), which is dedicated to improving the in various challenging expeditionary envi- get the three-year warranty applied that affect meaningful improvements in quality of patient care and safety during ronments around the world. to the products from the original date the airworthiness reliability of their air- transport, awarded its first special opera- Currently, Air Center is supporting per- of service, while those who already craft,” said Camp director of rotor aircraft tions accreditation to Air Center Helicop- sonal recovery and casualty evacuation purchased a one-year extended health management Brian Driscoll. “Mod- ters of Burleson, Texas. in Northwest Africa. Its medical teams warranty will have their warranty ern maintenance organizations require “We are particularly pleased to award consist of two paramedics, many with automatically extended to four years. airtight control over their maintenance this full accreditation to Air Center Heli- previous special operations backgrounds. AVI offers a full line of switches, program. Tens of thousands of operators copters, opening up a new sector ded- The company’s medics are nationally reg- converters, quad processors, and displays rely on Camp every month to ensure their icated to increasing safety in patient istered paramedics, while its crews are that are rugged, open architecture, aircraft are airworthy and these tools help transport,” said CAMTS executive director certified in tactical combat casualty care. modular SDI based, and use a systems them do that.” Eileen Frazer. “This signifies CAMTS’s con- Air Center’s fleet includes the Airbus approach to integrate modern and legacy Formerly a subsidiary of Boeing, ILS tinued growth and acceptance as the gold H225, AS332L1, and AS350B3; Bell 412EP, components. Its products are tested to also displayed several of its offerings standard in medical transportation safety.” 407, and 206; and various fixed-wing air- DO-160 standards and are in wide use in at the Camp booth, including the Fair For more than 30 years, ACH has craft. R.R.P. military and law enforcement helicopters Market Value (FMV) report that uses and airplanes. The units are also suitable for military ground vehicles and marine applications, the company added.

Blueberry Reaches Juicy Trading Milestone Global aircraft brokerage Blueberry Aviation has reached a milestone in its rotorcraft trading business, completing 400 preowned helicopter transactions worth $1 billion since 2003, it announced this week at Heli-Expo 2020. “We believe used equipment is the key to operators regaining profitability in a difficult economic environment, and Blueberry Aviation is keen to support its customers to acquire used aircraft, in particular by sourcing financing solutions,” said company CEO François Gautier. Last year, Monaco-based Blueberry (Booth 5232) brokered 28 helicopter deals, covering all of the major OEMs, mission types and regions, and it has recently launched a fully updated website with new features and easier access to available aircraft. “We strongly believe that the preowned helicopter market not only offers huge opportunities but that it will be

MARIANO ROSALES instrumental in reshaping the global helicopter industry and allow it to regain Thankful for the Fire Tanks buoyancy,” explained Aubrey Point, Helitak Firefighting Equipment’s Tyler White demonstrates the attributes of the company’s fire tanks, two of which are on display at Heli-Expo Blueberry’s executive vice president. 2020. For full control of the tanks, Helitak offers its Live Programmable Logic Controller, which is also on display and gives operators telemetry “We continue to identify opportunities on water collection and water drop volume and position, tank and door operation controls, and full-featured reporting. to deliver great value to the market.”

12 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

Pg-12_d2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 3:54 PM JetNet adds new booklets based on in-house intel Industry data provider JetNet will demon- serial-number-specific and make/model strate new functionality for its market fleet overviews, they can tailor their data reports tool this week at Heli-Expo 2020. sets for a more sophisticated audience. The feature generates 20-page, book- JetNet (Booth 3513) actively let-style reports based on the company’s researches more than 32,000 in-service intelligence software, including model helicopters worldwide, and its database Rotortrade reported that single-engine helicopters like this Rainier Heli International-operated specifications, fleet composition, market contains transaction information on AS350B3 were among the most popular preowned helicopters that traded hands in 2019. characteristics, buying habits, and sales nearly 60,000 retail helicopter sales trends. Subscribers to the service can over the past two decades, along with now customize those reports for client data about 12 brands and 146 models models led by the Airbus AS350 AStar and and internal use. of both turbine and piston helicopters. Rotortrade: Bell 206 families. “Our new features will increase profes- Users can also access detailed individ- While twin turbines had a smaller num- sionals’ productivity and improve their ual aircraft specifications with owner/ ber of sales, their value accounts for a dis- client decision-making,” explained Mike operator contact information. more turn proportionate 70 percent of the preowned Foye, the company’s director of marketing. The Utica, New York-based company also market, with Leonardo and Sikorsky taking “Nearly all of our improvements are based recently launched JetNet for Salesforce on center stage. In the heavy category, civil on client and industry input, so we are pro- the Salesforce AppExchange, providing to used helo preowned sales remain limited, but Rotor- viding tools our users want and need.” users with a variety of tools, including the craft noted a resurgence of the AS332 and With the new customization, cus- ability to access and import company, con- H225 Super Pumas reconfigured from off- tomers can now choose which param- tact, and aircraft data, as well as create, market shore transport to firefighting and utility. eters they wish to display under their update, and customize company contacts In terms of vintage, two-thirds of the own logo and branding. With dozens of and aircraft records with a single click. C.E. by Curt Epstein rotorcraft sold were older than model-year 2005. The average single-engine helicopter Helicopter broker Rotortrade believes sold (model-year 1997) was slightly older the focus will remain on the preowned than the twin-engines (model-year 2000), helicopter market as new civil turbine while the Leonardo AW helicopters aver- helicopter sales are expected to remain aged the youngest year-of-manufacture under pressure. According to the Singa- (2008). Bell anchored the opposite end of pore-based company, the preowned rotor- the range, with the oldest average year of craft market is now more than 2.5 times manufacture (1992). larger than the new segment, forcing Among the top preowned market OEMs to reevaluate trade-in requests as drivers listed by Rotorcraft are price, part of transactions. maintainability, ease of customization, Rotortrade (Booth 56) said that among airworthiness authority (helicopters with the 1,500 preowned helicopters sold in FAA or EASA STC’d modifications are 2019 (versus 600 new deliveries), approx- more easily exported and operated glob- imately two-thirds were single-engine ally), age, and life cycle cost. n

Sterling Helicopter expands engineering services to speed up STC development

Sterling Helicopter (Booth 2328) is at a reasonable rate and timeline.” expanding its array of services with the Some projects are already in the works, establishment of an engineering division. including on the design-and-build front, as In the works for years, the division opened well as STCs, he said. On the engineering late last year to provide services including side, Sterling can provide everything from engineering, supplemental type certifi- CAD drawings, designs, and schematics cates (STCs), and manufacturing support and structural mounting to designated Edward Allen, who was part of the team services, ground and flight tests, and at Gulfstream Aerospace that worked manuals development. toward the certification of the OEM’s new STC work will cover full services, from G500 and G600 ultra-long-range jets, development to project management, joined the Philadelphia-based MRO and flight test, and coordination with the FAA heliport operator to head up the new divi- and foreign authorities. As for manufac- sion as director of engineering. Allen also turing, Sterling can provide capabilities brings a background in special-missions with sheet metal, wiring and harnesses, certifications with Gulfstream. machining, and STC kitting, among others. Sterling is hoping to fill a gap in the Services are offered for both heli -

market for such services, he said, add- copters and fixed-wing, he said. As the AMBROSE BARRY PHOTOS: ing that “the marketplace has a shortage projects continue to build up, Allen said, of good, responsive, and trustworthy Sterling anticipates adding engineering Teamwork Makes for Safer Skies sources to manage and run an STC project support later this year. K.L. During the busy arrival days at Heli-Expo, ground crew need to keep the hardware moving to clear space for more helicopters like this Airbus AS350.

ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 13

Pg-13_d2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 11:38 AM data and offboard it automatically to a ground server such that an operator doesn’t have to worry about the manual way of getting the data off anymore. They can just fly the aircraft.” The system builds on the communi- cations experience that Astronautics has built over the past decade, including with the Airbus A400M. In that program, the Astronautics system interfaces with a multitude of computer systems on board the aircraft for data loading, general communications, maintenance tracking, and other functions. Shifting over to the Airbus Heli - copters suite was a natural fit, said Astronautics displays and cockpit inter- gration product strategy manager Brian Keery. “With our experience…it was per- fect for us.” Building out the wACS unit, the com- pany eyed the helicopter maker’s goals of improving predictive maintenance capabilities, gaining an enhanced under- standing of the helicopter’s operations in flight, providing in-flight entertainment capabilities to passengers, and ensur- ing that all the data coming on and off Airbus’s H145 is the first helicopter to see installation of the Astronautics wireless Airborne Communications System (wACS) data exchange the helicopter is accomplished securely. platform. Eventually, wACS will enable inflight connectivity via cellular networks. “Their higher message was connectiv- ity, maintenance, ease of use, alerts, and wireless remote capability of automated data,” Berrian said. Astronautics preps wACS for market entry As far as in-flight connectivity, the unit will eventually connect to the cel - by Kerry Lynch lular network, using a new proprietary technology that Astronautics is devel- The Astronautics wireless Airborne Com- through Airbus HCare analytics services helicopter, as well as provide the ability to oping. Since those connections are ter- munications System (wACS) is in the final to enhance safety, operational and sup- better pinpoint issues that might occur. restrially pointed, there won’t be an stages of market entry on various Airbus port costs, and availability. It automates Operational and maintenance data can be issue with rotor interference. “This is a Helicopters platforms, beginning with the what has been a more manual process aggregated and securely transferred to an big deal—being able to get weather data H145. Part of Airbus Helicopters’ push to that requires the use of an SD card to onboard repository via Wi-Fi or cellular through cellular means in flight, and for move to digital management of its fleets, pull data off the helicopter while on the connection, and pilot/crew tablets can be VIP passengers to have a mobile office wACS will provide the ability to upload ground. Now data can be transmitted securely connected to onboard avionics in flight. Our cellular radios are about data and information to the aircraft, securely via Wi-Fi or cellular, providing in flight. five times stronger than what’s in your download information off the aircraft, and much quicker access to information. “It can provide two-way communica- cellphone,” he said. connect while in flight. Astronautics added that ability will tion on and off the aircraft,” said Joshua As far as flight tests, he said, the sys- Formal flight tests supporting Euro- help better prepare the helicopter for Berrian, the senior program manager of tem has proven to meet its targets. Flight- pean Union Aviation Safety Agency flight, with faster performance compu- connected aircraft solutions for Astronau- test teams “have literally had no negative approval of wACS on the Airbus Heli - tations, support for the flight operations tics. “We can take a flight plan wirelessly, feedback…it just works. So, we’re really copters aircraft were conducted in the team and maintainers as they manage the load it to the FMS, and we also retrieve excited about that,” Berrian said. n third quarter, and the Milwaukee-based electronics specialist (Booth 1428) has also delivered final software updates for production aircraft. Noting the milestones as the wACS JSfirm and NEMSPA ink job-posting deal and partnerships for our members and to readies for the market, Astronautics pres- share with the air ambulance industry,” said ident Chad Cundiff said, “We look for- The National EMS Pilots Association (NEM- valuable resource on its website.” Jill Dunagan, NEMSPA’s general manager. ward to working with Airbus Helicopters SPA, Booth 6416) has partnered with avi- The announcement follows a similar one “We are also growing our membership base as the advanced communication system ation job website operator JSfirm, which last year, in which JSfirm (Booth 2604) part- and a partnership with JSfirm is a perfect becomes standard fit for these new-pro- will result in all aviation job opportunities nered with HAI itself to create a job bank way to put resources into our pilots’ hands.” duction helicopters.” posted on the JSfirm website being search- on HAI’s website. It provides a searchable, Hutter said overall traffic to its website, Astronautics’s wACS combines an air- able on NEMSPA’s website. interactive database of thousands of avi- which has been in operation for more than borne communications server (AFS6400), “Our job distribution partnerships pro- ation job postings from companies world- two decades, is up along with the number connectivity module (AFS6460), and mote aviation job opportunities through wide that are posted through JSfirm. The of companies using it to advertise open remote media device (AFS6480) to industry-leading associations,” said JSfirm HAI page has a focus on helicopter-indus- positions or search its resume database. provide secure air-to-ground data executive director Abbey Hutter, adding the try-specific openings, with jobs posted by Users can test their aviation knowledge transmission. company continues to expand its partner- HAI members highlighted and marked with through skill check, a series of short quiz- With the system, helicopters will be ships with niche aviation organizations. “As an HAI Member icon. zes that cover all aspects of aviation. “We able to connect to Airbus Helicopters the only association in the U.S. dedicated to With the new deal, NEMSPA members also have an interactive map that allows data platforms via the Helionix avionics the representation and professional devel- receive 20 percent off on the purchase of job seekers to view all aviation compa- suite, enabling the OEM and its customer opment of EMS pilots, NEMSPA understands any new JSfirm job advertising packages. nies, where they can follow, research, and support team, along with the opera - the importance of offering members this “NEMSPA is working on new initiatives export a company list,” she told AIN. C.E. tors themselves, to leverage that data

14 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

Pg-14_d2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 8:45 AM The T1H2, which is being demon - Tug maker AC Air debuts strated at the company’s booth (3704), is a motorized, wireless remote-con - ITT Enidine trolled unit that can load, carry, and smooths the ride first helicopter mover unload any helicopter with skids up to 6,000-pounds. for helicopters by Curt Epstein Powered by a pair of six-inch-wide treads, one on either side of the T1H2’s Reducing vibrations in helicopters Among the companies making their Heli- seven units in its product lineup and more 84-inch wide frame, it crawls under is beneficial to both the machines Expo debut is AC Air Technology, which than 1,800 in service worldwide. “We’ve the front of the skids, while a pair of and the people who ride in them. is at the show this week in Anaheim, to been selling those for seven years now, so motorized conveyor belts on top of the Enidine, Aerospace Controls, and highlight its new T1H2 helicopter tug. The we’ve been in the business for a while, but unit grab the skids and lift the heli - Matrix Composites—all subsidiaries Chino, California-based company has been this is our first helicopter tug,” said Tracy copter as the tug moves further under- of ITT (Booth 5517)—are showcas- making tugs for airplanes since 2012, with Haeggstrom, AC Air’s engineering manager. neath it. Once secure on top of the tug, ing the Lead Lag Damper Silicone, the operator can even use the remote along with their collective portfolio control from inside the helicopter to of highly engineered products for drive it to the takeoff location or back the rotorcraft industry, this week at to the hangar. Heli-Expo 2020. Weighing 280 pounds, the unit can be Enidine’s products reduce noise disassembled for easy transport without and vibration, providing a more tools. Fully rechargeable, it has a contin- comfortable ride to passengers and uous run time of 30 minutes. From a full a longer lifespan for numerous com- discharge state, recharging takes several ponents, while Aerospace Controls’ hours, but for customers anticipating electric heaters and Matrix Compos- heavy usage, the battery pack can be ites’ technologies improve rotorcraft quickly swapped. performance. The T1H2 is expected to be available Among the products that ITT is by mid-year and the company is now showing this week at the annual taking orders. List price is $16,950, but helicopter show are high-capacity Haeggstrom said a show special will be laminated bearings, electric air duct Known for its line of remote-controlled airplane tugs, Chino, California-based AC Air available to Heli-Expo attendees who heaters, butterfly valves, and preci- Technology has introduced its first unit designed for transporting rotorcraft and is displaying come to see it and enter their names in sion composites. R.R.P. it as a first-time exhibitor at Heli-Expo 2020 in Anaheim. the order book. n

ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 15

Pg-15_d2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 4:48 PM flight hours and over 1,500 hoist cycles per Windfarms year is not unusual,” said Bechtel. “Alpha Ventus is the smallest of the nearest wind- farms to shore. All other wind farms are are venues larger—with an average of 80 turbines— and farther offshore. The windfarm far- thest offshore is Global Tech1, which has for heli-ops a manned OSS and 80 turbines of the 5MW-type. It is approximately 140 km by Mario Pierobon northwest of Emden [Germany]. Helicop- ter hoist operations are performed almost One could draw up an endless list of spe- daily. The OSS has a fueling facility and cialized and high-risk tasks that can be the helideck is equipped and approved for accomplished with helicopters, but given day and night operations.” the current interest in renewable energy, More than 38 wind farms with more than yet another application has been imple- 2,000 wind turbines in the North Sea—as mented: servicing windfarms at sea. well as in the Baltic Sea—are approved The North Sea has been one of the “test by the German authorities and are in the benches” of wind energy production. A planning or construction phase or are in major early offshore windfarm installed in operation. Almost all of them consider the North Sea is Alpha Ventus, which was helicopters in their logistics concept. Most started in 2009 around 45 km offshore. of the windfarms are in the North Sea, with “With 12 turbines of the 5MW type, it is 24 already installed or under construction more a test windfarm, which nevertheless with over 1,200 turbines and another seven was—and still is—an important project in the planning or approval process (with to learn from and transfer the knowledge more than 300 turbines). to larger projects,” said Steffen Bechtel, Multiple operators serve the windfarms director or windpark heliflight consult- in the North Sea with hoist-equipped ing. “In the meantime, the operators of EC135s, H145s, AW139s, and AW169s Alpha Ventus—E.ON, EWE, and Vatten- operating mostly from the coastline of fall—have installed other wind farms in Germany. In recent years, while legacy the North Sea: Amrumbank West, Riffgat, offshore operations have gone through and DanTysk.” difficult times, the windfarm operators From the start, helicopters were used have experienced sizeable fleet expan-

during installation, commissioning, and WIKIMEDIA COMMONS: STEKRUEBE sions. The fact that an alternative to tra- operation of the windfarms. “Helicop- The 12 wind turbines and an electrical substation of the Alpha Ventus Offshore Wind Farm in ditional offshore aviation has emerged ters serve for the transfer of personnel the North Sea, at 45 km offshore, require helicopter transportation for regular servicing. offers some reassurance to the economic and cargo to the offshore substation players of the helicopter industry. “Some [OSS], which is equipped with a helideck of the most challenging tasks one can find helicopters are used on a regular basis to two years ago, helicopter hoist operations and the wind turbine generators [WTG]. as a professional helicopter pilot. Qual- ensure the continuing operation of the to offshore windfarms also started in the Transfer to the WTG is only possible ifications like flying according to instru- windfarms. In fact, from a wave height of UK. Denmark—where helicopter oper- via helicopter hoist,” said Bechtel. “The ment flight rules [IFR], hoist operations, around 1.5 m, the crew transfer vessels ations to offshore windfarms started in passengers need special training for this multi-pilot, and offshore operations are (CTV) can start to have problems hold- 2001 from the airport of Esbjerg to the type of transfer and there are specific all required.” ing a steady position on the foundation windfarm Horns Rev—is already quite requirements regarding the operator, the The learning curve was steep and still of the installations to safely disembark experienced in that area; but other Euro- crew, and helicopter performance. Flying is. Since transfering service technicians personnel. “The amount of flight hours pean countries are about to catch up and offshore in combination with helicopter to the turbines and the OSS by boat is and hoist cycles for a windfarm depends are planning this type of operation in the hoist operations to wind turbines is one possible only up to a certain sea state, on various factors, but approximately 400 near future,” concluded Bechtel. n

Study: 430,000 urban air taxis by 2040

There will be more than 430,000 urban air looking to especially invest in hybrid fuel taxis in operation by 2040, according to a systems, lightweight high-strength com- new Frost & Sullivan study. The international posite materials, and alternative energy consulting firm predicts that operations will sources such as solar and lightweight begin as early as 2022, initially in the UAE, high-capacity batteries to achieve fuel New Zealand, and Singapore, followed by efficiency and longer range.” Brazil and Mexico. “Globally, almost 50 cit- The study notes the potential for com- ies are considering the feasibility of UAM, panies to profit by incorporating multiple and most of the applications are focused on fail-safe mechanisms in their vehicles to cargo drones, which will eventually open instill confidence in potential passengers; up the market for passenger UAM vehicles,” collaborating with companies developing said Frost & Sullivan senior mobility analyst innovative next-generation rotors and pro- Joe Praveen Vijayakumar. pellers that can muzzle sound; establishing “Safety, noise levels from propulsion, the support infrastructure, including land- infrastructure for landing and takeoff in ing and takeoff stations, passenger waiting urban areas, and favorable regulations lounges, and landing pads in residential

will be key focus areas for the commer - buildings; and developing internal cyberse- NASA cialization of air taxis,” noted Vijayakumar. curity capabilities or acquiring cybersecurity Sullivan forecast for proliferation of urban air mobility vehicles comes to pass, scenes like “Original equipment manufacturers will be startups to safeguard their vehicles. M.H. this will become commonplace in major cities worldwide.

16 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

Pg-16_d2_v5.indd 1 1/28/20 8:40 AM Safety, noise on Hawaii air tour task force agenda by Mark Huber

Air-tour stakeholders in Hawaii have as tour narrators while flying. It would formed a task force to deal with industry also require helicopters to have a noise issues there following several high-profile signature no greater than 55 dbA during accidents and legislative backlash from overflight over any “occupied area,” be certain elected officials. The Hawaii Air it commercial, residential, or recreation- Tour Task Force’s mission is to address al—a standard that no currently certified safety and noise issues related to rotor- helicopter can meet. and fixed-wing aerial tours in the state. The bill would also scuttle federal “Community involvement, public out- pre-emption with regard to airspace and reach, and transparency will be priori- air operations by giving states and local- tized in all recommendations from the ities the power to “impose additional The Arrius helicopter engine family has grown to more than 3,800 units. task force to industry and regulators,” the requirements—stricter than the mini- task force said. Initial members include mum national requirements called for Safran’s Arrius engine family logs more the Hawaii Helicopter Association (HHA), in the act—on tour flights.” Hawaii Department of Transportation Case’s bill is just the latest in a series than 10 million flight hours since 1996 Airports Division (HDOTA), Federal Avi- offered by congressional representatives ation Administration (FAA), Helicopter in recent years designed to restrict heli- Safran’s Arrius family of helicopter engines operating costs and simple maintenance,” Association International (HAI), elected copter operations from New York to Los (450-750 shp) has flown 10 million flight said Safran v-p Fabrice Condamine. “For officials and their representatives, and Angeles that attempted to, among other hours since its introduction in 1996, with operators conducting demanding missions “other industry stakeholders.” things, impose minimum helicopter oper- more than 3,800 units delivered to 430 like EMS, search and rescue, or military The task force is seeking community ating altitudes, set a curfew for hours of customers in 60 countries, the company training, or flying in challenging environ- involvement as it moves forward, said operation, and mandate flight paths. announced. First installed in the Airbus ments like mountains or ‘hot and high,’ Justin Brooke, task force co-chair and The HHA estimates that helicopter EC135, the latest Arrius 2B2Plus variant the Arrius’s performance and reliability president of the HHA. HDOTA is applying operators annually contribute $150 mil- entered service on the Airbus H135 in enhances crew confidence. We are com- for grant funding from the FAA and will lion to the state economy. The associa- 2014. In 2016, the Arrius 2R entered ser- mitted to capitalizing on its strengths to also commit state dollars to fund public tion points out that it has endeavored to vice on the single-engine Bell 505. That develop new, even better variants.” meetings, produce a study, and make rec- address the concerns of citizen groups engine features dual-channel Fadec and is Safran (Booth 4924) is currently test- ommendations concerning the helicopter and regulators by investing more than assembled at Safran’s Grand Prairie plant ing Add+, a technology-demonstration and fixed-wing tour industry. The task $100 million in quiet-technology helicop- in Texas. More than 200 units are now in engine based on the Arrius with 30 force’s formation is the next step forward ters such as the Airbus EC130B4 in recent service. Another variant, the Arrius 2G1, percent of its parts made from 3D print- on the part of the industry, regulators, decades, adopting “fly neighborly” pro- powers the Russian Helicopters Ka-226T. ing, a technique that reduces weight, and other interested parties to address grams as advocated by HAI, and employ- “Featuring a simple and robust design, increases performance, and cuts pro- the public’s concerns regarding helicop- ing the PlaneNoise noise reporting and the Arrius has a reputation for low duction time. M.H. ter and fixed-wing aerial tours in Hawaii. measuring system since 2017. n Members of the task force’s executive committee include representatives from the HHA, HDOTA, General Aviation Council of Hawaii, HAI, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Elected officials on the task force are state senator Lorraine Inouye and state representative Chris Lee. The FAA and U.S. Army and Navy are serving as technical advisors.

Legislative Attention Air-tour operators have been under increased criticism and scrutiny follow- ing fatal helitour accidents in 2019 in Kauai and Oahu that collectively killed 10. In May, Hawaii State Rep. Cynthia Thielen (R) called on the FAA to pro - hibit air tours over residential areas and national parks and called for the immedi- ate grounding of helitour flights in Hawaii pending an investigation. In August, U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) proposed leg- islation that will all but eliminate the helitour industry nationwide. The “Safe and Quiet Skies Act” would direct the FAA to impose a series of

restrictions on the industry, including AMBROSE BARRY flying no lower than 1,500 feet agl; pro- hibiting flights over military installations, AW189 Arrives Wearing Era Colors national cemeteries, national wilderness Leonardo has delivered 70 of its AW189 super-medium twins and has firm orders for more than 100 of the helicopter model. Currently, more than areas, national parks, and national wild- 20 operators have logged over 74,000 hours in the AW189 with the fleet leader posting 4,000 hours. Late last year, EASA approved installation life refuges; and forbidding pilots to act of the 2,500-shp Safran Aneto-1K engine for the AW189 for customers looking for more high-and-hot power.

ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 17

Pg-17_D2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 11:20 AM Customer service leads to Airbus Helicopters success by Rob Finfrock

Though Airbus Helicopters (Booth 3432) and military helicopter business against has been known by that name for only a industry heavyweights Bell and Sikorsky. little more than five years, the company Those lofty aspirations weren’t meant has been serving the North American mar- to be, at least not immediately. By 1976, ket for half a century, which is why it held the Vought name had all but disappeared events throughout the latter half of 2019 in in favor of Sud’s own rebranding as the recognition of its golden anniversary. Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation, and The Airbus Helicopters story began in in 1979 the company marked its first year 1969, when France’s Sud-Aviation joined of 100 sales. forces with Texas-based Vought Heli- Aerospatiale became American Euro- copter to compete in the American civil copter in 1992, and over the next 20 years it made serious inroads among commer- cial operators in North America. The com- twin-turbine H225. Approximately 160 day, this market demands a complete cus- pany rebranded once again in January 2014, armed forces around the world operate tomer experience. When you buy a luxu- becoming Airbus Helicopters to better military variants. rious car, you buy the service that comes align with its parent company. The company supports more than with it. And when you go to the dealership, Today, Airbus Helicopters is a formi- 275,000 jobs in 40 U.S. states, with primary there’s something special around it. Airbus dable presence in the commercial and manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Mis- “I believe we have been rather success- Helicopters defense markets. Its helicopters are in souri, and Grand Prairie, Texas, and 17,000 ful, [although] we have still got lots of president service across more than 150 countries, jobs throughout Canada with a composites improvements to make,” he continued. Romain Trapp with a commercial line ranging from manufacturing plant in Fort Erie, Ontario, “It’s about having people taking care of our the single-engine H125 to the 11-tonne and a logistical-support and parts ware- customers and feeling that [the custom- house in Richmond, British Columbia. ers] are part of the Airbus family.” The facility at Grand Prairie Munici- Developing a loyal customer base is a pal Airport (GPM) is home to the compa- key hedge against the ongoing downturn ny’s regional headquarters, as well as its in the helicopter marketplace, which Heli-One’s modular medical wall, EVS primary support, services, and training Trapp said might actually represent “the center, with an 84,000-sq-ft parts ware- new normal” for rotorcraft manufactur- among EMS options for Airbus H225 house nearby at Dallas/Fort Worth Inter- ers. He pointed to Airbus Helicopters’ national Airport. own numbers, which show 40 percent of Heli-One, a provider of helicopter main- double oxygen bottles of various sizes, Opened in 2004, the Columbus facility its sales over the last few years have been tenance, repair, and overhaul with bases ventilator, and defibrillator. Provisions at Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) to customers who are new to the brand. in British Columbia, Norway, and Poland, for stretcher installation and a loud produces the H125 (formerly AS350B3) “Our industry has faced quite a signifi- is highlighting its new helicopter emer- hailer are also provided. single- turbine light helicopter—a staple cant downturn on the commercial side,” gency medical service (HEMS) modi - The enhanced vision system, a long- of air tour and emergency medical service he continued. “It’s a fight, but chang - fications for the Airbus H225. These wave infrared camera, is attached to the (EMS) operations, as well as the owner- ing the way we address the market has include an updated medical wall, a bottom of the right-side boarding step. flown market—and the UH-72A Lakota helped expand our customer base and stretcher installation, a loud hailer, and The camera can be used for external and light utility helicopter derived from the brought us customers from our competi- an enhanced vision system. forward-looking operations, as well as twin-engine H145 and flown by the U.S. tion, which has really helped us mitigate Among the numerous improvements pointed toward the ground. Army. Other Airbus helicopters, sourced the downturn.” is the third iteration of the modular Separately, Heli-One (Booth 4416) will from plants across Europe, arrive in Trapp hopes to continue that growth medical wall developed by Heli-One. perform return-to-service programs for Columbus for final completion work before with his company’s latest offering, the The wall provides more provisions for two H225s for Rotortrade (Booth 56), an delivery to North American customers. H160 medium twin. “We’ve never had medical equipment that can be installed, international helicopter distributor. The Airbus Helicopters counts more than a product that was competitive on the removed, and reconfigured without work will take place at Heli-One’s facility 440 UH-72As in service in North America, medium side of the market, so the H160 using tools. Options include single and in Rzeszow, Poland. R.R.P. as well as more than 100 H125/H120 heli- is a game changer,” he said. “It’s a brand- copters flying for U.S. Customs and Bor- new aircraft, with leading-edge technol- der Protection and 100 MH-65 Dolphins ogy, and there’s a huge replacement need operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. in the medium segment of the market. While military applications remain a Many of the aircraft are aging, and oper- key market for Airbus Helicopters, com- ators have been waiting for the H160 to pany president Romain Trapp said the replace these aircraft.” balance between commercial and mil- In May 2019, Airbus Helicopters itary sales has actually hovered around also secured a letter of intent from the 50/50 over the past several years. In 2018, French government to be the launch Airbus Helicopters said it had secured 72 customer for a militarized version of percent of the North American helicop- the H160 under its still-to-be-formal- ter market across EMS, utility, private/ ized Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger business aviation, and airborne law (HIL, joint light helicopter) program, enforcement segments. for entry into service by 2026. n The company has recently zeroed in on the personal-use market, which demands a superior experience across all facets of ownership. “In the past, we were selling YOUR SOURCE FOR AVIATION NEWS a product—a great product, but [ just] a www.ainonline.com product,” he told AIN. “At the end of the

HAI Convention News January 29, 2020 ainonline.com 18 \ \ ENEWSLETTER FOR BUSINESS AVIATION www.ainonline.com/alerts

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FOR NEWS VIDEO FROM HELIEXPO

FOR NEWS VIDEO FROM EBACE as much as 330 pounds VFR or 270 pounds 38,500-sq-ft training center houses the IFR. Metro Aviation’s SPIFR configura- company’s FAA-approved level-D Airbus tion includes a Garmin G500H and GTN EC145 and EC135 full-motion simulators, Besides offering 650/750 navigation and communication sys- and AS350 and Bell 407/407GX level-7 HEMS services tem, and a two-axis HeliSAS autopilot. The flight-training devices. Customers who for some 35 DPIFR configuration includes a Genesys wish to use their own instructors can dry customers, Aerosystems 3D synthetic vision system lease HTFC simulators. Metro Aviation EFIS (electronic flight instrument system). HFTC also offers training for air med- provides The SP/DPIFR configuration incorpo- ical communication specialists in its simulator rates a GPS-SBAS flight management sys- CommLab. Connected to the in-house training and tem (FMS) including VNAV, LPV, and other flight simulators, the CommLab provides aeromedical functions; helicopter terrain awareness and realistic training scenarios such as inter-fa- completions warning system (HTAWS); the Genesys 3D cility and scene transfers, bird strikes, neo- services. SVS; and an HSI and navigation display for natal transfers, multiple aircraft requests, VOR, ILS, GPS, and more. misinformation, and changing landing As of November, Metro had completed zones, and IFR conditions. n eight EC145e aircraft for EMS customers and obtained orders for six more during Metro Aviation navigates the 2019 Air Medical Transport Con- ference (AMTC). The company is also working on an STC for the Stryker Perfor- Joining forces changing aeromed field mance Pro ground ambulance stretcher. Metro provides pilots and maintenance to improve H135/ by Kim Rosenlof technicians for HEMS programs in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Its cli- H145 pilot training The helicopter emergency medical ser- called Helicopter Flight Training Center ents, including hospitals and first respond- Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) vices (HEMS) industry is tough and getting (HFTC), Metro provides pilot training ers, can use the company’s MetroAlert app and DRF Luftrettung—of Munich and tougher with proposed new restrictions on and check rides in level-D full-motion to reduce response time by up to five min- Filderstadt, Germany, respectively— patient billing, pilot and mechanic short- simulators, plus technician and air medi- utes. The app instantly notifies a Metro have joined forces to demonstrate age woes, and the overall expense of oper- cal communication specialist training. Aviation base and sends GPS coordinates their combined pilot training expertise ating helicopters continually rising. But Metro boasts that it has completed more through an encrypted SSL transmission. to Heli-Expo attendees at Booth 1641. Shreveport, Louisiana-based Metro Avi- EC135s and EC145s than any other comple- First responders receive real-time “Based on our more than 40 years ation (Booth 3624), which is celebrating tion center in the world. Recently, however, updates on the estimated arrival time of of experience in HEMS operations 38 years in the helicopter transportation Metro has focused on the EC145e variant, the aircraft, and communication center and our expertise in pilot education business, has managed to thrive in this serving as the model’s launch customer personnel can add other users to active and training, as well as LAT’s diverse environment through carefully controlled with a 25-ship order in 2018 and receiving transports, such as a cardiologist or ER competencies, we were able to jointly growth and diversification. the first EC145e produced in the U.S. in doctor. App users can also send photos of develop a comprehensive training As a HEMS provider, Metro Avia - September 2019. Partnering with Genesys the scene or patient securely without the offer on the new Airbus H135/H145 tion operates more than 140 aircraft for Aerosystems, Metro developed an STC’d photos being saved on the mobile device. full-flight simulator,” said Peter Huber, approximately 35 customers across the single-pilot/dual-pilot IFR (SP/DPIFR) avi- Reportedly the first air medical provider chairman of the executive board of country. On the completions side, the onics package for the EC145e, as well as air to equip its entire fleet with night-vision DRF Luftrettung. company holds more than 30 supple- medical and utility configurations. goggles and to require all pilots to be IFR LAT provides aviation training for mental type certificates (STC) and com- While the EC145e light twin has the same qualified and current, Metro provides cockpit and cabin crews with simula- pletes about 35 aircraft each year for U.S. maximum takeoff weight (7,903 pounds) as annual simulator IMC training at HFTC. tors and technical training equipment. customers and global clients. At a facility the EC145C2, its useful load is increased by Located on the Metro campus, HFTC’s “By investing in our own helicopter simulator in our training fleet of more than 55 full-flight simulators, we are opening up to new markets and looking forward to working with Erickson gets piece of $996 million DoD support contract DRF Luftrettung in this area,” said Ola Hansson, managing director of LAT. Erickson has won a portion of a $996 mil- Command’s Life Cycle Management Cen- capabilities for other models, including Features of the new H135/H145 lion, seven-year contract, under which it will ter. Erickson (Booth 7545) is best known for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps platforms. It simulator include switching between modify Sikorsky HH-60G, Bell TH-1H, and holding the type certificate and operating a additionally provides systems integration, the H135 and H145 flight decks; using UH-1H helicopters for U.S. special forces. fleet of heavy-lift/firefighting S64 Aircrane qualification, and implementation of aircraft a third crewmember station for hoist The contract is with the Air Force Materiel helicopters but also has extensive MRO modifications, including integrated weapon training with the help of virtual reality systems, subsystems, and associated sup- technology involving the entire crew; port equipment for U.S. Air Force helicopters. simulating night operations using night “Erickson has a long lineage of modern- vision equipment with both white and izing and sustaining legacy aircraft through green phosphor night-vision goggles; platform modification. We are eager to and conducting missions in various serve the Air Force with the same commit- meteorological conditions and realistic ment and dedication that goes into sustain- landing scenarios with moving objects in ing our own fleet of operating aircraft,” said the landing area and various other loca- CEO Doug Kitani. tions, including airfields and hospitals. Winning more military contracts is cen- “By investing in our first own simu- tral to Erickson’s post-bankruptcy strategy lator in our training fleet of 55 simula- of expanding its defense-related revenues, tors, we are opening up markets and including MRO, by adding airframe types looking forward to working with DRF and making the company less reliant on its Luftrettung in this area. Our training Aircrane-related business. In June, Erick- center in Frankfurt is ideally located In a bid to diversify its business portfolio, Erickson is committed to pursuing contracts to son announced that it added the Airbus for customers all over the world,” support a variety of military helicopters to supplement its Aircrane operations. H225 to its fleet. M.H. Hansson said. R.R.P.

ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 19

Pg-19_d2_v7.indd 1 1/28/20 8:27 AM Salute to Excellence Each year during Heli-Expo, HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards recognize individuals and organizations who achieve incredible feats while supporting their local communities and the helicopter industry as a whole

LA COUNTY FIRE Humanitarian Service LA County Fire Department Firehawk

California’s 2018 Woolsey Fire began in tirelessly to keep the aircraft available for the afternoon of November 8, just outside every launch, ensuring they were always Simi Valley near the borders of Ventura safe and ready to go. A majority of the County, Los Angeles County, and the 20 people on the maintenance team vol- City of Los Angeles. Four Sikorsky S-70 unteered into the night and weekend to Firehawks of the Los Angeles County Fire ensure that routine maintenance was per- Department Air Operations (LACoFD) formed efficiently and safely. joined numerous other aircraft and The four LACoFD helicopters accumu- ground crews battling the blaze, which lated 119.4 flight hours in the first three eventually burned more than 97,000 days—equivalent to almost a month’s acres and destroyed 1,643 homes over the worth of flying and maintenance—and next four days. More than 295,000 people completed more than 350 water drops evacuated at the peak of the fire. amid winds ranging from 40 to 70 knots. Operating on the leeward side of the This largest wildfire on record in Los flames due to high winds, LACoFD heli- Angeles County was not contained until copters and crews were often the only air- November 22. (The November 2018 Camp craft working the lines. The winds kept the Fire in Butte County, which burned more smoke low across the terrain and homes, than 150,000 acres, also started on Novem- forcing crews to fly and refuel within the ber 8 and was contained on November 25.) smoke because the only way to attack the HAI is awarding its 2020 Humanitarian fire was to become engulfed in it. Flying Service Award as a tribute to LACoFD’s conditions quickly became almost night- S-70 Firehawk flight and ground crews like due to the reduced visibility. who battled the 2018 Woolsey Fire. This While the flight and ground crews prestigious award honors the person or rotated as necessary, the helicopters persons who best demonstrate the value were shut down only for refueling and of helicopters to the communities in inspection. Operating in 24-hour shifts, which they operate by providing aid to maintenance and support crews worked those in need. R.R.P.

support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, delivering four Vertol 107-IIs and a 234 Chinook. Brekke worked as a senior crew chief and was later promoted to Afghanistan maintenance supervisor. Columbia’s fleet in Afghanistan grew rap- idly over the next eight years, due in part to Brekke’s leadership and direction. The com- pany now operates 12 aircraft in the country. Brekke was promoted to Afghanistan maintenance manager in 2018, and his new COREY BREKKE role with Columbia required him to focus on HeliOps Frontline, covering military heli- Excellence in managing maintenance resources to support copters; and Air Attack, covering aerial Helicopter Maintenance the military’s missions. Instead of using tra- firefighting. The association recognized ditional small maintenance teams assigned Ogden for confronting key issues affect- Corey Brekke, selected for HAI’s 2020 Excel- to specific aircraft, he transitioned the teams ing the global rotorcraft industry, as well lence in Helicopter Maintenance Award, to shift work, a change that requires some as for his “highly respected, hard-hitting began his aviation career in Montana, where members to work 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. in support editorials” providing focused analysis. he obtained his A&P license in 1991. He sub- of daily flight operations. The remaining In addition to his work at the maga- sequently worked for eight years as the sole mechanics work the night shift, perform- zines, Ogden has contributed to several mechanic on a Hughes 500 that was based ing aircraft inspections, repairs, component safety documents and manuals, including on a 350-foot tuna boat in the South Pacific. changes, and fleet-health improvements, Aircrewman and Winching Standards for Columbia Helicopters hired Brekke in among other tasks. These actions enable all MARK OGDEN the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, 2000, and after just five days on the job, 12 Columbia aircraft to be mission-capable Excellence in Communications The Australian Transport Safety Bureau he departed for Alaska as the fourth man each day to meet the customer’s requests. Major Accident Investigation Manual, on a logging crew working on a Columbia The Excellence in Helicopter Mainte- HAI has selected veteran helicopter and Remuda Corp.’s operations manual Vertol 107-II. He advanced to assistant nance Award, sponsored by Rolls-Royce, magazine editor and technical writer for the Sling Tank underslung firefighting crew chief in a year, due to his can-do recognizes an individual for longstanding Mark Ogden for this year’s Excellence bucket. He has also made a mark in heli- attitude, work ethic, reliability, technical excellence in the performance of helicop- in Communications Award. For the past copter photography, HAI added. knowledge, skill set, and ability to lead ter maintenance, maintenance instruction, 20 years, Ogden has been editor of three Sponsored by Lightspeed Aviation, the and get along with a crew. In 2003, he was or supervision, or a single significant and helicopter-focused magazines for New award will be presented during HAI’s promoted to crew chief. distinct contribution to helicopter main- Zealand-based Kia Kaha Media Group: Salute to Excellence Awards luncheon on In 2011, Columbia received a contract to tenance. R.R.P. HeliOps, covering civil helicopters; January 29. K.L.

20 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

Pg-20-21-22_d2_v5.indd 1 1/26/20 3:36 PM helping students with their studies. With some 900 hours as a flight instructor in construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline his logbook, he became eligible to be a System, search-and-rescue, aircraft acci- copilot at Era. dent investigations, seismographic work, Era’s chief pilot was already familiar and power-line construction. In 1999, he with Glynn’s name, which led to a posi- became chief pilot of Salmon River Heli- tion as a copilot on a Sikorsky S-76. During copters, where he worked for 20 years his 16 years at Era, Glynn moved from an before recently retiring. instrument-flight-rated second-in-com- Cindy Carlson, president of Salmon mand to visual-flight-rated captain to IFR River Helicopters, said: “Gary’s contri- captain. His work ethic, dedication to avi- butions to this industry are endless, and JASON GLYNN ation safety, and strong desire for positive many who have worked with him will miss Pilot of the Year industry change drew him to management his extreme professionalism, positive atti- roles. Glynn has served as base lead pilot, GARY WILTROUT tude, integrity, humble spirit, and wealth The route to becoming a helicopter pilot assistant chief pilot, assistant director Lifetime Achievement of helicopter knowledge. He’s given back can take many paths. Jason Glynn’s path of operations, S-76/EC225 check airman, to our industry many times over.” began when he was repairing diesel-engine and operations manager. He is now ERA’s Tens of thousands of helicopter pilots Besides assisting with the aforemen- generators on exploration platforms in the director of operations. learned to fly during the war in Vietnam, tioned Trans-Alaska pipeline construction, Gulf of Mexico and traveled by helicopter Said Jamie Comar, chief pilot and direc- and many of them brought their skills Wiltrout has contributed to such projects to get there. After deciding that flying heli- tor of training at Era: “Jason has left an and love of flying back to the States, as the Lewiston-grade powerline cross- copters was what he really wanted to do, he indelible mark on our industry, embody- where they searched for flying jobs in ing (Idaho, 1972); Terror Lake Hydroelec- got a job at Era’s heliport in Port Fourchon, ing exemplary leadership and fostering what soon became a saturated market. tric Project (Alaska, 1984–85); cranberry Louisiana, loading cargo, refueling aircraft, positive change and continued innovation. Gary Wiltrout, the 2020 recipient of bog sanding (Oregon, 1980s); New Zea- and washing helicopters. Six months later, He’s been the go-to guy for employees and the HAI Salute to Excellence Lifetime land pilot training to log (Malaysia, 1993); while still working as a ramp hand for Era, passengers alike—the lifeblood of Era and Achievement Award, is one U.S. Army Rocky Mountain National Park rehabilita- Glynn began his flight training at Vortex the company’s drive for aviation safety and helicopter pilot who was able to parlay tion (Colorado, 1993); New Carissa wreck Helicopters in Mississippi. excellence. Anyone who’s had the pleasure his Vietnam flight experience from 1968 disaster assistance (Oregon, 1999); Considered an exceptional student, of working around this man remembers to 1969 and later as a flight instructor at powerline work (Costa Rica, 2001); ferry Glynn was offered a job as a flight instruc- his name, his work ethic, and his selfless Fort Rucker, Alabama, into a half-centu- flights across Brazil, the Amazon rain for- tor upon graduation, which he accepted. ambition.” ry-long flying career. est, and the Caribbean to the U.S. (2008); For 10 months he left his home in Lou- HAI’s Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Besides amassing 26,500 flight hours ferry flights across Asia from Afghanistan isiana at 4 a.m. to drive to Vortex, so his Year Award recognizes an outstanding in many parts of the world (more than to Australia (2011); night-vision google students could make the 6 a.m. flight at single feat performed by a helicopter pilot 20,000 of these hours doing longline, training and preparation (Port Alberni, sunrise. Most days, he’d still be at the during the year or extraordinary profes- external-load missions), he flew numer- British Columbia, 2012); and offshore heliport at 10 p.m., after completing sionalism over a period of time. Nominees ous helicopter models: the Bell 47; Bell flare-tip replacement projects (Australia, night instruction or spending extra time must be active helicopter pilots. R.R.P. UH-1A/B/C/F/H; Bell 206A/B; Bell 204, 212, 2013, 2014, 2016). and 214B; Fairchild Hiller FH-1100; Aéro- Wiltrout also survived three aircraft spatiale Alouette III and Lama; Hiller Soloy accidents—including two catastrophic UH12-E; and Sikorsky S-61 and S-64E/F. engine failures—and the death of his Following his time with the Army, he In 1971, after being honorably dis- pilot brother, Timothy Wiltrout, in 1990. became a pilot for Petroleum Helicop- charged from the Army, Wiltrout moved to In each case, with his family’s support, ters in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1974, he Alaska and began flying firefighting mis- he persevered and continued working in took a position through Bell Helicopter sions. Its missions also assisted with the the industry. R.R.P International supporting Iranian Army pilot training. Williams was named chief pilot of the advanced flight program in Iran and continued in that role until the program closed in 1979. Police Aviation Conference (PAvCon) Returning to the U.S., he became a test Europe. For Police Aviation News, Elliott pilot, demonstration pilot, and interna- has traveled throughout the world to DWAYNE WILLIAMS tional delivery pilot for Bell, traveling gather information on helicopter usage Flight Instructor globally to promote the company’s prod- in police aviation, search and rescue, and of the Year ucts. Eventually, he joined the Experi- aeromedical transport. He has reported mental Test Pilot division and became on helicopter safety information, includ- Dwayne Williams, a retired chief pilot chief pilot. By the time he retired from ing accident and incident reports, that from Bell and MD Helicopters who cur- Bell in 2005, he had conducted first flights aren’t easily obtained otherwise. rently is with Aerodynamics, has estab- in 12 models and become the compa- Elliott ventured into conferences in 2006 lished such a strong reputation for his ny’s first acrobatic pilot. His experience when he was invited to assist in setting up skills as a helicopter pilot and flight included being a test pilot for the Bell BRYN ELLIOTT a series of police aviation shows. Following instructor that he was nominated five XV-15 Tilt Rotor, the Marines’ V-22 tiltro- Law Enforcement three successful events, he became presi- times for this year’s W.A. “Dub” Blessing tor predecessor. dent of PAvCon in 2009 and has since orga- Flight Instructor of the Year Award—all After retiring from Bell, Williams Bryn Elliott, who spent 30 years as a nized European police aviation conferences. by previous recipients of the award. joined MD Helicopters as a chief pilot police constable with the London Met- Underlying these efforts has been a quest HAI will honor Williams with the award, and spent the next half-dozen years ropolitan Police, has since employed his to share ideas and resources, and HAI said sponsored by H. Ross Perot, Jr. and the directing the production and delivery skills globally, connecting public safety his impact on helicopter safety is signifi- Perot family, during its Salute to Excel- of helicopters, along with pilot training. aviators in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and cant. “As a direct result of his work, nota- lence Awards Luncheon on January 29. Later, he brought his expertise to Aero- Europe. This year’s recipient of HAI’s ble progress in helicopter safety has been Williams has amassed nearly 16,000 dynamics where he is chief pilot for its Law Enforcement Award, Elliott retired made in such places as Africa, the Nether- flight hours (3,750 as an instructor) over night-vision-goggles program, as well as from the London force in 1996 and then lands, Germany, and Australia,” the associ- his 50-plus-year career. His flying career chief NVG instructor. embarked on an endeavor to bridge com- ation said in announcing the award, which began with the U.S. Army in 1965, and he Along with the HAI honor, Williams is munications worldwide with the founding is sponsored by MD Helicopters. “Public developed leadership and fight-training the recipient of the FAA’s Wright Broth- of his firm Police Aviation Research. safety aviation across the globe is safer skills while serving in Vietnam from 1966 ers Master Pilot Award, which recognizes That organization is the parent com- thanks to the research, media, and events to 1976. his more than 50 years of flight. K.L. pany of Police Aviation News and the Elliott and his company provide.” K.L.

ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 21

Pg-20-21-22_d2_v5.indd 2 1/27/20 3:38 PM Indonesia’s helicopter industry has expe- also the task of earning her colleagues’ power, payload, and range capabilities rienced low or negative growth.” In short, respect. Accepting both challenges, she » FAA-approved training programs for Dewi’s safety-first business model rein- focused on turning around Heli SGI by longline pilots vigorated the company. providing higher levels of safety and qual- » substantial investment in SGI’s safety During the downturn in helicopter ity than its competitors. department support for offshore drilling in 2014 Dewi began the process by giving all » adoption of an open-book safety pol- and amid uncertainty in Indonesia’s prospective clients the same message: icy by sharing safety concerns with resource industry, Heli SGI faced an “Thank you for inviting us to talk. How- both clients and the industry at large uncertain future. To turn things around, ever, there’s one thing we need to make When Dewi received her promotion the company brought in industry expert clear from the start: Heli SGI will not in 2014, Heli SGI had been operating on Ronnie Fahy for guidance. As part of this be the cheapest in your procurement one contract, flying 60 hours a month. KRISNA DEWI process, Fahy interviewed the compa- process and will not enter into a bid - Today, in part because of her work over Safety Award ny’s employees. Krisna Dewi stood out ding war. If that’s acceptable, let’s shake the past five years, the company oper- because of her vision and plan to move hands and begin moving forward.” As ates 12 helicopters on contract, flies 600 With some notable exceptions, the male the company forward. might be expected, some potential cli- to 800 hours a month, and has several of our species has dominated the heli - Dewi had witnessed other operators ents ended the meeting right there; and long-term contracts with large mining copter industry from its beginning. So it reducing expenses and safety standards Dewi faced criticism. companies. is both significant and encouraging that to offer customers lower prices. Her However, with the full support from Dewi’s work has not gone unnoticed: Krisna Dewi—since 2014 the commer- radical plan involved putting safety Heli SGI’s board of directors, Dewi stood other operators are now adopting the cial manager of PT. Sayap Garuda Indah and quality above all else…and charging her ground and initiated the development Heli SGI safety-first model. And while (Heli SGI and Air Bali) in Bali, Indo - accordingly. The plan also included of necessary safety and quality protocols. that means more competition, the end nesia—is the recipient of HAI’s 2020 working only for clients who understood These included: result is that not only has Dewi helped Safety Award. Heli SGI’s new business model and were » health and usage monitoring systems her company grow and become safer, she This prestigious award recognizes willing to pay for a safety- and quality- in single-engine helicopters (not pre- has helped Heli SGI make the industry Dewi’s “promotion of a business model first approach. viously seen in the Indonesian heli- safer, too. that places safety above all other business Dewi was quickly promoted to com- copter industry) The HAI Safety Award, sponsored elements, including profit. Her unwaver- mercial manager, the second-highest posi- » virtual-reality simulation training for by BLR Aerospace, acknowledges out- ing advocacy and determination to prior- tion in the company. As a woman with no longline pilots (another innovation standing contributions in the promo - itize safety in the company’s operations aviation background in an industry dom- for the Indonesian industry) tion of safety and safety awareness has also resulted in increased business inated by experienced men, she bore the » bringing into Indonesia the dual-Fadec throughout the international helicopter for her company during a period when responsibility of reviving the business and Eagle 407HP, an aircraft with increased community. R.R.P.

NSW AMBULANCE Golden Hour Award

Air medical helicopters have come a long way since Jan. 5, 1945, when a Bell 47 pro - totype carried a doctor to an injured test pilot who was stranded at a snowbound farm near Lockport, New York after he had bailed out of a P-59 Airacomet when its tail section exploded. MASH units during the Korean War later established the life-saving potential of helicopter medevacs, and veteran helicopter pilots of the Vietnam War era often found flying jobs in nascent civilian airmed operations. Today, well-run air ambulance ops are common in most developed countries, and one of the best is New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance Service in Australia. It is the 2020 recipient of the HAI Salute to Excellence Golden Hour Award, which “recognizes the efforts of an individual, group, or organization that, through a par- ticular activity or contributions over time, has advanced the use of helicopters in the vital mission of air medical transport.” standardizing integration with the state’s hour of an air ambulance helicopter and facility; a virtual-reality–based, full- The NSW Ambulance Aeromedical Res- medical services. Ron Manning, director a critical-care doctor and paramedic team, crew cockpit and cabin training system; cue Helicopter Service had been operating of aeromedical services, and Garry Sinclair, even in remote areas. wet- and dry-winching training capa - for three decades when it found itself pro- head of helicopter operations, knew that Central to NSW Ambulance’s focus bilities; and a suite of advanced clinical viding a patchwork of rudimentary capabil- the plan would need improved patient on safety is the Aeromedical Crewing simulation assets. ities across multiple providers. So in 2012, outcomes, integrated team training, and Excellence Training Centre in Bank- The results? In just two and a half the government of New South Wales—a safety above all else. stown, NSW, which provides fully inte- years, NSW Ambulance has flown some state on Australia’s east coast—initiated NSW Ambulance (its new name) now grated technical and nontechnical skills 17,000 hours and completed more than an independent review that resulted in a operates from seven bases across the state, training for helicopter clinical crews, 10,000 critical-care missions at multi- 10-year plan to improve patient outcomes flying 12 Leonardo AW139 helicopters, all pilots, air crews, engineers, and spe - ple sites, including canyons, crevasses, for all residents and communities across with the same aircraft and aeromedical cialist support personnel. The facility’s roadways, rivers, oceans, frozen lakes, the state, an area slightly larger than configurations, and with crews using a growing list of high-fidelity simulation cliffs, and cruise ships. The service’s Texas. This goal, it was believed, could common set of operational standards and devices includes a level-D AW139 full- response time averages less than 10 min- be achieved only by changing the way procedures. Now more than 96 percent flight simulator; an advanced sea sur- utes in daylight and less than 20 minutes aeromedical support is provided and by of the state’s population are within one vival and underwater escape training at night. R.R.P.

22 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

Pg-20-21-22_d2_v5.indd 3 1/26/20 3:37 PM 8-10 DECEMBER 2020 DWC, AIRSHOW SITE

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WWW.MEBAA.AERO hot/high conditions. According to BLR, the system reduces pilot workload by Tilton explains providing easier control in precision hover-hold operations and better man- why MDHI agement of the yaw axis when hovering in challenging crosswinds. switched to UASC “FastFin is beneficial in all flight regimes, but we consider it essential InSight avionics for high-altitude operations,” said Heli- MD Helicopters chairman and CEO Austria managing director Roy Knaus. Lynn Tilton explained the company’s “We added the FastFin System to eight of move back to the Universal Avionics our H125s in 2017 and saw such a strong InSight flight deck for its twin-engine performance margin, we are outfitting MD 900/902 Explorer on Tuesday the rest of the fleet.” morning at Heli-Expo 2020. Essen- Heli-Austria aircraft routinely operate tially, she said it’s about keeping the between 7,000 feet and 10,000 feet msl, MD 900/902 program on schedule and occasionally fly as high as 13,000 feet and with full avionics capability. when performing a variety of vertical ref- The move back to InSight surprised erence operations, including logging and industry observers. MDHI originally construction. selected Universal’s next-gen flight “Heli-Austria is a long-time advocate of deck in 2013 to replace the MD900’s the FastFin System, and we are pleased to aging Bendix/King CRT displays. But in Heli-Austria’s Airbus H125 fleet is adopting the BLR Aerospace FastFin anti-torque see they’ve received such a benefit from March 2017, MDHI switched to Genesys augmentation device, with eight already equipped and a new order for six more kits. the system that they’re outfitting the rest Aerosystems for the MD900/902 flight of their H125 fleet,” added BLR Aerospace deck. And now it’s going back to the president Mike Carpenter. “As word gets InSight system for the light twin. out on the benefits of the system, global Heli-Austria ups order for demand continues to grow.” FastFin is certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) BLR FastFins for H125 fleet and FAA for installation on Airbus H125 helicopters and is available via aftermar- by Rob Finfrock ket installation or as a factory-fitted STC option on new Airbus H125 helicopters. BLR Aerospace (Booth 927) secured a FastFin, placed an order for six more to The FastFin system is also available new fleet sale for its FastFin retrofittable complement its eight H125s already fly- for other medium and light helicopters,

anti-torque system augmentation device ing with the system. including the Bell 204, 205, 212, 412, and PADFIELD RANDALL R. for Airbus H125 helicopters, the com- The AS350/H125 FastFin tunes airflow UH-1. BLR Aerospace also supplies Dual MDHI chairman and CEO Lynn Tilton pany announced this week at Heli-Expo. to boost tail rotor effectiveness, result- Tailboom Strakes for the Bell 206 series said that Universal’s InSight avionics Helicopter utility service Heli-Austria, ing in significant increases to useful and OH-58, which provide similar useful are ideal for the MD 900/902. the first European operator for the H125 load and aircraft stability, especially in load and tail rotor authority benefits. n Pressed about why MDHI switched once again, Tilton told AIN, “We were struggling the last time around. I think part of it had to do with us, as well, but we didn’t think [Genesys] was mov- ing quickly enough. Elbit purchased Universal [last year]…and we had a long-term relationship. We were able to work together on some of the tech- nology that needed to be built, as well as with their improvements. “We realized that [InSight] was ahead of where we were going. And given the time it was taking for us to get there, and the fact that we had a new military helicopter coming up at the same time, we needed to go with just the best. And so, given the new technology, the new ownership, the new leadership, [then] sometimes you just have to know you made a mistake and correct it. “And that’s what I did. So, as you see this system [InSight], it will take us to the next level. We’re spending a for- tune, not only on the technology but bringing the line back, building the air- frame in-house. When you’re going to

MARIANO ROSALES invest $70 million to $100 million, you want to make sure that you catapult the May the Light Be with You... technology that’s out there. And that’s FAIAS Lighting Products CEO Joe Fariz wields a “linear lightsaber” that he uses to highlight how the company’s Linear Taxiway Lighting system what [InSight] helps us to do.” R.R.P. sheds more light at dimly lit airports and heliports.

24 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

Pg-24_d2_V4.indd 1 1/28/20 3:41 PM Further, managers must be aware of The goal is to identify those scenarios Sleep expert stresses long days. Cognitive impairment starts in flight operations where the risk of inca- to set in after 17 hours. At 22 hours of pacitation becomes real and to mitigate wakefulness, the mind is the equivalent that, he said. That doesn’t mean pilots fatigue-management value of those with a blood alcohol content of won’t ever be fatigued. But what they .08. “It is startling to me how quickly we don’t want is for pilots to be pushed to by Kerry Lynch can get to incapacitation,” he said. the point of incapacitation. Studies also have shown that despite the By carefully monitoring risk areas, an Organizations can implement targeted percent of people are not in the category belief that people just get used to lack of organization can manage fatigue, Moll- fatigue-risk-management programs and they believe. “They are deluding them- sleep, they actually don’t. A number of other icone said, adding organizations do not still operate within their economic goals, selves,” he said. factors exacerbate fatigue, including the use have to choose between being successful says a leading fatigue expert. But if they Sleep deprivation adds up and can of medications, alcohol, or medical issues. and managing fatigue risk. n don’t pay attention to fatigue risks, the result in serious degradation of perfor- results could have safety consequences, mance. Tests have shown that the num- added Daniel Mollicone, CEO of sleep ber of lapses—times when a brain stops research specialist Pulsar Informatics, processing and a person is unaware that during Bombardier’s annual Safety Stand- it is happening—increases as the sleep Uniflight Global completes EMS Bell 429 down in November. “debt” increases. Studies revealed that a Pulsar analyzes helicopter accidents person who remains in the six-hour-a- Texas-based Uniflight Global (Booth 4445) than 26,000 patient missions over its and reports to the FAA on the potential night group for a week has reached the arrives at Heli-Expo following the recent 35-plus years. of fatigue involvement, and found that cognitive level of a person who has lost configurations and completions of Mercy Uniflight Global—an authorized ser- as many as one in five has a fatigue fac- an entire night’s sleep. But the “six-hour Flight Buffalo’s three new Bell 429s. The vice provider for Airbus (Booth 3432; tor, Mollicone said. A company can pro- group systematically underestimates how work was performed at the MRO and char- Static Display 19, 21), Bell (Booth 1231; vide adequate rest time, but then it is up badly they are doing,” Mollicone said. ter operator’s Uniflight West Penn facility Static Display 2), and Leonardo Helicop- to pilots to ensure they get adequate rest. Time of day matters since it can upset in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania (KFWQ). The ters (Booth 5536), and for the FAA, EASA, This is part of their professionalism, Moll- the natural function of a body, he added. Part 145 repair station also provides main- and DGAC (Mexico) approvals—has its icone said. “When we fly at night, there are risks tenance for the medical airlifter, which headquarters and main facility, Uniflight Most people are not aware of how much there, because we are actually working operates emergency and non-emergency Grand Prairie (KGPM), in its namesake sleep they actually need. Nearly 30 per- against what our body is trying to do at transport in New York, Pennsylvania, por- Texas town. Its MRO specialties include cent believe that they only need between that moment,” he said. This doesn’t mean tions of Southeast Canada, and the sur- component overhaul, AOG support, har- six and seven hours, when science shows that they can’t fly at night, but they need rounding region. ness fabrication, and maintenance track- that only 5 percent of the population is to ensure that they use technology and Mercy Flight has performed more ing and forecasting. J.W. actually in that category. That means 25 follow procedures carefully.

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ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 25 Vuichard Recovery featured in FAA reference handbook by R. Randall Padfield

The FAA’s Helicopter Flying Handbook lead a vortex ring state in any helicopter: is the go-to reference source for heli- 1) The rotor disk is using some of the avail- copter pilots in the U.S. and worldwide. able engine power (20 to 100 percent). The FAA rarely updates the handbook, 2) The horizontal velocity is slower than but just last October, it published a new the effective translational lift. 3) The edition for the first time since 2012. This condition typically occurs when a heli- 2019 edition includes a short section copter is in a steep, “vertical descent about a revolutionary technique called with 20 percent of power up to max- the Vuichard Recovery, developed to imum power applied, and little or no make recovering from the insidious and climb performance,” according to the dangerous “vortex ring state” quicker FAA handbook. and safer. When caught in a vortex ring state, a helicopter will continue to descend unless the pilot takes corrective action. Captain Claude Avoidance of a vortex ring state should Vuichard, a be a pilot’s primary strategy. Recogniz- former senior ing that one is entering into a vortex flight examiner ring state is the next step, and know- for the Swiss ing how to get out of it is the crucial Federal life-saving step. Office of Civil The traditional recovery from vortex Aviation. ring state is based on increasing forward airspeed, and/or partially lowering the collective to exit the vortex. The result- The newly FAA-blessed Vuichard ing nose-down attitude will, at least Recovery is named after Captain Claude initially, cause the aircraft to descend Vuichard, a former senior flight exam- even faster while the rotor blades grab iner for the Swiss Federal Office of Civil for smooth air, so this maneuver can be Aviation, who developed and teaches the dicey at low altitude. Nevertheless, this technique. He is also known for develop- maneuver does work well when there’s ing numerous other safety techniques in enough height above the ground; and helicopter operations and is the founder therefore, for decades, it has been the and president of the Vuichard Recovery FAA’s standard procedure for exiting Aviation Safety Foundation. from a settling-with-power condition. Vuichard is now best known in the Common errors during the traditional helicopter community for developing, recovery from vortex ring state include testing, and teaching his vortex ring too much lateral speed for entry into state recovery. He continues to advo- vortex ring state and excessive decrease cate for zero vortex ring state accidents of collective. and to spread his message regarding The Vuichard Recovery works by increased safety in the helicopter indus- eliminating the helicopter’s descent try. HAI selected Vuichard to receive its rate as opposed to dropping the nose to 2018 Safety Award. Chapter 11 of the increase airspeed. In most helicopters, 2019 Helicopter Flying Handbook states: using lateral (left or right) cyclic thrust “Vortex ring state (formerly referenced as combined with an increase in power and settling-with-power) describes an aero- lateral anti-torque thrust will produce dynamic condition in which a helicopter the quickest exit from the hazard. If the may be in a vertical descent with 20 per- vortex ring state and the corresponding cent up to maximum power applied, and descent rate are allowed to progress to little or no climb performance. The pre- what is called the “windmill brake state” viously used term settling-with-power (the point where the airflow is com- came from the fact that the helicopter pletely up through the rotor), the only keeps settling even though full engine recovery may be an autorotation. Tan- power is applied.” dem rotor helicopters should maneuver Furthermore, “A vortex ring state laterally to achieve clean air in both may be entered during any maneuver rotors at the same time. Common that places the main rotor in a condition errors during the Vuichard recovery of descending in a column of disturbed from vortex ring state include exces- air and low forward airspeed. Airspeeds sive lateralYOUR SOURCE cyclic FOR and AVIATION failure NEWS to main- that are below translational lift airspeeds tain heading.www. ainonline.com n are within this region of susceptibility to vortex ring state aerodynamics. This condition is sometimes seen during quick-stop type maneuvers or during ENEWSLETTER FOR BUSINESS AVIATION recovery from autorotation.” www.ainonline.com/alerts A combination of conditions is likely to

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FOR NEWS VIDEO FROM EBACE Apprentice program helps Sikorsky fill staffing needs by R. Randall Padfield

Stratford, Connecticut-based Sikorsky The hiring rate for those who complete Aircraft (Booth 7532) has had, since the program is as high as it could be: the 2002, a goal to create 8,000 new jobs and helicopter manufacturer offered jobs in apprentice positions by 2023. Working 2019 to 100 percent of the seniors who with Teamsters Union’s Local 1150 for graduated from high school and the pro- about a decade, the Lockheed Martin unit gram. That meant 12 new employees at runs an eight-week summer program for Sikorsky. The seniors of 2020, about 30, students from seven local high schools to are all expected to complete the program help achieve that goal and to help the stu- in the summer of this year. dents learn a trade for employment in the At the closing ceremony last August helicopter industry. More than 300 stu- for the 2019 summer program, Con- Sikorsky’s Career Pathways Program for high school students has 100 percent placement. dents have participated in this program necticut’s Departments of Education across multiple trade disciplines. and Labor announced the program’s of Sikorsky employees, has represented Westby, commissioner of the state’s To complete the Sikorsky Teamsters newly registered Aircraft Manufactur- workers at the company for nearly 60 Department of Labor. “This program not Career Pathways Program, as it is called, ing pre-apprenticeship. Said Rocco Calo, years, helping to create jobs in Con- only gives students a jumpstart on a great the students work some 680 hours during secretary-treasurer and principal offi- necticut, Florida, and Alabama. career but is a critical link in preparing the summers following their junior and cer of Local 1150: “The transition to a The August 2019 closing ceremony also our workforce to meet the needs of man- senior high school years. Sikorsky recruits certified pre-apprenticeship is the next celebrated the success of nearly 50 high ufacturers that are creating much-needed at high schools and receives about 500 logical step for our program. Not only school students who received critical economic growth in our state.” applicants each year. In December, the will it help us to recruit those students trade skills working on major products, George Mitchell, Sikorsky vice pres- applicants tour the company’s head- who are looking for industry-recognized including the S-92, S-76, CH-53K, Black ident of production operations, said, quarters. Students apply online for the credentials, but it helps to bolster U.S. Hawk, and Combat Rescue Helicopter. “These students serve as a cornerstone summer program, and the state’s Depart- manufacturing by preparing these stu- “Advanced manufacturing and the air- of our talent pipeline and success of our ments of Education and Labor handle the dents to work in any aerospace facility.” craft and aerospace industries are boom- workforce, as they help us fill advanced selection process. Local 1150, which is made up entirely ing right now in Connecticut,” said Kurt manufacturing occupations.” n EXPERIENCE BELL 505 LUXURY. Let your Light Single Engine Helicopter feel

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ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 27 Air Methods takes action to address patient costs by Mark Huber

Helicopter EMS provider Air Methods is patient-advocacy team, they normally only expanding its in-network health insur- pay their deductible or co-insurance. On ance agreements and partnering with the average, for all patients, regardless of payer, American Red Cross to carry blood and the out-of-pocket cost for Air Methods’ plasma on its aircraft. Air Methods also services is only a couple hundred dollars,” said it is refunding fees for Medicare ben- the company said. Air Methods also said it eficiaries enrolled in its advantage mem- works with local and county governments bership program, which was terminated to educate patients about advocacy and in April. financial-assistance programs. The company was one of several air Air Methods’ moves come as the air ambulance operators selling annual ambulance industry continues to face “memberships” to the public that guar- scrutiny for charging privately insured anteed they would not be billed beyond and uninsured patients substantially the amount of their insurance reimburse- more than it charges Medicare and Med- ment. Such plans generally cost $100 per icaid patients and more than private With the air amulance industry facing continued scrutiny over patient charges, Air Methods year per person or less. Company com- insurance often covers. Patients with has taken steps to address the high cost of helicopter medevac services for victims. petitors PHI Air Medical and Air Evac private insurance are often liable for Lifeteam and its AirMedCare network the difference between the billed and on data that showed a median charge per with the largest growth occurring in the affiliates continue to offer the plans. reimbursed amounts. The industry has mile of $242 and a median distance of 45 southern and western U.S. Air Methods noted that Medicare Part defended this so-called “balance billing,” statute miles. The GAO pointed out that slightly less B beneficiaries are already covered for air claiming that reimbursements are less than half the new helicopter bases are medical services without a membership than actual costs for patients covered Numbers on the Increase in areas that have more than 50 percent and that in 2018 the average out-of-pocket under government-funded health care During the survey period (2012 to 2017), existing air ambulance coverage and not cost for Medicare patients transported by programs and some private insurance or the number of privately insured patient all these areas have demonstrated addi- Air Methods was $280, including copays that their private insurance excludes the transports increased from 13,087 to tional demand. While the industry touts and deductibles. The company said it air ambulance provider from its in-net- 20,726, but the proportion of out-of- air ambulance growth in rural areas as now has 47 in-network agreements with work covered services. network transports of these patients an essential guardrail in the face of hos- health insurers across the U.S. and that 75 A 2019 study by the U.S. Government declined from 75 to 69 percent. Over that pital closures there, the GAO notes that percent of its patients are covered for its Accountability Office (GAO) found that same period, the geographic area served out of the approximately 2,400 rural services through commercial insurance, 69 percent of air ambulance transports by helicopter air ambulance bases also hospitals, 3 percent closed between 2013 Medicare Part B, or Medicaid. of privately insured patients were out of increased 23 percent, while the number and 2017. And the air ambulance indus- network and were therefore subject to of air ambulance bases increased from try reports that while overall it is oper- Working with Patients balance billing. A GAO analysis of 2017 752 to 868. (Within that total, the num- ating fewer flights, the trend is toward Further, Air Methods will continue to work data showed that the median price for a ber of fixed-wing air ambulance bases flying more hours and longer distances with patients to settle insurance claims helicopter air ambulance transport was grew during the period from 146 to 182.) with a nationwide EMS helicopter fleet that are denied or underpaid, in or out of $36,400, an increase of 60 percent since Roughly 60 percent of the new air ambu- that has more than doubled since 2003 network. “When a patient works with the 2012 ($22,100). The 2017 figure was based lance helicopter bases were in rural areas, to more than 900. The “rural rationale” also has spawned a move to larger EMS helicopters that carry more medical equipment and sup- plies. This includes the aforementioned Midwest AeroCare begins ops with a new Bell 407 agreement with the American Red Cross to supply blood and plasma for all its Midwest AeroCare, a helicopter emer- aircraft currently unaffiliated with a gency medical services (HEMS) operator regional blood center or health system. based in Pittsburg, Kansas, took delivery The agreement covers 98 Air Methods of a medically configured Bell 407 that bases nationwide. replaces its Eurocopter AS350. The light Air Methods noted that “access to turbine single has a 300-nm range, cruise blood and plasma was not a feasible speed of 122 ktas, night-vision capability, option given the limited resources within SiriusXM satellite weather, and autopilot. the remote areas air medical access is It also is equipped with Skytrac satellite most needed. This partnership with the tracking software. American Red Cross ensures that all Air “Midwest AeroCare is pleased to be Methods aircraft will have the lifesaving able to incorporate this additional resource biomaterials ready when needed.” into the area’s healthcare assets,” Midwest The shift to larger helicopters in some AeroCare’s Pittsburg base medical man- markets comes as the industry seeks to ager Courtney Harrison said. “This reflects reposition itself as the provider of “fly- an upgrade in airborne capabilities and is Midwest AeroCare in southeast Kansas recently took delivery of this Bell 407 to replace ing emergency rooms” as opposed to a positive development for patient care in its Eurocopter AS350. just a time-saving conveyance that gets our area.” patients to hospitals within the “golden A more than 12-year-old HEMS program southeast Kansas, southwest Missouri, and care air medical transport service for the hour” following an accident or medical of Med-Trans, Midwest AeroCare also oper- northeast Oklahoma. Accredited by the nonprofit Ascension Via Christi health sys- emergency. It was also part of the impe- ates an air medical transport base in Chan- Commission on Accreditation of Medical tem, one of the largest health care provid- tus for Airbus Helicopters to offer the ute, Kansas. It serves a region comprising Transport Systems, it is a preferred critical ers in Kansas. J.S. lower-cost, lighter-weight EC145e inter- mediate twin in the U.S. n

28 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com Bell 505 Bell 407GXi Bell 407GXi MARIANO ROSALES MARIANO PHOTOS: BARRY AMBROSE BARRY PHOTOS:

lighting to support law enforcement, Bell chalks up orders for 505 and 407GXi search and rescue, emergency response, and other public safety roles. by Rob Finfrock “The Bell 505 has proven essential in missions ranging from search and res - Bell (Booth 1231) announced orders for people in the Tennessee Valley across more for a 505 Jet Ranger X in public service cue to transportation of sheriff’s office six helicopters on the opening day of Heli- than 16,000 miles of transmission lines. configuration from the Alameda County personnel to law enforcement-related Expo 2020, including a new customer for “Helicopters are an investment that Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) in California. activities,” said ACSO Capt. Derrick its IFR-certified Bell 407GXi and the first help us to improve safety and overall Introduced last year at the International Hesselein. “The aircraft will also allow customer order for a special variant of the operational efficiency with minimal Association of Chiefs of Police Confer- sheriff’s office members to quickly 505 Jet Ranger X. impact to the environment,” said David ence in Chicago, the variant includes a respond during natural disasters such The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Hill, TVA’s general manager for aviation public address system, external cam- as earthquakes, fires, or flooding and placed orders for two Bell 407GXi single services. The electrical utility is a long- era, and searchlight—both integrated provide aid where needed.” turboshaft helicopters and two twin-engine time Bell customer and currently oper- to a Churchill ARS700 augmented real- Hesselein said the specially equipped 429s. The TVA is the nation’s largest public ates two 407s, a 429, and a 206L4. ity video and mapping system—and Jet Ranger X will be the department’s first power provider, serving almost 10 million Bell also announced its first order upgraded instrumentation and cockpit owned helicopter. n

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ainonline.com \ January 29, 2020 \ HAI Convention News 29

Pg-29_d2_v3.indd 1 1/28/20 4:54 PM HAI Convention News JAMES HOLAHAN (1921-2015), FOUNDING EDITOR WILSON S. LEACH, MANAGING DIRECTOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Matt Thurber PRESS ROOM EDITOR – Kerry Lynch, As Kopter nears PRESS ROOM MANAGING EDITOR – Chad Trautvetter the final stages Charles Alcock Richard Pedicini David Donald Mark Phelps of the certification Curt Epstein Jerry Siebenmark program for the Rob Frinfrock Richard Ward Mark Huber James Wynbrandt SH09 single- R. Randall Padfield Annmarie Yannaco engine utility helicopter, THE EDITORIAL TEAM industry giant GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER – Tom Hurley PRODUCTION EDITOR – Martha Jercinovich Leonardo bought GRAPHIC DESIGNERS – John Manfredo, Grzegorz Rzekos the Swiss startup PHOTOGRAPHERS – Barry Ambrose, Mariano Rosales

manufacturer DIGITAL SOLUTIONS MANAGER – Michael Giaimo from its Russian DEVELOPERS – Nathan Douglas, Ryan Koch owner, with plans DIRECTOR OF VIDEO – Ian Whelan to accelerate the GROUP PUBLISHER – Dave Leach SH09’s market ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – Nancy O’Brien entry. ADVERTISING SALES Georges France – Western Europe BARRY AMBROSE BARRY Tel: +33 6 80 21 17 93 Melissa Murphy – Midwestern U.S. continued from page 1 Kopter has largely frozen the design con- upgrading the aircraft to this configura- Tel: +1 (830) 608-9888 Nancy O’Brien – Western U.S./Western Canada/Asia Pacific figuration of the SH09, which now sports tion, we have decided to shorten the lead Tel: +1 (530) 241-3534 Kopter becomes a more streamlined fuselage, but testing of time for certification to leverage both air- Anthony T. Romano – Northeastern U.S./Eastern Canada/ a new tail unit configuration has yet to be craft,” he told AIN at the show. Mexico/Brazil Tel: +1 (203) 470-4957 Joe Rosone – Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic U.S./Middle East part of Leonardo carried out. It will upgrade its P3 prototype “Thanks to the fact that this is a relatively Tel: +1 (301) 693-4687 incrementally to meet the production con- simple helicopter, the amount of flights Diana Scogna – Italy/Northern Europe/Middle East will immediately bring new testing infra- figuration by the third quarter, while the needed for certification to prove compli- Tel: +33 6 62 52 25 47 Victoria Tod – Great Lakes U.S./United Kingdom structure and certification experience to long-lead components for its first produc- ance against Part 27 is not so huge and Tel: +1 (203) 733-4184 bear on the process for the SH09 pro- tion-standard test helicopter, dubbed PS4, this is the reason why, despite having the Yury Laskin – Russia gram. “We have suddenly, from one day to have already been ordered, with an eye aircraft available for flight test only in fall Tel: +7 05 912 1346 another, all this knowledge in house.” towards its first flight in the third quarter. 2020, we are still confident we can achieve AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – Jeff Hartford MARKETING AND CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER Leonardo has its own light single in the The company expects to pursue a our target milestone for the certification.” – Lisa Valladares AW119, but Cutillo stated that he doesn’t concurrent certification process with Last week in Italy, P3 flew for the first MANAGER OF ONSITE LOGISTICS – Philip Scarano III view it as a competitor to the SH09. “I EASA and the FAA, using both P3 and time with a new rotor head, which moved ONSITE PRODUCTION – Kashea Kloss think that this, once it is completed, will PS4, according to Michele Riccobono, the blade controls outside the mast, eas- SALES COORDINATOR – Nadine Timpanaro offer different things to a different target Kopter’s executive v-p of technology. ing maintenance concerns, and the blade SALES ADMINISTRATOR – Cindy Nesline of customer.” Once civil certification is “The idea initially was only to use PS4, package intended for the production DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES achieved, Cutillo would not rule out the but then we thought that after changing design, which Riccobono said further – Michele Hubert possibility of a military version of the SH09. the scope of P3 and making the effort of reduced vibration in the helicopter. n ACCOUNTING MANAGER – Marylou Moravec ACCOUNTS PAYABLE – Mary Avella ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE – Bobbie Bing

U.S. HEADQUARTERS: 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432 +1 (201) 444-5075 Advertising Inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 [email protected] Circulation Inquiries: +1 (201) 345-0085 [email protected] WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITORIAL OFFICE: Kerry Lynch (business aviation) [email protected] +1 (703) 969-9195 EUROPEAN EDITORIAL OFFICE: Ian Sheppard; [email protected] Hangar 9, Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey RH1 5JY, UK Tel: +44 1737 821409 Mobile: +44 7759 455770

HAI Convention News is a publication of The Convention News Co., Inc., 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432; Tel: +1 (201) 444-5075. Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of The Convention News Co., Inc. is strictly prohibited. The Convention News Co., Inc. publishes Aviation International News, AINalerts, AIN Air Transport Perspective, AIN Defense Perspective, AINtv, Business Jet Traveler, BJTwaypoints, ABACE Convention News, Dubai Airshow News, EBACE Convention News, FutureFlight. aero, Farnborough Convention News, LABACE Convention News, MEBAA Convention News, NBAA Convention News, Paris Airshow News, Singapore Airshow News, Mobile Apps: Aviation Internation- al News; AINonline . PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40649046 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: PITNEY BOWES INTERNATIONAL MAIL, STATION A, P.O. BOX 54, WINDSOR, ON, N9A 6J5, returns [email protected].

THE CONVENTION NEWS COMPANY, INC. AIN PUBLICATIONS EXECUTIVE TEAM Wilson Leach Jennifer Leach English MARIANO ROSALES Matt Thurber Dave Leach A New Dawn for HAI Michele Hubert Nancy O’Brien Printed by Southwest Offset Printing, Gardena, CA Cutting the ribbon to celebrate the opening of HAI Heli-Expo 2020 yesterday were new Helicopter Association International president and CEO James Viola (center, cutting ribbon) and FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson (center, right). Both are new to their roles, with Viola having joined the association world after a long career at the FAA and Dickson moving from private industry to leadership of the FAA. PUBLICATIONS

30 HAI Convention News \ January 29, 2020 \ ainonline.com

Pg-1-30_d2_v3.indd 3 1/28/20 5:58 PM REGISTER FOR THE PREMIER BUSINESS AVIATION EVENT IN EUROPE

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