August 2012 Serving the Worldwide Industry rotorandwing.com

Pilot Report: Eurocopter

Era Training Center Profile

Hot Blade Exercise in Europe

Rotorcraft Training Guide When you fly , looking for trouble becomes a full-time job.

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

WHEN LAW ENFORCERS Editor’s Notebook DEPEND ON IT, WE’RE RIGHT ALONGSIDE. Practice Makes Perfect By Andrew Parker [email protected]

hat do Al Pacino, a squirrel From “What’s the Operating Status while performing a particular task in and a moose, the “human of the Most Critical System on Your his or her everyday life—along with Woperating system,” rogue Helicopter?” by IHST team member rogue management, operations, pilots, management, graphical Lee Roskop: aircrew and maintainers have no place world charts, lions and bears, danger- “Consider the importance of the in the profession of aviation.” ous behavior, SMS toolkits and safety ‘human system.’ The pilot (and crew, videos all have in common? OK, maybe if applicable) is arguably the most From “A Plea to Personal/Private those last two gave it away, but they’re important operating system on the Operators” by Lee Roskop: all subjects that have appeared in the helicopter. Yet, one of three scenarios “The number of helicopter acci- International Helicopter Safety Team’s typically is true when it comes to dents in the personal/private category recent “Safety Notes” campaign. assessing the health of the ‘human sys- is not at all proportionate to the num- Over the past three-plus months tem’ before each flight: 1). We don’t do ber of flight hours flown. In fact, there (since mid-April), IHST has been send- it, 2). We aren’t honest with ourselves if is a stunningly large gap between the ing out e-mails each week focusing on we do take the time to do it, or 3). We low percentage of U.S. helicopter hours different aspects of safety and training. don’t consistently take the right action flown in personal/private operations The group is falling short of its goal to even if we know our ‘system’ isn’t quite as compared to the high percentage of reduce helicopter accidents 80 percent right…” U.S. helicopter accidents. The bottom worldwide by 2016, but progress is still “When our system is operating at line in the comparison is that for the being made to push the trend down- its worst, it still has to be good enough 10 years analyzed, the personal/private ward, as the rate has decreased by 30 to handle the most challenging situ- category accounted for only about 5 percent in the past five years (since ation while we fly. None of us would percent of U.S. helicopter hours flown, 2006 when IHST began its accident ever think about taking an aircraft to fly yet resulted in 20 percent of the heli- reduction efforts) vs. 2001-2005. if maintenance told us that one of the copter accidents.” According to figures from the critical systems was only working at group, the worldwide civil accident less than 50 percent of what we could rate decreased from 9.7 accidents normally expect. Given the importance per 100,000 operating hours during of the ‘human system’ for safer flying Top 10 Ways to Prevent 2001-2005 to around 5.7 accidents per and preventing accidents, it’s impera- Helicopter Accidents 100,000 from 2006-2011. IHST’s target tive that we apply the same stringent (Source: IHST) is to bring that figure down to 1.9 acci- standard of minimum acceptable per- Good news for all law enforcement operators. Whatever dents per 100,000 by 2016. formance to our own bodies.” 1. Install cockpit recorders platforms you use for your , Goodrich In addition to the SMS toolkits, 2. Improve autorotation training has a hoist that’s ready and available. safety videos, training tips, etc., there is From “How Safe is Dangerous?” by 3. Add advanced maneuvers to some really interesting material that’s IHST team member Scott Tyrrell: simulator training Whether you operate AS350s, EC145s or A109s, worth a look. August is one of the “Former pilot and internationally 4. Emphasize critical issues there’s a Goodrich hoist you can rely on to provide months that Rotor & Wing puts a heavy recognized expert in the field of avia- awareness in training the perfect solution. focus on training (features include “Era tion human error Tony Kern explains 5. Enhance aircraft performance Training Center Profile” on page 22, this issue succinctly: ‘Failures of flight & limitations training Goodrich is unique in providing the translating drum “Rotorcraft Training Guide” on page discipline can—in a single instant— 6. Strengthen emergency proce- technology, which has the highest reliability in the 30, “Hot Blade Exercise” on page 44, overcome years of skill development, dures training industry and no fleet angle restrictions. And Goodrich www.goodrich.com “Training News” on page 48 and “Safety in-depth systems knowledge and thou- 7. Implement a personal risk has the lowest life cycle costs. Watch” on page 52), so it’s appropriate sands of hours of experience.’ management program to highlight a few excerpts of what I’ve The aviation community must 8. Establish a mission-specific So whichever platforms fly your missions, depend on found interesting in reading through demand accountability at all levels so risk management program Goodrich to be right there with you. the IHST Safety Notes material. that full adherence to the highest level 9. Follow compliance of ICA Take a look at the IHST toolkits and of flight discipline will ensure the safest procedures For more information about Goodrich rescue hoists, safety programs at www.ihst.org, and flying environment. ‘At Risk’ Behav- 10. Implement a quality assurance email [email protected] join the cause to help reduce helicopter ior—a behavior in which an individual maintenance program accidents worldwide. Fly Safe! is willing to assume ‘unnecessary risks’

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

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

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

right attitude/right approach/right alongside THIS MONTH FROM

Personal|Corporate Commercial Military Public Service DEPARTMENTS 12 Rotorcraft Report 18 People 18 Coming Events 21 Hot Products 51 Classified Ads 53 Ad Index

COLUMNS 4 Editor’s Notebook 8 Feedback 10 Meet the Contributors 50 Leading Edge 52 Safety Watch 54 Military Insider FEATURES On the Cover: Eurocopter X3 (X-cube) over the 22 ■ Operator Profile: Era Training Center Dallas-Fort Worth area a few days prior to the June With roots tracing back to 1948, Era Helicopters has been consistent in its ongoing 20 launch of the prototype’s U.S. summer tour. commitment to safety and training. By Dale Smith Photo courtesy of American Eurocopter COVER STORY 26 ■ Flying the Eurocopter X3 Rotor & Wing’s Editor-at-Large took the controls of the X3 prototype on June 18, prior to its official debut on U.S. soil. By Ernie Stephens 30 ■ Rotorcraft Training Guide 2012 First installment of R&W’s Rotorcraft Training Guide focuses on , European countries , and , and the United States. By Ian Frain 38 ■ Seeing Beneath the Surface 26 Nondestructive testing allows operators to detect defects without destroying the helicopter. By Mark Robins 44 ■ Hot Blades in Portugal EDA multinational training exercise gathers pace with more countries looking to join. By Andrew Drwiega, Military Editor 48 ■ Training News Russian Helicopters to develop “intelligent avionics” for helicopter lines starting in 2015. Bell Training Academy obtains EASA approval for pilot instruction on the 429. By Rotor & Wing Staff

6 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM

DIG_04_RW_0812_TOC_p06-07.indd 6 7/26/12 12:37:30 PM Vol. 46 | No. 8 August 2012

Public Service Training Products Services 44 ONLINE www.rotorandwing.com

EXPANDED FARNBOROUGH COVERAGE • Visit www.rotorandwing.com to watch videos and view additional photos from the Farnborough International Airshow 2012.

SIGN UP FOR THE ROTOR & WING COLLECTIVE • Subscribe today for our free weekly e-letter for helicopter news—The Rotor & Wing Collective, which features an in-depth Story of the Week, Top News Picks, Helicopter Jobs and links to Rotor & Wing’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Sign up now by visiting: www.aviationtoday.com/rw/collective_form.html

WHAT DO THE EXPERTS THINK? • Ask questions to three experts on the topics of helicopter aerodynamics, AS9100 quality management systems audits and night vision goggle (NVG) certification at rotorandwing.com. Che Masters, certification engineer for NSF-ISR, discusses aerospace quality registration. Frank Lombardi, test and evaluation pilot, provides insights about the science behind helicopter flight. NVG certification expert Jessie Kearby fields questions about NVGs for both military and commercial uses.

DIRECT TO YOUR DESKTOP: CHECK YOUR EMAIL AUGUST 1: • Digital edition of Rotor & Wing August 2012. Electronic version with enhanced web links makes navigating through the pages of Rotor & Wing easier than ever. WEEK OF AUGUST 20: • Rotor & Wing’s Military Insider e-letter. Get the latest updates from helicopter defense companies around the world, from Military Editor Andrew Drwiega. WEEK OF AUGUST 27: • HOT PRODUCTS for Helicopter Operators—Latest in equipment upgrades, performance Get connected: modifications, training devices and other tools for the rotorcraft industry. Become a fan of Rotor & Wing on Follow us on @rotorandwing TO SUBSCRIBE TO ANY OF OUR EXCLUSIVE EMAIL PRODUCTS, GO TO: WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM

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

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

S-76 Safety R&W’s Question of the Month It was noted in the CHC Safety & Quality Summit article in the May Please describe your training 2012 issue (page 40) that the Sikorsky S-76 was specifically cited as “lacking regimen. What operational in safety design requirements” in part because it does not have a crashwor- tips and safety practices have you thy fuel system. I’m sure we all prefer learned through continuous to base our beliefs on facts instead of rules, so let’s look at the numbers. training and experience? About 800 S-76 helicopters have been delivered since 1978 and these Let us know, and look for responses in a future issue. You’ll aircraft have accumulated about six find contact information below. million flight hours. During that period, the S-76 has experienced four post-crash fires in survivable accidents. In those four The rotor system is not a rigid a new position relative to the mast. accidents no person was injured by body due to hinging and/or blade As you said, it is aerodynamics that fire. In other words, if the S-76 had flexibility so gyroscopic moments suf- provide blade flapping. The phase been equipped with a heavy, expen- ficient to move the disc can not be lag, which most people attribute to sive crashworthy fuel system since the transmitted across the hub. Because gyroscopic precession, can be more first delivery, not one person would such moments can not be transmitted correctly referred to as “aerodynamic have been saved from being burned. across the hub, the rotor system can precession.” The reason that the S-76 has had such not react as a gyroscope. It is the angular difference between a good track record is the use of a Rotor disc attitude control is the input lift force location and its suction fuel system, something that achieved through blade aerodynam- perceived reaction, and the reason has been standard practice at Sikor- ics and flapping, and not gyroscopic I mentioned as a source of accelera- sky since the early 1970s. Suction fuel precession. tion cross-coupling. The lag angle is systems are also rare even in current Thanks for your great magazine. dictated by the ratio of how quickly &YQBOE"OZUJNFXJUI0OFPS5XP.'%Tt3FMJBCMFTPMJETUBUF"%")34t&MJNJOBUF.FDIBOJDBM(ZSP.BJOUFOBODF$PTUT helicopter designs. Why they are not It contains a wealth of rotary wing the blade flaps up and down to how #SPBE/BW$PNN$PNQBUJCJMJUZt&BTZ4PGUXBSF6QHSBEFTt&BTZ 'MFYJCMF*OTUBMMBUJPOt-JHIU8FJHIU $PNQBDU mandated by rule and by the customer info and news. I always read it and quickly it rotates. is beyond me. They work. leave it in the ready room for other This ratio is a function of hinge pilots and have done so for more than offset and air density, not angular Vaughan Askue 30 years! momentum (i.e., gyro effects). The Stratford, Conn. reference to the rotor acting like a gyro occurs quite often in text I believe, Chip Lancaster Commercial Pilot and AGI due to the fact that it is a rotating sys- MS Aeronautical Engineering tem that seems to exhibit the physi- Flight Simulator Instructor cal traits of one, and it is simpler for Gyroscopic Precession San Diego, Calif. people to grasp the resulting motions. Frank Lombardi’s June column (“A To be a purist, I must stand corrected. Couple of Things,” page 44), credits I’m glad to see that Rotor & Wing gyroscopic precession as one of the has insightful readers who take time phenomena positioning the rotor to provide us all with valuable feed- disc in cyclic control. The rotor sys- back. It is always welcomed! tem is a rotating system, so gyroscop- ic tendencies are present; but only to Aerodynamic Precession a very minor extent, existing hinge to Chip, you are correct. I inaccurately Frank Lombardi hinge and insufficient to move the credited gyroscopic precession when Rotor & Wing contributor rotor disc. I described how the blades flap to Leading Edge columnist

Do you have comments on the rotorcraft industry or recent articles and viewpoints we’ve published? Send them to Editor, Rotor & Wing, 4 Choke Cherry Road, Second Floor, Rockville, Md. 20850, USA, fax us at 1-301-354-1809 or e-mail us at rotorandwing@ accessintel.com. Please include a city and state or province with your name and ratings. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material.

8 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM A Visionary Investment.

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KEITH BROWN is the founder and principal Following a number of years working on of Defense Strategies, a company focused regional airline publications and for Inmarsat, on defense aerospace strategic planning and Emma served in various editor roles at Flight marketing. Keith retired from the Army as a International. In 2003 Emma emigrated to career Aviator and acquisition/procurement Australia and became a freelance aviation professional. He’s held numerous command, staff, joint and journalist where she contributes regularly to aviation and acquisition assignments including four years as an Army Avia- defense publications around the world. tion platform PM within PEO for Aviation, having an annual budgets exceeding $400 million and contracts exceeding $3 FRANK LOMBARDI, an ATP with both billion. He’s also participated in source selection processes and fixed-wing and rotary-wing ratings, began his chaired an aviation Source Selection Evaluation Board. Keith flying career in 1991 after graduating with a resides in Huntsville, Ala. bachelor’s of science in aerospace engineering, working on various airplane and helicopter KEITH CIANFRANI is a retired U.S. Army programs as a flight test engineer for Grumman Aerospace lieutenant colonel, master aviator and Army Corp. Frank became a police officer for a major East Coast instructor pilot, rated in both helicopters police department in 1995, and has been flying helicopters in the and fixed-wing aircraft. He holds a master’s department’s aviation section since 2000. He remains active in degree in aerospace safety from Embry- test and evaluation, and holds a master’s degree in aviation systems- Riddle Aeronautical University. Keith is a flight testing from the University of Tennessee Space Institute. certificated flight instructor and has flown commercial aircraft for more than 20 years in and around the New York City area. MARK ROBINS is an experienced and accomplished editor who has bylined more ANDREW DRWIEGA, Military Editor, is a than 50 full-length feature articles in his senior defense journalist with a particular career, most dealing with technical and man- focus on international military rotorcraft. He ufacturing developments. He has written has reported on attachment from Iraq three for such technical trade magazines as Quality and Electronic times (the latest of which was with a U.S. Packaging and Production. He has also worked full-time for the Marine Corps MV-22 squadron), and three times with British editorial departments of the American Society of Civil Engi- forces in Afghanistan (Kandahar and Camp Bastion), as well neers and Society of Manufacturing Engineers. as from numerous exercises. He has flown in a wide variety of rotorcraft including the MV-22B Osprey, AH-64D Apache, DALE SMITH has been an aviation journalist Rooivalk and many others. for 24 years specializing in business aviation. He is currently a contributing writer for Rotor IAN FRAIN graduated with BSc in Engi- & Wing and other leading aviation magazines. neering Studies (Aerospace & Mechanical He has been a licensed pilot since 1974 and subjects) from University of Hetfordshire has flown 35 different types of , business in 2002. He then worked at an EASA Part and WWII vintage aircraft. 145 fixed-wing MRO at Gatwick , participating in aviation recruitment with a rotary ERNIE STEPHENS, Editor-at-Large, began wing EASA Part 145 MRO. Ian then moved into B2B media in flying in the 1980s, earning his commercial aviation and has worked as researcher for aviation information pilot’s license and starting an aerial photogra- software for four years and is now running aviation research phy company as a sideline. In his regular job consultancy, Hel-Ian. He can be reached at [email protected]. as a county police officer, he was transferred to the department’s newly established aviation unit, where he EMMA KELLY has been an aviation journalist since the late served as the sergeant in charge and chief pilot until his retire- 1980s, starting her career with Air Cargo News International. ment in 2006.

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■ PUBLIC SERVICE | FIREFIGHTING Australia Plans Aerial Firefighting Future tenders will initially cover fire season, which will start in late August a three-year fire season in some parts of the northeast and con- period, with options to tinue through to April in the southwest extend. of the country. Australia has years of Over the last two years, much of the experience fighting bush- country, with the exception of Western fires and has determined Australia (WA), has come off lightly— what works best in its cli- particularly compared to the devastating NAFC mate and environment. 2008/9 fire season in which more than As a result, the aerial fleet 170 people died in the Black Saturday under the new contracts fires in Victoria. But Australia cannot be is unlikely to be very dif- complacent with bushfires a constant ferent to what has been threat in the summer months in vast employed under the cur- areas of the country. rent ones. Australia relies NAFC has yet to receive all the activ- on type one helicopters, ity and mission figures from the states classified as having an and territory for the 2011/12 fire season, internal payload of 2,268 but Alder says the last fire season was kg or greater and a water very similar to that of 2010/11. Dur- carrying capacity of 2,650 ing that year, the national fleet of 53 liters or greater; type two helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft was with an internal payload activated on 550-plus occasions for of between 1,134 kg and firefighting and made more than 4,378 2,267 kg and a water carry- drops, delivering over 7.5 million liters of An Erickson Air-Crane dumps water over a 2009 bushfire ing capacity of 1,135-2,649 water/retardant. in Victoria, Australia. liters; type three with an As in the previous year, the aerial Early next year, Australia’s National internal payload of 544 kg to 1,133 kg firefighting fleet was also put to use in Aerial Firefighting Center (NAFC) will and a water carrying capacity of between 2011/12 on flood recovery and storm decide on the aerial firefighting fleet 380 and 1,134 liters; and type four—less support missions in parts of Queen- that will do battle against the country’s than 544 kg internal payload and a water sland, NSW, Victoria and WA. This annual bushfire threat over the next carrying capacity less than 380 liters. shows the versatility of the firefighting few years. Tenders will cover type one, two fleet and the sharing arrangements, says With the NAFC’s existing tenders and three rotary wing services and type Alder.—By Emma Kelly reaching the end of their three years plus four fixed-wing services, as well as other Read the full story on the web two years extension life at the end of the specialist services. A request for propos- at www.rotorandwing.com coming 2012/2013 fire season, a call for als will also be issued this year to supply and sign up for our weekly tenders for the national fleet for 2013/14 larger fixed-wing airtanker services, newsletter, The Collective, at onward is scheduled to be released in including very large airtankers and type www.aviationtoday.com/rw/ late August or early September, accord- one and 2 multi-engine airtankers, says collective_form.html ing to Richard Alder, general manager the NAFC. of the central body that coordinates the The new tenders come as the For daily and breaking news involving helicopters, go to: national aerial firefighting fleet. The country prepares for the 2012/13 www.aviationtoday/rw Become a fan of Rotor & Wing on Follow us on @rotorandwing

12 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

■ MILITARY | AIRFRAMES ■ PUBLIC SERVICE | FIREFIGHTING AW139M Tokyo Fire Dept Purchases EC225 Participates in Army AAS Demo AgustaWestland North America has wrapped up a week of flight demonstrations for the U.S. Army, as part of the Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) program.

Eurocopter AgustaWestland used an AW139M to serve as a technology demonstrator, and plans to present a militarized version of the AW169 for the AAS program upon receiving the Army’s request for information (RfI). Both the AW139 and AW169 have similar flight, design and maintenance aspects. According to R. Scott Rettig, CEO of AgustaWestland North America, the AW139M was the first helicopter This Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma is part of the Tokyo Fire Department’s fleet expansion. to participate in the AAS flight display. The unit bought its first Super Puma in December 2011. “We were prepared, ready and we’re Eurocopter has agreed to provide another EC225 Super Puma to the Tokyo moving forward,” Rettig said. Fire Department. This follows the December 2011 purchase of a Super Puma The AW169 is on track for FAA and as part of a fleet expansion after the Great East Earthquake in March. EASA certification and the AW139M This newest order is configured for emergency medical services and search and has completed testing to receive Army rescue, as well as firefighting missions. certification of its survivability suite during safe separation at the Army Materiel Command’s Redstone Techni- ■ COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES cal Test Center in Huntsville, Ala. GKN, Goodrich, IAI, Triumph Among Bell 525 Relentless Suppliers AgustaWestland’s AW139M participated in the Armed Aerial Scout demo for the Bell Helicopter has expanded the list of equipment, parts and tooling suppliers U.S. Army. that will be involved with the development of the 525 Relentless. The Textron subsidiary unveiled the “super medium” class helicopter in February 2012 at Heli-Expo in Dallas. The Fort Worth, Texas-based manufacturer has secured agreements with GKN Aerospace and Triumph Group involving airframe structures, including complex engineering and composites. Charlotte, N.C.-based Goodrich will provide ice protection systems, Israel Aerospace Industries will work on the seating, with Mecaer Aviation Group focused on the , Kuka on major structure tooling, and Pacifica Engineering on rotor and drive tooling. According to Bell, the suppliers will also work with the manufacturer on the AgustaWestland design and delivery of the components as part of the drive toward the first 525 prototype. Larry Thimmesch, vice president of commercial programs, notes that the agreements come as the program is transitioning from the preliminary into the detailed design phase. As part of the preliminary phase, Bell gathered input from a customer advisory panel to help shape the design and features of the helicopter, which will receive power from GE CT7-2F1s.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 13 Rotorcraft Report

■ COMMERCIAL | OFFSHORE Bristow Secures Contracts for 20 Helicopters Offshore services operator Bristow Group has signed several long-term Master Sgt. Cheresa Theiral Master Sgt. Cheresa contracts and extensions covering 20 helicopters. In , Bristow has added a five-year option to a seven-year contract for four Sikorsky S-92s; a new five-year contract with an option for another five years was inked for the Norway search and rescue provision, providing three new Eurocopter EC225s. Both Norwegian contracts are slated to start in September 2014. Bristow also received a contract in the UK North Sea for one S-92 that went into service in July 2012 and for an EC225 that is scheduled for an August start. Members of the Nebraska Army National Guard, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 135th General The company obtained a 10-year Support Aviation, use a Bambi bucket to douse the flames of the High Park fire in Larimer contract with Australian oil and gas County, Colo. The fire destroyed more than 87,000 acres and 200 homes before being operator INPEX for up to six EC225s contained. for drilling support and operations, with an option to add a search and rescue (SAR)-configured aircraft. ■ PUBLIC SERVICE | LAW ENFORCEMENT Petrobras in Brazil has awarded Fairfax County Receives Second Bell 429 Lider a five-year contract for five S-92s, one of which is leased from Bell Helicopter has completed delivery of a second multi-mission Bell 429 to the Bristow and will begin service in Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia. The helicopter is equipped for both August, with the remaining four emergency medical services (EMS) and law enforcement missions. FCPD’s first starting in April 2013. Bell 429 was delivered in December 2011 and has seen more than 500 flight hours and performed more than 30 medevac missions in that time. ■ SERVICES | MAINTENANCE ■ COMMERCIAL | HEAVY LIFT Ukraine Approves UTair Transports Bell Maintenance Mi26Ts with Sling Center Bell Helicopter has received a Part 145

Russia-based UTair Aviation has Russian Helicopters Maintenance Organization Approval delivered two Russian Helicopters from the Ukraine State Aviation Mi-26T airframes via a cargo sling Administration (SAA) for its aviation attached to another Mi-26T. The service facility in Prague, Czech transport covered more that 1,200 Republic. The maintenance, repair and miles (2,000 kilometers) and is the first overhaul (MRO) location—which Bell Mi-26T delivery of its kind. Due to the acquired in February 2010—already size and weight of the airframes, land- has EASA Part 145 approval. The based transport was not an option. The Ukraine SAA approval also covers Bell operation took 25 days and more than UTair’s Mi-26T carries another airframe Helicopter’s fellow Textron company, 70 flight hours to complete. via sling. Cessna.

14 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Ground support equipment

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■ PRODUCTS | ENGINES ■ MILITARY | TECHNOLOGY Turbomeca Inks Deal with Russian NASA Seeks Fix for Helicopters for Support Racsal Avionics Russian Helicopters and Turbomeca have joined forces on a general support NASA Ames Research Center issued agreement for engines powering the Ka-226T and Ka-62. As part of the agreement, a request for information (RFI) in June Ural Works of Civil Aviation, a division of Russian Helicopters’ Helicopter Service seeking sources to diagnose and repair, Company, will service and repair the engines for both military and government or rebuild, malfunctioning electronic operators. The recently unveiled Ka-62 will receive power from two Turbomeca input-output processor (IOP) circuit Ardiden 3Gs. cards for the research flight control computer assembly (RFCCA) on the ■ PUBLIC SERVICE | LAW ENFORCEMENT JUH-60 helicopter. Boeing and Lear Astronics developed the Rotorcraft German Police Receive Final EC155s Aircrew Systems Concepts Airborne Laboratory (Rascal) in the 1990s, and Eurocopter the RFCCA unit features the same design standards as existing production military helicopter electronics, according to NASA. The U.S. government owns the RFCCA designs and schematics of its major circuit cards, but “detailed design documentation, including Gerber files and bill of materials for the IOP cards, are not available,” the RFI states, adding that some “reverse engineering may be required to reconstruct required detailed design information.” German National Police use a fleet of 87 Eurocopter variants to patrol the county. NASA received two RFCCAs with Rascal’s initial development and a third Eurocopter has handed over the final two EC155B1s out of a 20-helicopter qualification test unit. One of them is order to the German . The helicopters were part of a fleet upgrade still working properly, the other experi- program, which brings the German law enforcement air wing numbers up to 87. ences “intermittent IOP card malfunc- The all-Eurocopter fleet includes AS332L1 Super Pumas used for disaster relief, tions,” while the qualification unit is sea rescues, special operations, surveillance and transport; EC120s for training; no longer operational. Ames Research and the EC135T2i variant that conducts air rescue, disaster control and law Center envisions a two-phase approach, enforcement missions. with the first involving a contract to review existing RFCCA design data to ■ PRODUCTS | ENGINES investigate IOP card malfunctions—to potentially include reverse engineer- Operators in , Western U.S. ing—and come up with a plan to repair Employ Donaldson Filters or remanufacture the cards. The second phase will cover the actual repair/recon- Donaldson Aerospace & Defense has equipped a Scandair Eurocopter AS350B3e struction of the IOP cards. and a Summit Air Ambulance AgustaWestland AW109 with inlet barrier filter The RFI seeks to determine com- (IBF) systems. The Swedish utility operator provides aerial applications, including panies that have the required technical in “very dusty environments while fertilizing, and the indicator still shows good and manufacturing expertise, includ- filter performance,” according to owner Fredrik Ulander. Summit Air Ambulance, ing “information, tools, supplies and based in Idaho, was the first operator to incorporate a Donaldson IBF into an techniques,” to repair flight control AW109E. The system is also designed to cover the S (Grand) and SP (GrandNew) components in military helicopters. It variants. Summit assisted Donaldson with the initial flight testing and certification is also searching for information that of the IBF on the AW109. Larry Bacus, senior vice president of Summit—which will contribute to developing a request conducts high-altitude rescues in Idaho, Nevada and the western U.S.—noted that for proposals (RFP) related to the IOP the IBF “enhances our safety program.” circuit board repairs.

16 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

■ MILITARY | UTILITY International Naval Interest Grows for Sikorsky MH-60R/S

Navy is 575 aircraft, comprising 275 MH-60S (with 213 already delivered as of June 5, 2012). There have been 130 MH-60R helicopters delivered to the Navy (as of June 18). Nine dedicated MH-60R squadrons are already operating with the U.S. Navy with a further 19 Squadrons still to be equipped by 2018. Although the maximum production capacity for MH-60Rs is set at 35 aircraft, according to Sears there is an international capacity to produce 24 helicopters annu- ally. In terms of the MH-60S there is a production capacity of 48 aircraft per year. The two types have already logged 130,000 hours at sea and improvements are being introduced steadily. Sikorsky “Since IOC in 2006 there have been three individual spiral upgrades,” said Sears. “With the confirmed program of record the price the overall price point has been dropped Two Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60Rs Sierras are headed to the by well over 10 percent,” he confirmed. This saving could Royal Thai Navy, following the FMS sale of 24 Sierras to Australia. be passed on to international customers, he continued. Following the first foreign military sales (FMS) of 24 The U.S. MH-60R/S roadmap includes the acoustic, Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60Rs to the Australian and weapons upgrades and the main mission computer Navy in the summer 2011, as well as two MH-60 Sierras to upgrades will be completed in time for the Australian Navy the Royal Thai Navy in August—a deal stated at the time deliveries. There is also work being done on a laser mine to be worth around $3.2 billion—Mike Sears, director detection system for the MH-60S which could be mounted of international programs, MH-60R/S Seahawk stated on the side of the aircraft and could detect near-surface at the that further potential mines.—By Andrew Drwiega, Military Editor customers now include the navies of Korea (R), Denmark For more military stories, visit www.rotorandwing.com (R), Qatar (R/S), (R/S) and India. The total and sign up for our monthly Military Insider newsletter at Seahawk MH-60R/S program of record for the U.S. www.aviationtoday.com/rw/subscribe.html

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 17 Rotorcraft Report

PEOPLE ■ Keith Flail has joined Bell Helicopter Broussard, La.-based RLC has IN MEMORIAM as director of military program office named Edie Hunt as vice president Metro Aviation operations. The U.S. Army veteran was of human resources. Hunt will oversee of Shreveport, previously senior manager of business benefits administration, employee rela- Louisiana, has development for Lockheed Martin tions, organizational development and lost its produc- Missiles and Fire Control Company. talent acquisition. Hunt comes to RLC tion manager Flail will take charge of the program from Dynamic Offshore Resources, management and core process teams where she was in charge of the HR/IT and longtime for his department. administrative departments. e m p l o y e e , Vancouver, B.C.-based CHC Heli- FlightSafety Inter- Russell Garner, who died copter has hired Peter Bartolotta national has promot- unexpectedly on June 26. to serve as chief operating officer and ed Doug Gill (left) Garner worked with the president of the company’s Helicopter to director of engi- company for more than 25 Services division. A former operations neering for its visual manager at AlliedSignal/Honeywell, simulation facility years. “Russell was a key Bartolotta joins CHC from Morrisville, in St. Louis, Mo. Gill component to the success N.C.-based computer firm Lenovo was previously the of our company as well as Corp., where he was senior vice presi- manager or real-time a great friend to us all,” dent of global services. software and display remarked Metro Aviation Esterline CMC Electronics has management systems President and owner Mike brought Christian Olivier on as and has worked for vice president of operations. Olivier, FlightSafety since 1998. The company Stanberry. “His kind man- formerly with Nortel Networks, STMi- also added Woody McClendon (bot- ner as a true gentleman and croelectronics and e2v Technologies, tom left) as sales manager for rotorcraft his innate ability to bring a will oversee facilities management, training. He will develop tailored training concept to reality was his master planning, IT, operations and programs in this new role. McClendon hallmark. We will all miss supply chain management. He is also a has trained with FlightSafety and previ- him dearly.” licensed pilot. ously worked as an instructor.

2012: Nov. 6–8: Dubai Helishow 2012, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Contact Mediac Communications and Exhibitions, Sept. 4–7: European Rotorcraft Forum 2012, , phone +44 (0)1293 823 779 or visit www.dubaihelishow.com The Netherlands. Contact National Aerospace Laboratory NLR, phone +31 88 511 3165 or visit www.erf2012.nlr.nl/ 2013: index.html Feb. 20–21: Avionics Europe 2013, , Germany. Contact Oct. 22–23: , Kuala Lumpur, . PennWell, phone 1-888-299-8016 or visit www.avionics-event.com Contact Tangent Link, phone +44 (0) 1628 660400 or visit www.tangentlink.com/events Mar. 4–7: HAI Heli-Expo 2013, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact HAI, 1-703-683-4646 or visit www.rotor.com Oct. 22–24: 2012 Air Medical Transport Conference, Seattle, Wash. Contact AAMS, phone 1-703-836-8732 or March 18–20: 9th Annual CHC Safety & Safety Summit, visit www.aams.org Vancouver, Canada. Contact CHC, phone + 1-604-232-7424 or visit www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com Oct. 22–24: AUSA Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C. March 25–28: 56th Annual AEA International Convention &

coming events Contact AUSA, phone 1-703-841-4300, 1-800-336-4570 or visit www.ausa.org Trade Show, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact Aircraft Electronics Assoc., phone 1-816-347-8400 or visit www.aea.net Oct. 30–Nov.1: Helicopter Military Operations Technology Specialists’ Meeting (HELMOT XV), April 10–14: Quad-A Annual Convention, Fort Worth, Williamsburg, Va. Contact AHS Intl, phone 1-703-684-6777 Texas. Contact Quad-A, phone 1-203-268-2450 or visit www. or visit www.vtol.org quad-a.org

Nov. 6: High-Rise Aerial Firefighting & Rescue, Dubai, May 21–23: AHS International 69th Annual Forum and UAE. Contact Tangent Link, phone +44 (0) 1628 660400 or Technology Display, Phoenix, Ariz. Contact AHS, phone 1-703- visit www.tangentlink.com/events 684-6777 or visit www.vtol.org

18 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Report

■ PUBLIC SERVICE | FIREFIGHTING ■ PRODUCTS | AVIONICS Japanese Agencies Purchase Two FreeFlight Obtains Additional Firefighting AW139s ADS-B Approval The Fire Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) and Yokohama City in Japan have NextGen avionics provider, FreeFlight each ordered a firefighting-configured AgustaWestland AW139. The helicopter Systems, has received an FAA will become FDMA’s second AW139 and will be equipped with a Bambi bucket, supplemental type certificate (STC) belly tank and an enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS). The to incorporate a rule-compliant Yokohama City Fire Department’s helicopter features a main rotor blade with a automatic dependent surveillance- high visibility paint scheme, a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS)-capable broadcast (ADS-B) system into the GPS, and a belly tank. Both aircraft are slated for delivery in 2013. AgustaWestland AW139. Free Flight’s RANGR FDL-978TX “ADS-B Out” was developed specifical- ly for Gulf of Mexico helicopter opera- tors using Chevron’s fleet of AW139s for the FAA testing and certification process. FreeFlight’s ADS-B increases AgustaWestland the tracking range for air traf- The FDMA’s newest fleet fic controllers monitoring offshore addition is an AgustaWestland helicopters that are operating in AW139. the Gulf, according to the Irving, Texas- based company.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 19 Rotorcraft Report

■ PUBLIC SERVICE | GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ■ SERVICES | MAINTENANCE EMERCOM Receives 5th Russian SkyBOOKS Updates Helicopters Kamov Ka-32A11BC Tracking Software Russian Helicopters has handed over the last of five Ka-32A11BCs to the Russian Bell Helicopter affiliate SkyBOOKS has Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM). All five helicopters are outfitted for SAR packaged its Version 4.7 SAAS software missions, and can also be configured for firefighting and medical operations. The into two areas—flight operations Ka-32A11BCs will monitor the principal road between Moscow and St. Petersburg and maintenance tracking—for as part of EMERCOM’s road safety program. As part of this project, the Ministry analyst or user-managed operations. may add more than 60 light and 120 medium helicopters to the fleet. SkyBOOKS lists tracking/alerting, component management, discrepancy/ Russian Helicopters MEL tracking and inventory/tool management among the benefits for the maintenance tracking “bundle,” with features in the flight options package to include operations logs/manifests, scheduling and expense reports.

■ MILITARY | MAINTENANCE Lockheed Wins $44M Navy Contract

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division has contracted Lockheed Martin Logistics Services to supply avionics maintenance, documentation and technical support as part of its Avionics Architecture and Systems Engineering Division. The aircraft EMERCOM’s fifth Ka-32A11BC will patrol a main highway between Moscow and serviced under the $44-million contract St. Petersburg, Russia. are part of the presidential helicopter and executive transport programs.

20 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM for Helicopter Operators

Tech-Tool Plastics: Reinforced and Ready to Install EC120, EC130 Windows Tech-Tool Plastics is pleased to offer the ultimate in quality replacement windows for your Eurocopter EC120 and EC130 helicopters. Currently FAA, EASA, Transport Canada and ANAC approved, these windows offer reinforced edging which helps prevent cracking during extreme temperature changes. Plus, these replacement windows are available with a variety of options. From forward-door windows without slides for law enforcement operators, to forward-door windows that come standard with slides, Tech-Tool windows can improve the effectiveness of your mission. Additional options include air vents, clear or tinted acrylic and slide assemblies. Years of experience and a strong focus on innovation have allowed Tech-Tool Plastics to become the leader in replacement and custom windows for rotorcraft. Ensuring durability, ease of installation and an unwavering focus on quality—Tech-Tool customers experience immediate service with little or no down time. Contact Tech-Tool Plastics by phone at 1-800-433-2210 or visit the company on the web at: www.tech-tool.com

New Techtest 406 MHz Ejection Seat Now Compatible with PLB The 500-30 is the latest member of the highly successful Techtest PLB range offering 406-MHz and Guard frequency transmission combined with embedded GPS to provide positional accuracy of ≤100m. With both manual and automatic activation capability the beacon offers maximum flexibility across a fleet of aircraft. Providing interface solutions for inclusion in PSPs within ejection seats such as ACES II/III and in combination with parachute activation mechanisms such as the BA22. Once activated upon ejection the PLB will transmit SAR frequency signals via remote antennas allowing rapid recovery. Once on the ground aircrew can continue to transit using remote or integrated dual frequency antennas including GPS providing portable functionality and the ability to control beacon transmission according to circumstance. With five-year battery life, 48 hours transmission on 121.5MHz and 24 hours on 406MHz at -20°C, the 500-30 meets COSPAS SARSAT, ED-62A, STANAG 7007 and MIL-STD 810F specifications. Contact Andrew Dawson at [email protected] or visit www.hr-smith.com

DAC International’s Solution for Tarsyn on the Bell 212/412 Helicopter

If you have issues with your Tarsyn gyro installation, consider replacing the Tarsyn gyros with the proven Northrop Grumman Litef LCR100 fiber optics AHRS. Installation consists of removal of the existing rate gyro, replacement of the Tarsyn VG/DGs with two AHRS and trays, which mount into the existing Tarsyn position and wiring an additional panel annunciator. Advantages of replacing the Bell 212/412 mechanical gyros with the dual LCR-100 AHRS include Fiber Optic Attitude Heading Reference System—no moving parts; a long MTBF (mean time before failure) equals reduced maintenance and cost; the LCR100 has increased accuracy and less weight than the gyros it replaces; simplified one- time flux valve calibration—no compass rose required and it comes with a two-year warranty. The installation is simple with a kit that includes: two Tarsyn adapter trays, one rate gyro jumper/annunciator harness, one panel annunciator and a flight manual supplement. Downtime for installation is minimal. Give us a call today to discuss replacing or upgrading your Bell 212/412.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 21 TRAINING | OPERATORS OPERATOR PROFILE:

What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand. —Kung Fu Tzu (Confucius)

Era Helicopters AgustaWestland AW139.

Photos courtesy Era Training Center Photos courtesy Era Training By Dale Smith

hen you think about it, leum industry. And the rest, as they say, mitment to training pilots to be able to the helicopter industry is is helicopter industry history. make good decisions that ensure the Wtruly amazing. Especially Today, as a subsidiary of Seacor safety of those they serve. when you consider how Holdings, Era Helicopters is a leader Back in Mr. Brady’s day, “training” many of today’s mega-service-provid- in the operation, support and training was whatever you did in the past 15 ers started out as “one ship” operations. for helicopters and crews supporting minutes that you could reuse in the Take Era Group, for example. The a variety of land based and offshore next 15 minutes. But, to have any future company was started in 1948 when an industries around the world. The com- on-the-job-training and helicopters adventurous young pilot named Carl pany is proud of the fact that they hold just don’t mix. Brady started Economy Helicopters the oldest standing Part 135 helicopter So, as you might surmise, it wasn’t and brought a Bell 47A to Alaska to air carrier certificate in the U.S. long before the rapid growth and provide aerial mapping services to the While the company has grown expansion of the business meant that U.S. government. The success of that from a single Bell 47A to a global fleet Era’s leaders decided that they had to initial venture led Brady to expand to of some 170 helicopters, one thing make training a core part of the com- support the region’s growing petro- hasn’t changed—the company’s com- pany’s expanding business model.

22 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Era Profi le LE:

“Training has always been a primary ing devices (FSTD) for the Eurocopter train in,” he added. “For example, right effort. From a regulatory perspective it’s AS350B2 and EC135. now we are one of the highest-time not a choice, but Era has always placed While the company knew that these operators of the AS350 in the world. So an exceptionally high value on qual- new simulators were critical to provid- when we train someone on that type, ity training beyond the regulations,” ing the best training possible for their a lot of the information comes directly explained Randy Rowles, vice presi- in-house pilots and maintainers, they from the experience we have on the air- dent/general manager of the training actually had even bigger plans in mind. craft in many different situations.” center. “Management really started get- “Like any good helicopter company, you just don’t acquire an asset and not The Era Difference try to produce some additional revenue “What’s really unique about our train- from it,” Rowles said. “So they built the ing center is our model,” Rowles said. capability to offer training to pilots “Most Part 142 facilities, in helicopters outside the company, into the Training I think all of them, rely on Level D, full- Center’s operating portfolio.” motion flight simulators for all of their Today, the Era Training Center is training. We do it differently.” the only operator-owned training facil- Era’s model “is built around the ity in the Gulf of Mexico region to hold assets that we have available. Because an FAA Part 142 training certificate. of the fact that we have the aircraft right The facility does not only provide here, the decision was made to have training for Era pilots, but also our Part 142 training program cre- pilots that work for ated around having 75 percent of the direct competi- training done in the simulator and 25 tors. That’s right, percent in the actual aircraft,” he said. they actually “We’ve invested heavily in Frasca Inter- train pilots for national Level 6 training devices that their competition. require the actual aircraft to be used “We’ve gotten real- to complete the training curriculum— ly, really good at building and that’s very unique in the industry.” maintaining strong relationships. Not According to the company, with ting an idea to grow our training offer- only are our competitors now our cus- Era’s 75/25 split students gain profi- ings when they realized it wasn’t just us tomers, but our vendors are also our ciency with basic aircraft operations who needed quality training.” competitors,” Rowles said. “Even Flight- including pre-flight, start-up, run-up, One of the major contributors to Safety will send their instructors to us. autopilot, systems operational pro- the company’s decision to jump into We train them up on the actual aircraft, cedures and engine shut-down in the the training business with both feet was then back-train them into the simulator FSTD, which dramatically cuts down the availability of cost-effective simu- devices so their customers get the high- on “dead time” in the actual aircraft. In lators in the helicopter industry. Era est level of training quality.” addition, students also use the FSTD Training Center opened its dedicated The unique difference between to perform and practice normal and training center in Lake Charles, La. Era and a lot of other companies “is the emergency procedures before per- in 2008. Highlighting the center were simple fact that we have extensive expe- forming the same maneuvers in the new Frasca International flight train- rience in the operation of the aircraft we actual aircraft.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 23 TRAINING | OPERATORS Era Training Center Era Training

Era Helicopters AB139 lands in snow with a Northern Lights show taking place overhead.

As a complement to the training The biggest thing is not just telling we use a combination of recurrent provided by the Level 6 FSTD, Era someone about it, he continued, “but training and our company Intranet also relies heavily on scenario-based showing and enabling them to make to get information to our pilots and training. “With the advent of the new- a decision in the same circumstances mechanics,” Rowles said. generation FSTDs and the high-quality that will avoid an accident.” Era has a “One example is something we just visual graphics, we’re able to integrate, safety reporting system “which goes out released to our mechanics. Through for our offshore pilots for example, a to everyone. Any employee at any time our SharePoint system we just released number of the more challenging off- can stop work if they see anything that 22 new maintenance training videos shore platforms and the environments is not safe. That situation is then put in that are on key support elements they are actually operating in,” Rowles the online reporting system and shared we’ve identified through the efforts said. “We also use it for our air medical with the whole company.” of our maintenance technicians to customers. We have a lot of scenarios Rowles admits that this type of improve our inspection and mainte- built into that type of training.” honesty can be hard for many people nance procedures.” Rowles stressed that Era’s training to face up to. “Sometimes your baby “We put those videos out there scenarios are created to give pilots and is called ugly and it’s real,” he quipped. and we can tack who goes in for the crews not only experience in particular “But you can’t hide from the truth … not remote training,” he added. “We have a locations or situations, but more impor- if you want to learn from it.” whole e-courseware department here tantly to give them the knowledge and at the center. We truly believe in the experience to make good decisions no Change Happens value of computer-based training.” matter what the situation or location. Whether it’s a new procedure in reac- Rowles also explained that if the “We get a lot of information from tion to something on the company’s situation is more time-sensitive, the IHST (International Helicopter Safety Safety Reporting system or a change company will dispense new informa- Team, www.ihst.org) accident data. in aircraft operations brought on by tion through a combination of its What you see it that no matter how far information from the helicopter’s Flight current field-based instructors and you look back, you find that we have not Quality Assurance (FOQA) technol- by sending instructors from the Lake found any new ways to break a helicop- ogy, Rowles said that Era’s processes are Charles out into the field for hands-on ter. It just keeps happening over and over always changing to improve efficiency instruction. again,” Rowles said. and safety. “Of course, all of our mechanics “The key is to identify the causes and And when there’s some new infor- and pilots come back here at least once understand how to prevent them. We mation or procedures to share with a year for recurrent training,” he said. look carefully at what their (IHST) anal- the company, it all channels through “Most of our pilots come here every six ysis team and implementation teams the training center. “Depending on the months for a 61.58 proficiency check or recommend and go from there.” timing or criticality of the information, instrument recurrency training.”

24 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Era Profi le

Training to ‘Fill the Gap’ and lead qualified candidates While it’s true that Era is one of the larg- to their own success. Era is est helicopter operators in the world, fully engaged in a leader- they’re not immune to the same prob- ship position to engage the lems facing everyone else in the indus- industry and training com- try: Namely the looming shortages of munity to help establish qualified pilots and mechanics. and cultivate a standard- But, true to the spirit of the com- ized program to meet pany’s founder, they’re taking an active emerging needs for role in doing something about it. pilots and mechanics.” “There are a number of new things Another new, and we are looking at here at Era,” Rowles really unique program that Rowles said. “We realize there is a gap between discussed is Era Training Center’s intro- from when a pilot is certified to fly a duction of its Second-In-Command In 1948 Carl Brady started Economy helicopter up to the point where that (SIC) Familiarization Course for the Helicopters, which merged with Rotor Aids a pilot reaches the experience level to be AgustaWestland AW139. decade later to become ERA (later Era). considered for employment.” Operators realize “that one of the That gap “extends from when they problems with bringing new pilots into course to train second-in-command typically get their ratings at around 200 a crew environment is that they aren’t pilots a high degree of standardization hours until they can be brought back trained to be co-pilots,” he said. “Pilots for the AW139 helicopter. The course in and trained to fly a medium-twin at are pilots. They are trained from the also encourages the use of customer- around 1,700 to 2,000 hours,” he added. beginning to think on their feet and specific checklists and documentation “We’re actively engaged with that gap for themselves. Other than the U.S. to enhance the SIC’s supporting role in analysis now and determining the best military, there is no component that the two-pilot crew environment. way to extend the training cycle out actively trains pilots to be in a support- “We’ve taken the bull by the horns through more of that gap. The solution ing role—until now.” and decided that we need to teach, will require industry participation.” According to the company’s infor- particularly the young pilots, early The first thing the industry needs to mation the SIC Familiarization Course on in their careers—that’s who this do, he thinks, “is to take responsibility will include the same ground and is created for—how to be good, sup- for it. As an operator you can’t expect FSTD training as the PIC, but with- portive and capable pilots flying in everyone else to help ensure you can out the aircraft requirement. There the left seat,” Rowles continued. “This find the pilots that you will need. You is no regulatory certification, FAA program was developed to meet our need to take a championing approach or otherwise, involved. It’s purely a needs and the needs of our various customers. Because we are such a large operator, we tend to feel the need for things before other operators do.” Era saw the need “to enhance the skills of qualified SIC crew members for the AW139, so we created a new program to train them,” he said. “Now that we’ve introduced it, other opera- tors are saying they need it too.” Whether it’s introducing new air- craft types, or pushing the envelope of training and ensuring the future avail- ability of qualified pilots, Era Group and Era Training Center tackles each new opportunity with the same dedi- cation and commitment to doing

Era Training Center Era Training something new that motivated Mr. Brady to fly his Bell 47A into Alaska’s Simulator training is among the various programs that Era uses to instruct helicopter pilots. great unknown.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 25 COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES Pilot Report: THE EXCITING, EXPERIMENT

The Eurocopter X3 made its U.S. debut in June at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, near American Eurocopter’s headquarters in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Overhead panel of the X3 cockpit. Eurocopter Photo by Ernie Stephens Eurocopter invited Rotor & Wing to fly the X3 on June 18 before the official start of its U.S. tour. By Ernie Stephens, Editor-at-Large

icture this: A mad scientist with a bobbed tail, tweaked Jacques Ferrier and Paul Eglin, two of the takes a helicopter and a twin- the shape of the fuselage to accom- X3’s senior engineers. “It is quite simple,” Pturboprop into his laboratory, modate new components, and added Ferrier explained. “We slow down the wires them together, then propellers to stubby wings. Eurocopter main rotor at high speed to reduce sends millions of volts of electricity says, though, that the X3 testbed flying Mach at [the blade tip]. Then we have coursing through their frames. When today will have a different hull design a a wing which develops additional lift to the smoke clears, a strange combination few years down the road. unload the main rotor at high speed and of the two is left. When released from Eurocopter invited Rotor & Wing to to compensate for retreating blade stall.” its iron straps, the creature hovers for a fly the X3 at Fort Worth Alliance Air- Because the rotor has zero pitch moment, then jets away like an airplane. port (KAFW), located 22 nm northeast at high speed to reduce drag, Ferrier That creature is Eurocopter’s X3, a of American Eurocopter’s headquarters said that an X3 pilot does not tilt the hybrid machine designed to offer the in Grand Prairie, Texas, two days prior rotor disk to achieve forward flight. vertical flight capabilities of a helicopter, to its official U.S. public debut. I would Thrust is provided entirely by the two, and the speed of an airplane. To save only be the second person outside of five-bladed, constant-speed propel- development time, Eurocopter engi- the company’s own personnel to fly the lers, which receive power from a pair neers started with its EC155 medium- machine they call the “X cube.” The day of Rolls-Royce-Turbomeca RTM322s twin helicopter. They then replaced the began with a technical briefing by Jean- conventionally mounted atop the fuse-

26 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM X3 Pilot Report ENTAL, EXCEPTIONAL

X3 landing at Alliance Airport.

Up close look at the X3’s rotor hub. Photo by Ernie Stephens Photo by Ernie Stephens

lage. The engines and props are to pitch the aircraft, not the rotor disk. “It is trol lever (TCL) on the right side of the center coupled to the same transmission that drives very easy to fly,” boasted Ferrier. Before being console. It looks like the throttle in a fighter the X3’s five-bladed main rotor system. escorted out to the X3, I pulled weather for jet, but with three times the travel. The other The propellers also provide anti-torque KAFW. The winds were 160 at 12 kts gust- unusual item is a square, LCD display locat- services through differential thrust. And to ing to 17, with a temperature/dew point ed on the main instrument panel. It’s called keep it simple for pilots, the pedals control spread of 34/18. the power management display (PMD), and the anti-torque thrust the same as they It’s a tall ship, standing at what I would provides a digital view of how the TCL is set, would in a conventional helicopter. guess is about 12 feet high. The engine and how much power it’s delivering to the The wings on the X3 play a key role in its nacelles bulge farther out than the EC155 it propellers—amounts that will vary between performance. The added lift they produce was bred with, probably to house the engines the left and the right prop during flight. As I minimizes the need for lift from the main and transmission. Inside, the aircraft looks got settled into the left front seat, senior X3 rotor. Consequently, once 60 kts has been like a standard Dauphin with decorative trim test pilot Hervé Jammayrac, clad in a pow- achieved, the collective is lowered. However, panels missing. (Engineers prefer having easy der blue Eurocopter flight suit, saddled up this does not cause the main rotor to enter access to a test bed’s cables, wires and struc- on the PIC side. Behind us was Dominique an autorotative state. It merely reduces its tural members.) The aft cabin was stuffed Fournier, the flight engineer. Jammayrac and RPMs to a point where drag is minimized. with flight test gear and an engineer’s station. Fournier went through a before-start check- “Fin flaps are used in cruise flight to The instrument console—as well as the list, followed by an engine start procedure counteract the main rotor torque,” Eglin said. ceiling-mounted starter and fuel manage- very similar to the one used for the AS365 “Of course, we have less power on the main ment quadrants—is standard AS365 and Dauphin. rotor, so a very small setting is sufficient.” EC155 fare, with just two major exceptions. As the No. 1 engine spooled up, so did Wing and horizontal stabilizer flaps are used First, and most obvious, is the throttle con- the main rotor and both propellers—proof

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 27 COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES

that only one transmission drives all and thumb on the throttle when transi- a video of the return to KAFW, but had three spinning members. Once the tioning between flight modes that close my hands full. Jammayrac had me shoot second engine was online and every- to the ground! Bumping the hat switch my approach fast, as if in an airplane. thing was ready, Jammayrac gave me forward changed everything. Almost As a guy with precious little fixed-wing a quick lesson on how to read the instantly, the thrust developed by the time, it required my undivided attention. special instrument aboard the X3, props pushed me back into my seat. The X3 handled just as smoothly on the and we were ready to roll. Taxiing the “It just doesn’t feel right,” I said without descent to the as it did when X3 requires the same technique used bothering to key my microphone. “I’m I was twisting and turning it over the in an airplane: Just give it some gas to moving at corporate-plane speed with Texas countryside. The odd part for me start moving, and steer with the pedals. the collective down!” was to be in a “helicopter” on a two-mile The only difference is in how the X3’s Climb out was both thrilling and final, pitched down, doing 100 KIAS, throttle is manipulated. In the X3, the abnormal. As covered in the briefing, collective on the floor, and tweaking my ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀ TCL on the center console isn’t touched. the rotor disk remains at a zero-degree rates of closure and descent with two ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀ Forward thrust is applied by thumbing pitch, so aft cyclic isn’t used. Instead, thumb switches. Somewhere around a small, momentary-contact, hat switch there’s a hat switch on the cyclic that 2,500 feet out from the touchdown mounted on the collective. Push it forward changes pitch during forward flight zone, every bone in my body wanted to increase the power, tap it backwards to above 60 KIAS. When I beeped it back, to start slowing down. But Jammayrac ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀ decrease it. The TCL moves forward insisted that I keep the speed up and back as the hat switch is actuat- until he gave me the word to back ed, but is only manipulated by hand off on the throttle. It seemed to as an emergency procedure if the hat take forever—a pretty funny illu- switch fails. (The logic behind that sion, considering our speed—but design would become apparent to at about 100 feet off the deck and me soon.) 1,000 feet from our touchdown Once we were cleared for take- point, he finally gave me permis- off, the procedure was simple: sion to slow down. Just lift the X3 off the ground and The same way advancing the hover it like any other helicopter. throttle smartly pushed me back In a 10-foot hover, the hydrauli- in the seat during takeoff, hold- cally boosted controls felt a little ing the switch back pulled me heavy to me, but I was still able to into the harness as if I had just hit hold it over a spot, and do some the brakes. Of course, the entire The X3’s instrument panel varies little from its cousin the pedal turns with little effort. In fact, EC155. The primary differences are the test gear mounted approach could have been made at it spun through a 15-kt quartering atop of the glare shield, a special power management a crawl—or straight down—but the tailwind without protest. “Are you display (PMD) for the propellers (circled), and the thrust purpose of that technique was to ready to go flying?” asked Jammay- control lever (indicated by the arrow). demonstrate the responsiveness of rac. “Yes, sir,” I replied. “All you have to do the horizontal surface on the tail of the the propellers to power demands, and to is push the throttle switch forward,” he X3 pointed the nose up, and the ship show that the X3 could have also landed instructed. “Don’t do anything else.” And climbed into the air with great ease. like a corporate plane had I kept the that was when the X3 stopped being a At 2,000 feet MSL at an airspeed of speed up. As my intended touchdown helicopter and became a King Air! 167 KIAS, the X3 demonstrator handled point began to disappear under the X3’s Regardless of whether I “beeped” the like a twin airplane. Turns nose, it occurred to me that in order to throttle hat switch on the collective or were accomplished by deflecting the land in helicopter mode, I would have to held it forward, I could feel the power cyclic to the left and right, speed changes transition soon. There’s a blue range on come in. At 60 KIAS, Jammayrac told by bumping the hat switch on the collec- the propeller and power torque display me to lower the collective all the way tive, and altitude adjustments were the that tells the pilot when to switch, but down. It didn’t feel natural at that speed responsibility of the switch on the cyclic. it’s easy to figure out without it: When while still 10 feet off the deck, but I The onboard computers pretty much your speed drops below 60 KIAS and did as instructed. By the way, it was at handled coordinating the turns, as well the ship begins to settle, add collective. that moment I understood the logic as keeping the aircraft trimmed. The main rotor wakes up, the propellers behind controlling the throttle with Exploring the X3’s envelope at alti- counteract the torque, and it’s a heli- the hat switch instead of the jet-like tude was surreal. It offered the surround- copter again! Whether it’s in rotorcraft throttle lever: You need to simultane- ings of a helicopter, but the performance or hybrid mode, the X3 concept looks ously have your hand on the collective of a fast plane. I wish I could have taken like a winner.

28 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM CAE Global Helicopter Training Solutions: Enhancing Your Safety

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cae.com [email protected] TRAINING | SERVICES 2012 ROTORCRAFT

Photo by Ian Frain TRAINING GUIDE

First of a multi-part R&W Training Guide focuses on Australia, Europe, South Africa and the United States. Aeromega G-RALA Robinson R44, which the author trains in.

here is and will always be room ere were a sizeable number of pilots who in UK with a single S300 solely providing its and need for qualified and expe got their experience and training via the PPL course. Trienced pilots and crews to fill the civil route who complemented their ex is training guide refl ects the areas in the parapublic, corporate or offshore military colleagues on the fl ight deck, if not world market where the current and next roles. Why one may ask, is this assured in the outnumbering them in the company. ose generation of successful crews will probably current economic climate? There are many who earned their CPLHs (Commercial Pi graduate from. is fi rst part of a compre answers to this, and for which one looks at lots Licensehelicopter) and ATPL (Airline hensive list that Rotor & Wing will explore the offshore marketplace. The oil will always Transportation Licenses) by paying their in the coming months gives both large and be found, and there is no immediate sign that own way or some lucky few managed to pass small schools around Europe and North the wells around the world will dry up within stringent interviews and psychometric test America and Australasia, with some exam the decade. In the North Sea, some of the ing and PPL (Private Pilots License) with the ples from to sunnier climes in South Africa crews filling either the right or left hand seat operators and be sponsored. and Australia. e examples include Bris of a Eurocoper AS332L2 or Sikorsky S76, ough not to be forgotten who make up the tow Academy located primarily in Florida, came up via military service. In this case a majority of the also those who hold PPLH, on Cape Kennedy’s doorstep, and to Brit Bristow pilot could conceivably be exBritish which could range from the enthusiast/ ish Columbiabased Chinook Helicopters, Army Air Corps, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm recreational pilot/owner for there are quite where one can train in the classic Bell 47. or looking further south at Inaer’s (Helisur a few schools that do just provide the PPL e major manufacturers are included, such este, Helicsa) whereby the crew could be a course and no more. en there are those as AgustaWestland in Italy and the U.S., Bell product of the FAMET (Army Aviation) who want to pursue a career but start off Helicopter located in Texas and Eurocopter and entered the commercial world. The gently by achieving their PPL and then build located in Europe and U.S. parapublic marketplace is increasing with up hours, add more ratings followed by fl ight Fundamentally the guide states: What is new equipment such as the Eurocopter instructors course. around and where; What curriculum is of EC145T2, and the AgustaWestland AW169 e downside of the economy is the drying fered; What types that can be trained on; coming over the horizon into service within up of the student well due to cost unless the What special additional courses are avail the next few years, requiring good crews. training school is part of a bigger operation able; What certifi cations and cross certifi ca en military budgets found themselves whereby the income comes from dayto tions are available from what schools; and being slashed, so following on that a smaller day tasks and general duties. In the case of Inhouse MRO capabilities. In the future, intake of pilots thereafter and less individuals lessthanneeded or a lack of students, then we’ll address the former eastern Europe and retiring or leaving before time for the other unfortunately schools have been known to Russian states to see how they are entering side of the fence. A sizable number of com close. However it is not all doom and gloom the commercial training marketplace, and mercial helicopter pilots who went through as in the case of one or two have started up focus on other smaller countries in the Pa the U.S. military during the War in the last year, such as the Virage Helicopter cifi c region (both Southeast Asia and Latin era, are in the retirement bracket. Academy in Beccles in the county of Suff olk America) as well as the Middle East.

30 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Training Guide

AUSTRALIA Aeropower Ltd Ab Initio: Y Fleet Helicopters Redcliffe Airport MRO: Y Armidale Mackay Helicopters (61) 7 3204 1280 Additional Notes: 1 x GeoSim Bell206 synthetic [email protected] (61)7 4944 0455 Fax: (61) 7 3204 1260 trainer http://www.fleethelicopters.com.au http://www.mackayhelicopters.com.au http://www.aeropower.com.au/flightSchool/index. Team Building course and Physical Training Types: R22, R44 Types: B206 htm Types: R22, R44, S300, EC120, B206 included in military flight school Certification: CASA Certification: CASA Certification: CASA Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: N Ab Initio: Yes Bankstown Helicopter (also include MRO: Y Sling load training done with S300 Central West Helicopter) Helibiz Additional Notes: Curry Kenny has flight school Additional Notes: Other ratings conversion available Bankstown Airport Gold Coast Airport called Chopperline Academy to call up additional upon request (61)2 9791 0500 (61) 7 4946 9422 IFR/MPT captains Low level flight taking place below 500 feet http://www.bankstownhelicopters.com.au [email protected] Has GeoSim simulator and Australia’s only IFR Types: R22, R44, B206, AS350 http://www.helibiz.com certified Airwork Helicopters Certification: CASA Types: R22, R44, EC120, AS350 Caboolture Airport Ab Initio: Y Certification: CASA Melbourne Helicopters (61) 75495 8000 Ab Initio: Y Essendon Airport Fax: (61) 7 5495 8008 Blue Tongue Helicopter Services MRO: Y (61) 3 9374 7500 [email protected] Sunshine Coast Airport Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Fax: (61) 3 9374 4099 http://www.airwork.com.au (61) 7 544 88166 Service Center [email protected] Types: R22, B47, S300, B206, MD500, AS350, Fax: (61) 7 54 488447 http://melbournehelicopters.net.au/Training- B205 http://bluetonguehelicopters.com.au/training Heliwest Group Flight_Training.html Certification: CASA Types: B47 Jandakot Airport Types: R22, R44 Ab Initio: Y Certification: CASA (61) 8 9499 7700 Certification: CASA Ab Initio: Y Fax: (61) 8 9414 1080 Ab Initio: Y Austcopters Pty Ltd [email protected] MRO: Y Archerfield Airport Chopperline Academy http://www.heliwest.com.au Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter (61) 7 3274 1477 ( 61)7 55993445 Types: R44 Service Center Fax: (61) 7 3274 3920 Fax: ( 61)7 55366242 Certification: CASA [email protected] [email protected] Ab Initio: Y Precision Helicopters http://www.austcopters.com.au http://chopperline.com/helicopter-licence-course/ Coffs Harbour Airport Types: R22, R44 Types: R22, R44 Kestrel Aviation (61) 2 6652 9988 Certification: CASA Certification: CASA Mangalore Airport Fax: (61) 2 6652 5688 Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y (61) 3 5796 2373 [email protected] MRO: Y Fax: (61) 3 5796 2449 http://www.precisionhelicopters.com.au/page4. Becker Helicopters Additional Notes: R22; R44; H300; H500; B47; [email protected] htm Types: R22 Sunshine Coast Airport B47T; B206; B407; AS350; AS355; EC120; http://kestrelaviation.com.au/services/training- Certification: CASA (61) 7 5448 9888 EC135 endorsements solutions/ Ab Initio: Y Fax: (61)7 5450 7266 Types: R22 MRO: Y [email protected] Certification: CASA http://www.beckerhelicopters.com Ab Initio: Y Types: R22, R44, B47, AS350, AW119, AW109, MRO: Y B206 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Certification: CASA Service Center FRANCE

ABC Helicopteres Ab Initio: Y Heliclass Heli Union has FTD and FNP2 simulators Aerodrome de Cerny MRO: Y Aix En Provence They train pilots in particular for their own fleet (33) 1 69 90 14 18 Additional Notes: [email protected] which varies from mainly Eurocopter and Sikorsky Fax: (33) 1 69 90 16 23 Customer Training, also maintenance training http://www.heliclass.com airframes [email protected] Training with different types within the same family Types: R22, R44, AS350, B206 http://www.abchelico.com of aircraft is Difference Training Certification: EASA/JAA Heli Oxygene Types: H300 Specific Training is for operating safely in context of Ab Initio: Y l’aérodrome de Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole Certification: EASA/JAA particular mission Additional Notes: Has school in USA at Van Nuys (33) 1 39 42 05 68 Ab Initio: Y Approvals from Australia, Canada and China Airport – Heliclass USA [email protected] MRO: Y Application of Safety Management System http://www.helioxygene.com/ Heli Securite Academy Types: R22, R44, EC120, AS350 Air & Compagnie Golf Tango Helico St Tropez Certification: EASA/JAA Aeroport Toussus le Noble Chauteaufort (33) 4 94 555 999 Ab Initio: Y (33) 1 39 56 05 26 (33) 6 12 71 84 72 contact@ helisecurite.fr Qualifications: FCL2 Fax: (33) 1 39 56 67 24 Fax: (33) 1 69 32 14 99 http://www.helicopter-saint-tropez.com/pages/ Additional Notes: Also can do conversions of a [email protected] [email protected] english/helitrainningacademy-gb.html license that has been issued by a foreign country http://www.airetcompagnie.com/ http://www.golftango.com Types: R22, R44 Types: R22, R23, R24 Types: R22, R44, AS350 Certification: EASA/JAA Mont Blanc Helicoptere Certification: EASA/JAA Certification: EASA/JAA Annemasse Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Helidan (33) 4 50 92 78 00 Additional Notes: Beginning to get Flight Crew Aerodrome De Toussus Le Noble Fax: (33) 4 50 38 01 01 Azur Helicopter Licensing FCL (33) 1 39 56 16 92 [email protected] Aeroport de Cannes Fax: (33) 1 39 56 2936 http://www.mbh.fr/ (33) 4 93 90 40 70 Helicentre [email protected] Types: R22, R44, AS350 Fax: (33) 4 93 90 40 80 Noyers http://www.helidan.fr Certification: EASA/JAA [email protected] (33) 6 07 77 17 32 Types: R44, S300, SA315, AS350, EC120, http://www.azurhelico.com http://helicentre.pagesperso-orange.fr/ B206 Rotor Angouleme Types: R22, R44, EC120, AS350 Types: R22, R44 Certification: EASA/JAA Aerodrome d’Angouleme Certification: EASA/JAA Certification: EASA/JAA (33) 545 93 68 60 Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Heli-Union Training Centre Fax: (33) 545 93 68 62 Brie-Champniers Airport [email protected] Eurocopter Training Services (33) 5 45 90 33 30 http://www.rotor-france.com/baserae.html Marseille Provincial International Airport Fax: (33) 5 45 90 33 33 Types: B47, R22, R44 (33) 4 42 85 60 08 [email protected] Ab Initio: Y http://www.eurocoptertrainingservices.com http://www.heli-union.com/helicopter/Helicopter- MRO: Y http://www.azurhelico.com Training-School.html Additional Notes: Types: AS350, AS355, AS365, AS332, EC120, Types: S300, EC120, AS365 Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center EC130, EC135, EC145, EC155, EC175, EC225, Certification: EASA/JAA Authorized Bell Helicopter Service Center EC725, EC225, EC635 Ab Initio: Y Certification: EASA 147, CCAR 147, TCCA 147, MRO: Y CASR 147 Additional Notes:

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 31 TRAINING | SERVICES

GERMANY AHS Air Eurocopter Training Academy Heli-Flight GmbH Hubschrauber Akadamie Stralsund Donauworth Reichelsheim Flugplatz Flughafen (49) 3831 26 30 10 (49) 906 714481 (49) 6035 91000 (49) 821 705075 Fax: (49) 3831 26 30 15 Fax: (49) 906 714499 [email protected] Fax: (49) 821 705077 http://www.ahs-air.de [email protected] http://www.heli-flight.de [email protected] Types: H300, AS350, EC120 http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/Training- Types: R22, R44, R66 http://www.hubschrauber-akademie.de/ Certification: EASA/JAA Academy-Donauworth_1070-1080.html Certification: EASA/JAA Types: H269 Ab Initio: Y Types: BO105, BK117, EC120, EC135, EC145 Ab Initio: Y Certification: EASA/JAA Air Lloyd Certification: EASA/JAA MRO: Y Ab Initio: Y Bonn Hangelar Ab Initio: N Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter (49) 2241 230731 MRO: Y Service Center LGM Luftfahrt GmbH [email protected] Additional Notes: EC135 Full Flight Simulator (FSS City Airport http://www.airlloyd.de Level B) is a full motion simulator approved by LBA Heli Trans Air European Air Services (49) 621 328180 Types: R22, R44, B206, BO105 GmbH [email protected] Certification: EASA/JAA Hanseatic Helicopter Service Flugplatz Egelsbach http://www.lgm-mannheim.de/helikopterpilot.php Ab Initio: Y (49) 6103 94 15 0 Types: R22, R44, EC120, S300 MRO: Y (49) 40 54802997 Fax: (49) 6103 94 15 55 Certification: EASA/JAA Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter [email protected] [email protected] Ab Initio: Y Service Center http://www.hanseatic-helicopter.de/flugschule/ http://www.helitransair.com/schule/ausbildung/ Additional Notes: Has FNPT II instrument trainer Types: H269, R44 index.html BHL Bodensee Helicopter Certification: EASA/JAA Types: R22, R44, EC120, Cabri Rotorflug GmbH Frederichschafen Flugplatz Ab Initio: Y Certification: EASA/JAA Egelsbach Flugplatz (49) 75 41 304985 Ab Initio: Y (49) 6103 202 8746 Fax: (49) 75 41 30 7635 Heli Air GmbH MRO: Y Fax: (49) 6103 202 8748 [email protected] Baden Airpark Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter [email protected] http://www.bodensee-helicopter.de/ [email protected] Service Center http://www.rotorflug.de/de/flugschule/ Types: R22, R44, B206 http://www.heliair.de/flugschule/index.html Types: R22, R44 Certification:EASA/JAA Types: R22, R44, AS350 Heli Viaggi Certification: EASA/JAA Ab Initio: Y Certification: EASA/JAA Erlangen Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y (49) 9131 771552 MRO:Y DND Heliservice Fax: (49) 9131 771505 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Brandenberg Heli Aviation Gmbh [email protected] Service Center (49) 35204 47101 http://www.hubschrauberschulung.de Fax: (49) 35204 47101 (49) 821 747965 16 Types: H269 [email protected] Fax: (49) 821 747965 0 Certification: EASA/JAA http://www.dhd-heliservice.de/html/flugschule.html [email protected]. Ab Initio: Y Types: H269, H369 http://www.heli-aviation.de Certification: EASA/JAA Types: R44, AS350. AS365, BO105, R44, Cabri Ab Initio: Y Certification: EASA/JAA Ab Initio: Y MRO: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center

ITALY AgustaWestland Training Academy Air Service Centre Agusta Westland Service Centre Elgibili Sesto Calande Frazione Fabbrica Arena Po Butterfly Helicopters Pilano (39) 0331 915096 (39)385 272117 Pisa (39) 55 866 57 70 Fax: (39) 0331 915145 Fax: (39)385 272357 (39) 733 288 151 Fax: (39) 55 866 71 866 stefano.biagini@.com [email protected] Fax: (39) 733 288 151 [email protected] http://www.agustawestland.com http://www.airservicecenter.com/asc/ScuolaVolo. [email protected] http://www.elighibli.com/home.aspx?sid=aaec6da Types: AW109, AW119, AW139 aspx http://www.butterflyhelicopters.com be732470c87aa0d2c50fd60e1&lang=ita Certification: EASA/JAA, Part 142 Types: S300 Types: AS350 Types: R22, AS350 Ab Initio: N Certification: EASA/JAA Certification: EASA/JAA Certification: EASA/JAA MRO: Y MRO: Y Ab Initio: N Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Customer training for Additional Notes: Type Rating Training Organization AgustaWestland products. Has JAR-STD-1H Level Airgreen Elisem D simulator for AW109 and AW139 Robassomero Elicompany Suimona Also FAA (39) 119236370 Carpi (39)864 251676 FAA Part 142 Fax: (39) 11 9235885 (39) 59 660 344 Fax: (39)864 253768 [email protected] Fax: (39)59 660 344 [email protected] Air Corporate http://www.airgreen.it [email protected] http://www.elisem.it Airport Centre via Monte Baldo Types: R22, AS350,SA315,AW109, http://www.elicompany.it/flotta_frameset.htm Types: R22 (39) 45 8600910 B412,AW139,EC135 Types: R22 Certification: EASA/JAA Fax: (39) 45 8618105 Certification: EASA/JAA Certification: EASA/JAA http://www.aircorporate.it/trto.html Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Heligroup Types: AS350, AS365 MRO: Y MRO: Y http://www.heligroup.it/scuola_volo Certification: EASA/JAA Additional Notes: Type Rating Type Organization Types: R22, R44, AS350 Ab Initio: N Recognized Pratt & Whitney maintenance facility Elifriulia Certification: EASA/JAA MRO: Y c/o Aeroporto F.V.G. Piazzetta Luigi Coloatto, 1 Ab Initio: Y (39) 481 778901 MRO: Y Alidaunia Srl Fax: (39) 481 778902 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Palermo [email protected] Center (39) 881 617961 http://www.elifriulia.it/ Fax: (39) 881 617960 Types: R22, R44, AS350, AS355, EC135, http://www.alidaunia.it AW109 Types: AW109, BK117, S76, R22 Certification: EASA/JAA Certification: EASA/JAA Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y MRO: Y MRO: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center

32 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Training Guide

SOUTH AFRICA Base 4 Flight Academy Civair National Airways Corporation (43 Starlite International Training Cape Town International Airport Cape Town International Airport Air School) Academy (27) 21 934 4405 (27) 21 934 4488 Lanseria Airport Virginia Airport Fax: (27) 21 934 4406 [email protected] (27) 11 267 5000 (27) 44 692 0006 [email protected] http://www.civair.co.za/cape-town-helicopter- Fax: (27) 11 267 5054 Fax: (27) 86 502 3307 http://www.base4.co.za/flight-academy.html training [email protected] http://www.starliteaviation.co.za/training/private- Types: R22, R44, B206 Types: R22, B206 http://www.nac.co.za/ pilots-license Certification: SACAA Certification: SACAA Types: R22, B206 Types: R22 Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Certification: SACAA Certification: SACAA MRO: Y Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Hover Dynamics MRO: Y MRO: Y Service Center Grand Central Airport Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter (27) 11 315 1834 Service Center Service Center BAC Aviation Fax: (27) 11 805 3914 Also has R22 and B206 simulator Greystones Heliport [email protected] (27) 35 7973610 http://www.hoverdynamics.co.za/ Fax: (27) 35 7975314 Types: R22 [email protected] Certification: SACAA http://www.bacaviation.com/helicopter-training Ab Initio: Y Types: R22 MRO: Y Certification: SACAA Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Ab Initio: Y Service Center MRO: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center UNITED STATES Alyeska Helicopters LLC Universal Helicopters Inc Civic Helicopters Helipro Inc Anchorage Scottsdale Airport Carlsbad San Luis (1) 907 277 2007 (1) 480 951 6283 (1) 760 438 8424 (1) 805 543 2713 Fax: (1) 907 277 2009 Fax: (1) 480 951 6285 Fax: (1) 760 438 0451 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] http://helitraining.com/index.php?lang=en http://www.alyeskahelicopters.com http://www.universalheli.com/ http://www.civichelicopters.com Types: R22 Types: R22, R44 Types: R22, R44 Types: R22, R44, S300, B206 Certification: Part 141 Certification: EASA Part 61 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: N Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Founded by Pete Stahl, more MRO: Y Additional Notes: Also has FLYIT FAA-approved emphasis on assisting prominent students from Group 3 Aviation Additional Notes: Also provides rotary wing flight VFR and IFR trainer simulator Germany, Switzerland, Anchorage training to Embry Riddle University at Prescott Love Turbine conversion also in MD500 but a/c not Also able to get JAR license from FAR license (1) 907 243 0147 Field as part of Aerospace Science – Helicopter in fleet [email protected] Have schools located in Utah and Kansas Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Heliclass http://group3helicopters.com Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Van Nuys Airport Types: R22, R44, S300 Corporate Helicopters (1) 661 253 1437 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 American Helicopters LLC San Diego [email protected] Ab Initio: Y Fresno Airport (1) 858 505 5650 http://www.heliclass.com Additional Notes: Part of Group 3 Aviation based (1) 559 233 4411 Fax: (1) 858 505-5658 Types: R22, R44, B206 at Van Nuys Fax: (1) 559 233 4411 http://www.corporatehelicopters.com Ab Initio: Y [email protected] Types: R22, R44, B206, AS350 Additional Notes: Has school at Aix en Provence Gold Coast Helicopters http://www.renthelicopters.com/ Certification: Part 61, Part 141 in France Glendale Municipal Airport Types: R22, R44 Ab Initio: Y (1) 623 935 3388 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 MRO: Y Helistream (1) 623 935-6568 Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Also has FLYIT FAA approved VFR John Wayne Airport [email protected] Additional Notes: Also provides fixed-wing flying and IFR trainer simulator (1) 714 662 3163 http://www.goldcoastflighttraining.com training Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center http://helistream.com Types: R22, B206 Types: R22, R44, R66, B205, MD500 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 California Aviation Services Eurocopter Service Centre Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Ab Initio: Y Riverside Cutting Edge Helicopters Ab Initio: Y MRO: Y (1) 951 354 5274 McClellan Airfield Additional Notes: Also provides fixed-wing training Fax: (1) 951 354 5219 (1) 916 760 8404 LA Helicopters Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center http://californiaaviationservices.com Fax: (1) 916 641 8969 Van Nuys Airport Types: R22, R44 http://cehusa.com/ (1) 562 377 0396 Phoenix Helicopters Certification: Part 141 Types: R22, R44 Fax: (1) 562 377 0449 Mesa Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 61, Part 141 [email protected] (1) 480 654 8984 MRO: Y Ab Initio: Y http://www.lahelicopters.com [email protected] Additional Notes: Also Robinson Helicopter Dealer- MRO: Y Types: R22, R44 http://www.phxheli.com ship & Service Center Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Types: R22, R44 Police aircrew training due to contracted out by Service Center Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 141 local authority such as Fontana-San Bernardino MRO: Y Ab Initio: Y Turbine transition on ad hoc aircraft Group 3 Aviation Additional Notes: Robinson Helicopter Service Van Nuys Airport Center Quantum Helicopters Inc (1) 818 994 9376 Authorized Rolls-Royce Service Center for RR300 Chandler [email protected] Transition courses for R66, AS350, B2O6, AW109 (1) 480 814 8118 http://www.group3aviation.com Offsite training on request for S300, Fax: (1) 480 814 8737 Types: R22, R44, S300, B206 MD500/520N, B407, BV107/BV234 [email protected] Certification: Part 61, Part 141 http://www.quantumhelicopters.com Ab Initio: Y Types: R2, R44, R66 Additional Notes: Also do fixed-wing training and Certification: Part 61, Part 141 have school in Alaska Ab Initio: Y Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center MRO: Y Additional Notes: Provides R66 transitional course Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 33 TRAINING | SERVICES

Mazzei Flying Service North East Helicopter Flight Ser- Florida Coast to Coast Helicopters Pelican Flight Training Fresno International Airport vices LLC Pompano Beach Airpark Pembroke Pines (1) 559 251 7501 Ellington Airport (1) 954 943 5353 (1) 954 966 9750 http://www.flymfs.com (1) 860 871 2054 [email protected] Fax: (1) 954 985 8271 Types: R22, B206 Fax: (1) 860 875 2861 http://www.floridacoasttocoasthelicopters.com [email protected] Certification: Part 141 http://www.northeasthelicopters.com/ Types: R22, R44 http://pelicanflighttraining.com Ab Initio: Y Types: R22 Certification: Part 61 Types: S300 MRO: Y Certification: Part 141 Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 141 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Ab Initio: Y Service Center MRO: Y Service Center Sun State Aviation Orbic Air LLC Horizon Helicopters Inc Florida Suncoast Helicopters Kissimmee Gateway Airport Van Nuys Airport Newark Sarasosta (1) 407 944 3592 (1) 818 988 6532 (1) 302 368 5135 (1) 941 355 1259 http://www.sunstateaviation.com Fax: (1) 818 988 2014 Fax: (1) 302 368 4438 [email protected] Types: R44 fly@orbicaircom http://www.horizonhelicopters.com https://floridasuncoasthelicopters.com Certification: Part 61, Part 141 http://orbicair.com/c-259814-training.html Types: F280, B206 Types: R22, R44 Ab Initio: N Types: R22, R44, R66 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Primarily a fixed-wing school, the Certification: Part 61 Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter helicopter courses offered require experience and Ab Initio: Y Service Center no ab initio as they are commercial and instrument MRO: Y Air Orlando courses. The commercial course requires 150 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Orlando Executive Airport Helicopter Academy.com LLC hours PPL as a prerequisite Service Center (1) 407 896 0721 Hollywood/North Perry Airport https://flyairorlando.com (1) 954 525 9747 Tallahassee Helicopters Robinson Helicopters Inc Types: R22, R44, S300 [email protected] Tallahassee Regional Airport Torrance Certification: Part 61, Part 141 http://www.helicopteracademy.com (1) 850 841 1111 (1) 310 539 0508 Ab Initio: Y Types: R22 Fax: (1) 850 538 0149 Fax: (1) 310 539 7594 MRO: Y Certification: Part 141 http://tallahassee-helicopters.com [email protected]. Ab Initio: Y Types: R44 http://www.robinsonheli.com Boca Raton Helicopters Additional Notes: Helicopter Academy has nation- Ab Initio: Y Types: R22, R44, R66 Boca Raton wide locations Ab Initio: N (1) 561 290 9700 Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Air Atlanta Helicopters MRO: Y [email protected] Delkab Airport Additional Notes: Robinson Helicopter Safety http://bocaratonhelicopters.com London Helicopters Inc (1) 770 458 7771 Course Types: R22, R44 Naples Municipal Airport http://www.airatlantahelicopters.com/ Customer Training Certification: Part 61 (1) 239 643 4468 Types: R44 Test flying Fax: (1) 239 643 7129 Certification: Part 141 Bravo Helicopters LLC [email protected] Ab Initio: Y Frontier Helicopters Kendell-Tamiami Airport http://www.londonaviation.com Fort Collins [email protected] Types: R22, B206 Blue Ridge Helicopters (1) 970 663 7200 http://flybravohelicopters.com Certification: Part 141 Gwinnett County Airport [email protected] Types: R22, R44, 206 Ab Initio: Y (1) 770 963 0590 http://frontrangehelicopters.com Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter [email protected] Types: R44, S300, B206 Service Center http://www.blueridgehelicopters.com Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Bristow Academy Inc Types: R22, R44 Ab Initio: Y Titusville Ocean Helicopters Ab Initio: Y (1) 321 385 2919 West Palm Beach MRO: Y TYJ Global Fax: (1) 321 267 1061 (1) 561 625 1900 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Broomfield http://www.heli.com http://www.oceanhelicopters.com Service Center (1) 303 635 0496 Types: S300, R22, R44, B206 Types: R22, R44 http://www.tyjglobal.us/ Certification: Part 61, Part 141, EASA Certification: Part 141 Prestige Helicopters Types: S300, R44 Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Chamblee Certification: Part 61, Part 141 MRO: Y Additional Notes: Long line training carried out in (1) 770 458 6047 Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Military Training Program (MTP) conjunction with VR Heli Academy Fax: (1) 770 451 7152 Additional Notes: Have Helileg invention to enable can be customized to customer needs, training Also accredited by Flight School Association of [email protected] students with paralysis such as military vets to be carried out with on Schweizer or Bell 206. Training North America (FSANA) http://www.prestigehelicopters.com/ able to fly, as this is fitted to the R44 can also be carried out in customers country Types: R22, R44 Other specialised training for the MTP can include Ocean Helicopters Certification: Part 61 Kaman Helicopters maintenance test pilots, type transition and opera- West Palm Beach Ab Initio: Y Bloomfield tional training. (1) 561 625 1900 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter (1) 860 243 6377 Combined FAA/EASA CPL course http://www.oceanhelicopters.com Service Center Fax: [email protected] Primary customer for Bristow Academy being Types: R22, R44 http://www.kamanaero.com Bristow Group Certification: Part 141 The Professional Helicopter Acad- Types: KMAX, SH2, HH43 Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Ab Initio: Y emy Ab Initio: N Additional Notes: Long line training carried out in Atlanta MRO: Y Cloud 9 Helicopters LLC conjunction with VR Heli Academy (1) 877 359 7421 Additional Notes: Provide training to customers West Palm Beach Also accredited by Flight School Association of http://www.flypha.com like Royal Air Force, Polish Navy, (1) 561 799 3636 North America (FSANA) Types: R22, R44, S300 Egyptian Navy [email protected] Certification: Part 141 For civilian K-MAX operators utilizing the Kaman http://www.cloud9helicopters.com/ Palm Beach Helicopters Ab Initio: Y Husky Types: R22, R44, S300, MD500, B206, AW109 Palm Beach County Airport Certification: Part 61, Part 141, EASA (1) 1 866 527 0601 Silver Hawk Aviation Sikorsky Ab Initio: Y [email protected] Caldwell Stratford MRO: Y http://www.palmbeachhelicopters.com (1) 208 453 8577 (1) 800 946 4337 Additional Notes: Has combined JAA qualification Types: R22, R44, B206 Fax: (1) 208 453 1538 http://www.sikorsky.com course, also NVG course coming soon Certification: Part 141 [email protected] Types: S76, S92 Turbine transition for the AW109 is primarily for Ab Initio: Y http://www.silverhawkaviation.net/home.html Ab Initio: N the Grand Additional Notes: NVG training carried out in Lan- Types: R22 MRO: Y Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center tana at Palm Beach County Airpark or at customer Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Additional Notes: Customer training in alliance with location Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter FlightSafety International NVG training is carried out on R44 and B206 Service Center airframes Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center

34 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Training Guide

Utah Helicopter Advanced Helicopters Concepts Magnum Helicopters Helisat (1) 801 794 2480 Frederick Flight Centre Waterford Moscow Hills Fax: (1) 801 794 2470 (1) 301 694 5313 (1) 248 730 1230 (1) 636 366 9110 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: (1) 248 666 2600 [email protected] http://www.utahhelicopter.com/utah_helicopter/ http://www.advancedhelicopter.com/site/ [email protected] http://www.helisat.com index.php Types: R22, R44, B206 http://www.magnumheli.com Types: S300 MRO: Y Certification: Part 61 Types: R22, R44, B47, r66 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Service Center MRO: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter MRO: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Additional Notes: In spite of not operating R22 or Central Illinois Air Corporation Service Center new R66 for turbine transition R44, they still maintain an Authorized Robinson Mattoon Set up as FAA WINGS - Pilot Proficiency program Helicopter Service Center (1) 217 234 8146 Blue Hill Helicopters http://www.flywithcia.com Norwood Memorial Airport Complete Helicopters Midwest Helicopter Types: R44, S300 (1) 781 688 0263 Blaine Spirit of St Louis Airport Certification: Part 61 [email protected] (1) 763 780 2898 (1) 636 532 5613 Ab Initio: Y http://www.bluehillhelicopters.com http://www.completehelicopters.com http://www.flymidwest.com MRO: Y Types: S300 Types: R22 Types: R22, S300 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Certification: Part 141 Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 61 Service Center Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Has FlyIt flight simulator Hummingbird Aviation Inc MRO: Y Freedom Helicopters Flying Cloud Airport Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport East Coast Aero Club (1) 952 944 2628 Service Center (1) 317 432 4525 Hanscom Field [email protected] [email protected] (1) 781 274 6322 http://www.hummingbirdhelicopter.us Canyon Lake Helicopters http://www.freedomhelicopters.com [email protected] Types: S300 Hamilton Types: R22 http://eastcoastaeroclub.com Certification: Part 141 (1) 406 380 6842 Ab Initio: Y Types: R44 Ab Initio: Y http://www.canyonlakehelicopters.com/training. Certification: Part 61 MRO: Y html Iowa Helicopters Ab Initio: Y Types: S300 Ankeny Regional Airport MRO: Y Lake Superior Helicopters LLC Certification: Part 61, Part 141 (1) 515 240 4328 Additional Notes: Has other locations in New Superior Ab Initio: Y [email protected] Hampshire area Boire Field and Norwood Memo- (1) 218 203 7095 Additional Notes: Schools also in Wyoming as well http://www.iowahelicopter.com rial Airport http://www.lakesuperiorhelicopters.com Types: R22, R44 Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Types: S300, R44 Homestead Helicopters Inc Ab Initio: Y Certification: Missoula Additional Notes: Private tuition North Andover Flight Academy Part 61, Part 141 (1) 406 544 0402 Lawrence Airport Ab Initio: Y [email protected] Kansas State University (1) 978 689 7600 http://www.homesteadhelicopters.com Salina Fax: (1) 978 682 3788 Minnesota Helicopters Types: B206 (1) 785 826 2640 http://www.northandoverflightacademy.com Blaine Ab Initio: N [email protected] Types: R22, R44 (1) 763 784 4354 http://www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation/helicopter. Certification: Part 61 [email protected] International Helicopter Services htm Ab Initio: Y http://www.mnhelicopters.com Great Falls Types: R22, R44, s300 MRO: Y Types: R22, R44 (1) 406 899 4483 Certification: Part 141 Additional Notes: Company has New England’s only Certification: Part 61, Part 141 [email protected] Ab Initio: Y Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Ab Initio: Y http://internationalhelicopterservices.com/ Additional Notes: In partnership with Universal which is MBM Helicopters Types: R22 Helicopter Schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire Northern Helicopters Certification: Part 141 Enstrom Helicopter Hibbing Ab Initio: Y Crescent City Helicopters (1) 218 262 0099 New Orleans Lakefront Airport Menominee [email protected] Northern Skies Aviation Inc (1) 504 914 5955 (1) 906 863 1200 http://www.northernhelicopters.com Laurel Fax: (1) 504 244 4449 [email protected] Types: R22, R44, B206 (1) 406 628 2219 http://www.crescentcityhelicopters.com/ http://www.enstromhelicopter.com Certification: Part 61 Fax:(1) 406 628 8439 Types: R22 Types: F2, F280, 480 Ab Initio: Y [email protected] Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: N MRO: Y http://www.northernskies.com/training/helicopter/ MRO: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Types: S300 Era Training Centre LLC Additional Notes: Customer training for owners Service Center Certification: Part 141 Lake Charles Airport of Enstrom products or for those wishing to have Has Fly It simulator Ab Initio: Y [email protected] Enstrom rating http://www.eratrainingcenter.com However to do the Turbine Course, the Piston Cape Copters Northern Skies Aviation Inc Types: AW109, AW139, EC225, S76 Course is considered a prerequisite Cape Girardeau Laurel Certification: Part 61, Part 142 (1) 573 334 0540 (1) 406 628 2219 Ab Initio: N Helicopter Air Speciality Service [email protected] Fax: (1) 406 628 8439 MRO: Y Fowlerville http://www.capecopters.com [email protected] Additional Notes: Primarily for Era Aviation pilots. (1) 517 223 7809 Types: R22, R44 http://www.northernskies.com/training/helicopter/ Recurrent training on types used by Era [email protected] Ab Initio: Y Types: S300 Flight Simulation Training Devices used primarily http://www.helicopterairspecialityservice.com MRO: Y Certification: Part 141 Types: R22 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Ab Initio: Y York County Helicopters Certification: Part 61 Service Center Sanford Airport Ab Initio: Y Rocky Mountain Rotors (1) 270 651 4344 MRO: Y D and D Aviation Belgrade [email protected] Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter St Louis (1) 850 830 7467 http://www.yorkcountyhelicopters.com/ Service Center 314 540 5260 Fax: (1) 406 995 7826 Types: R22, R44 http://www.dandd-aviation.com/ http://www.rockymountainrotors.com/index.php/ Certification: Part 141 Heliflight of Michigan Types: R22, R44 flighttraining Ab Initio: Y Oakland-Troy Airport Ab Initio: Y Types: R22, R44 MRO: Y (1) 248 543 6405 MRO: Y Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Based and work at/with Southern http://www.heliflightofmichigan.com Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter MRO: Y Maine Aviation Types: R22, R44, S300 Service Center Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Certification: Part 61 Service Center Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Will be receiving Schweizer 300 shortly

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 35 TRAINING | SERVICES

702 Helicopters Pegasus Flight Crumpton Aviation LLC Dutch Country Helicopters North Las Vegas Airport Linden Municipal Airport Jones Jr Airport Lancaster Airport (1) 702 271 7611 (1) 908 862 7982 (1) 918 209 4900 (1) 717 735 2208 http://www.702helicopters.com http://www.pegasusflight.com Fax: (1) 918 779 7752 Fax: (1) 717 735 3985 Types: R22, R44 Types: R22, R44 [email protected] [email protected] Certification: Part 61 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 http://www.crumptonaviation.com http://www.flydch.com Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Types: R22, R44 Types: B47, B206, R44, S300 Certification: Part 141 Certification: Part 141 Monarch Sky Heli Ventures Inc. Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Henderson Executive Airport Concord Regional Airport (1) 702 631 0386 (1) 704 792 1807 Interstate Helicopters Independence Helicopters Fax: (1) 702 947 6578 Fax: (1) 704 792 1907 Bethany Northeast Philadelphia Airport [email protected] http://www.heliventuresnc.com (1) 405 440 1053 (1) 215 673 0100 http://www.monarchsky.com Types: S300 Fax: (1) 405 440 0115 Fax: (1) 215 673 0601 Types: R22, R44 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 [email protected] [email protected] Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Ab Initio: Y http://www.interstate-helicopters.com/default.htm http://www.independenceheli.com Ab Initio: Y Types: R22, R44 Types: R22, R44 Total Flight Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Reno Tahoe Helicopters Louisburg MRO: Y Ab Initio: Y Lake Tahoe Airport (1) 919 497 5511 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Additional Notes: Partnered with Utah Valley (1) 530 208 5247 Fax: (1) 919 853 7531 Service Center University [email protected] http://totalflight.com http://helitahoe.com Types: R22, R44 Apex Helicopters Pee Dee Helicopters Types: R22, R44 Ab Initio: Y Florence Lake City Ab Initio: Y MRO: Y (1) 541 997 327 (1) 843 374 4354 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter http://apexheli.com/ [email protected] C R Helicopters Service Center Types: R22, R44 http://www.peedeeheli.com Nashua Certification: Part 61 Types: R22, R44 (1) 603 881 4356 Hi-Tech Helicopters Inc Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 61 Fax: (1) 603 578 5553 Elkin Ab Initio: Y [email protected] (1) 336 366 3563 Erickson Aircrane http://www.crhelicopters.com [email protected] Central Point Chappell Helicopters LLC Types: R22, R44 http://www.hitechhelicopters.net (1) 541 664 5544 Newberry Ab Initio: Y Types: S300 Fax: (1) 541 664 7613 (1) 803 321 3100 MRO: Y Ab Initio: Y http://www.ericksonaircrane.com/flightcrewtrain- Types: R22, S300 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Additional Notes: Also has school in Pensylvania ing.php Certification: Part 61 Service Center Authorised Sikorsky Global Helicopters Sales Types: S64 Ab Initio: Y Center Certification: Part 141 Helicopter Flight Services Ab Initio: N Shadowhawk Aviation Medford UND John D Odegard School of MRO: Y Greenville Downtown Airport (1) 609 265 0822 Aerospace Sciences Additional Notes: Sole manufacturing and mainte- (1) 864 613 0000 Fax:(1) 609 265 1190 Grand Forks nance of S-64, CH-54 airframes Fax: (1) 864 613 0012 [email protected] (1) 701 777 4934 [email protected] http://www.helicopterflightservices.com [email protected] Hillsboro Aviation http://www.shadowhawkaviation.com Types: S300 http://flightops.aero.und.edu/ Hillsboro Airport Types: R44 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Types: S300, B206 (1) 503 648 2831 Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 61, Part 141 [email protected] Sky River Helicopters Ab Initio: Y http://www.hillsboroaviation.com Bills Helicopter Flight School Sky Manor Airport MRO: Y Types: R22, R44, B206, B407, B205 De Smet (1) 908 809 5942 Additional Notes: University of North Dakota John Certification: Part 61, Part 141 (1) 800 216 9924 Fax: [email protected] D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, teach Ab Initio: Y [email protected] http://www.skyriverhelicopters.com B.S. in Aeronautics with a Major in Commercial MRO: Y http://www.billsflightschool.com/ Types: R22, R44 Aviation - Helicopter Focus Additional Notes: Airman’s Proficiency Center (APC) Types: S269 Certification: Part 61 Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Higher Ground Helicopters Middletown Leading Edge Aviation Helistar Aviation Helifcopter Flight Training Inc (1) 513 217 6700 Bend Municipal Airport Nashville Long Island McArthur Airport Fax: (1) 513 217 5243 (1) 541 383 8825 (1) 615 350 1122 (1) 631 467 2232 [email protected] Fax: (1) 541 317 0709 Fax: (1) 615 350 3355 Fax: (1) 631 588 2780 http://www.hghelicopters.com http://www.leadingedgeavn.com/ [email protected] http://www.helicopterflighttraininginc.com/ Types: R22, R44 Types: R22, R44, B206 http://www.flyhelistar.com Types: R22 Certification: Part 61 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Types: R22, R44 Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y MRO: Y MRO: Y MRO: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Sevier County Helicopters Service Center Service Center Service Center Gatlinburg Pigeon-Forge Airport (1) 865 453 5867 Western New York Helicopters Stratus Helicopters AgustaWestland Training Academy Fax: (1) 865 365 1206 Cincinnati Municipal Airport-Lunken Field Philadelphia [email protected] (1) 716 353 1144 (1) 513 533 4354 (1) 1 215 281 1400 http://www.seviercountychoppers.com [email protected] Fax: (1) 513 533 3777 http://www.agustawestland.com Types: R22, R44, MD500 http://www.wnyhelos.com [email protected] Types: AW109, AW119, AW139 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Types: S300, R44 http://www.stratushelicopters.com/ Ab Initio: N Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Types: R22, R44 MRO: Y MRO: Y Certification: Part 61 Additional Notes: AgustaWestland customer train- Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Independent Helicopters Ab Initio: Y ing facility for primarily U.S.-based customers Service Center New Windsor Training done in accordance with CFRR Part 142 (1) 845 549 3755 Vertical Advantage Helicopters Syllabus [email protected] Warren County Airport http://independenthelicopters.com/ (1) 513 746 7994 Types: R22, R44 [email protected] Ab Initio: Y http://vaheli.com Types: F28 Certification: Part 61 Ab Initio: Y

36 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Rotorcraft Training Guide

US Aviation Academy Mansfield Heliflight Denton Airport Milton (1) 940 383 2484 (1) 802 893 1003 Fax: (1) 940 381 5385 Fax: (1) 802 893 0151 http://www.usaviationacademy.com/helicopters. [email protected] php www.mansfieldheliflight.com Types: R22 Types: R22 Certification: Part 141 Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y MRO: Y Additional Notes: Also has school at Hondo Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Airport. Helicopter school operates as All American Service Center helicopter Veracity Aviation Classic Helicopter Corp Seattle

Photo by Ian Frain Huber Airpark (1) 206 767 0515 (1) 830 379 9800 Fax: [email protected] Fax: (1) 210 855 8030 http://www.classichelicoptercorp.com/flight-school Bond Air Services EC135. [email protected] Types: R22, R44 http://home.veracityaviation.com/ Certification: Part 61, Part 141 American Eurocopter Helicopter Experts Inc Types: R22 Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 61, Part 141 MRO: Y Grand Prairie Municipal Airport Bulverde Airpark Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter (1) 972 641 3509 (1) 210 930 0125 MRO: Y Service Center [email protected] Fax: (1) 830 438 5496 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter http://www.eurocopterusa.com [email protected] Service Center Types: AS350, AS355,AS365, BK117, B0105, http://www.helicopterexperts.com Command Aviation Bellingham International Airport EC120, EC130, EC135, EC145, EC155, AS332 Types: R22, R44 (1) 360 733 3174 Certification: Part 141 Certification: Part 141 Mountain Ridge Helicopters Logan Cache Aiport Fax: (1) 360 527 9451 Ab Initio: N Ab Initio: Y (1) 435 752 3828 www.commandaviation.ne MRO: Y MRO: Y Fax: (1) 435 752 5460 Types: R22 Additional Notes: Customer training primarily Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter [email protected] Ab Initio: Y including use of FTD simulators Service Center http://www.mountainridgeheli.com/ MRO: Y Maintenance on most Eurocopter types Types: R22, R44, B206, MD500 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Offsite training available for customers Helicopter Services Inc Certification: Part 141 Service Center (1) 281 370 4354 Ab Initio: Y Bell Helicopter Training Academy Fax: (1) 281 251 1207 MRO: Y Ft Worth [email protected] Inland Helicopters Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Felts Field (1) 817 590 6249 http://www.heliserv.com Service Center (1) 509 534 9114 Fax: (1) 817 278 1179 Types: R22, R44 [email protected] [email protected] Ab Initio: Y http://www.inlandhelicopters.com http://www.bellhelicopter.com MRO: Y Utah Helicopter Spanish Fork Types: R22, R44 Types: B205, B206, B407, B412, B427, B429, Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter (1) 801 798 9888 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 B430 Service Center Fax: (1) 801 798 2900 Ab Initio: Y Certification: Part 61, Part 141 [email protected] Ab Initio: N Longhorn Helicopters http://www.utahhelicopter.com/utah_helicopter/ MRO: Y Denton Municipal Airport Kiwi Air Helicopters index.php Clarkston Additional Notes: Customer training and Part 61 on (1) 940-387-2193 Types: R22 (1) 509 758 6478 request use of FTD simulators Fax: (1) 817 491 3636 Ab Initio: Y Fax: (1) 509 758 6478 Law enforcement training only for U.S. customers http://www.longhornhelicopters.com/ MRO: Y [email protected] Bell 205/UH-1H / OH58 training on customer Types: S300, B206 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter http://www.kiwiairhelicopters.com/svc_training. aircraft Ab Initio: Y Service Center html Additional Notes: NVG training in conjunction with Types: R44 Epic Helicopters Aero Dynamix Ab Initio: Y Fort Worth Meacham Airport Whirlybird Helicopters Spanish Fork MRO: Y (1) 817 625 1800 River Bend Helicopters LLC (1) 801 726 3627 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Fax: (1) 817 625 1852 Goliad Fax: [email protected] Service Center [email protected] (1) 361 564 7174 http://www.flywhirly.com/flighttraining/ Part 135 Operation with certified helicopters so http://www.epichelicopters.com [email protected] Types: R22, R44, F28 not Part 141 Types: R22, R44 http://www.riverbendhelicopters.com/instruction. Certification: Part 61 Certification: Part 61, Part 141 html Ab Initio: Y Ab Initio: Y Types: R22, R44 Helicopter Solutions MRO: Y Davin MRO: Y Certification: Part 61 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter (1) 304 239 0370 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Ab Initio: Y Service Center [email protected] Service Center also based at Addison Airport MRO: Y Also school in Iowa http://www.helicoptersolutions.com/ Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Types: R44, AS350 Flap-Air Helicopter Services Service Center Certification: Part 61, Part 141 (1) 806 323 8255 American Helicopters Manassas Regional Airport Ab Initio: Y Fax: (1) 806 323 8324 Sky Helicopters (1) 703 368 9599 MRO: Y [email protected] Garland DFW Heliport Fax: (1) 703 368 9445 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter www.flap-air.com (1) 214 349 7000 [email protected] Service Center Types: R22, R44 Fax: (1) 214 342 8616 http://www.americanheli.com/ Ab Initio: Y [email protected] Types: R22 MRO: Y http://www.skyhelicopters.com/SKY/Flight_Train- Midwestern Helicopters Certification: Part 61, Part 141 Kenosha Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter ing.html Ab Initio: Y (1) 262 657 7700 Service Center Types: R22, R44, S300 MRO: Y Fax:(1) 262 657 7734 Also train in customers aircraft Certification: Part 141 Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter [email protected] Ab Initio: Y Service Center http://www.midwesternhelicopter.com/flight_ Flight School USA Corp MRO: Y instruction/training.htm West Texas High Plains Meadow Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Types: R22 (1) 806 585 6500 Service Center Hampton Roads Helicopters Hampton Roads Executive Airport Certification: Part 61, Part 141 [email protected] Has FLLYIT Simulator (1) 757 488 9044 Ab Initio: Y http://www.flightschoolsusa.com/ Fax: (1) 757 488 2033 MRO: Y Types: R22, R44 [email protected] Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Ab Initio: Y http://www.hrheli.com Service Center MRO: Y Types: R22, R44 Ab Initio: Y Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter MRO: Y Service Center Additional Notes: Authorized Robinson Helicopter Service Center

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 37 SERVICES | MAINTENANCE

(Left) NDT plays a vital role in keeping air travel safe. (Right) An immersion ultrasonic machine ensures that joints have not deteriorated. (Below) NDT allows inspections without disassembling internal areas. Bell Helicopter Corp. Aerospace Vector Sonatest Inc.

SEEING BENEATH THE SURFACE: NDT FOR HELICOPTERS

Nondestructive testing allows operators to detecting defects without destroying the helicopter.

By Mark Robins

38 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Beneath the Surface

ondestructive testing (NDT) serve as the electrolyte needed for lasers. With the pulse-echo method, a of helicopters via ultrasonics corrosion to occur.” piezoelectric transducer with a longi- Nis an essential facet of any Ultrasonic testing can inspect tudinal axis located perpendicular to maintenance and manufac- installed attachment fasteners. “You and mounted on or near the test mate- turing program. NDT is a cost-effective can detect subsurface defects within rial surface transmits and receives way to quality check rotorcraft compo- these installation fasteners if you have ultrasonic energy. The transducer is nents and structures for defects, thick- access to the nut or collar side of a typically separated from the test object ness, cracks, flaws and other problems fastener, main rotor head or fear box,” by a couplant (such as oil) or by water, without tearing apart your helicopter says James Bittner, senior sales engi- as in immersion testing. The couplant to access them. The helicopter industry neer at Olympus NDT. “This would increases process efficiency by reduc- is dependent on NDT. reduce removal time and save labor, ing the losses in the ultrasonic wave “Without NDT, the cost of main- service time, and cost.” Ultrasonic energy due to separation between taining and flying helicopters would testing also can detect a lack of fusion the surfaces. The ultrasonic waves are increase dramatically, while the safety in a helicopter’s electron-beam weld- reflected by the material’s opposite of flying would decrease,” says Arthur ing geometries and inspect porosity, face or by discontinuities, layers, voids C., marketing specialist at Qualitest inclusions and lack of fusion in alumi- or inclusions in the material. The Inc. of Plantation, Fla. “When people num friction-stir welding. waves are then received by the same ride in helicopters they trust it will get transducer where the reflected energy them to their destination with as little How it Works is converted into an electrical signal. turbulence as possible. NDT plays a Ultrasonics use high-frequency sound With the through-transmission vital role in keeping air travel one of energy sent straight or angled into method, an ultrasonic transmitter is the safest modes of transportation.” helicopter parts to detect subsurface used on one side of the material, while NDT allows helicopter inspection flaws. A typical ultrasonic inspection a separate receiver is placed on the that otherwise would not be possible system consists of several functional opposite side. This method will locate without disassembling to gain access units like a pulser/receiver, trans- defects, flaws and inclusions in the to internal areas. “The engine, rotors ducer and display devices. Driven by X-Y plane of multi-layed and multi- hub, link assemblies, blades assembly, the pulser, the transducer generates component materials like helicopter transmission and major structure high-frequency ultrasonic energy. insulation, and composite materials areas in the engine deck are frequently The sound energy is introduced and and other attenuative materials. tested with ultrasonics because they propagates through the helicopter The pitch-catch method trans- have the highest amount of wear and material being tested in the form of mits ultrasonic energy at any sur- tear, and moving parts,” says Wayne waves. When there is a discontinuity face angle in the tested material and Weisner, aerospace director and NDT (such as a crack) in the wave path, part receives reflected energy returning at global government sales for Olympus of the energy will be reflected back the reflected angle. It is used primar- NDT in Kennewick, Wash. “Also, the from the flaw surface. ily for cylindrical and other nonlinear high amount of heat generated by the A reflection phenomenon occurs parallel-sided helicopter surfaces. It E: engine can cause heat-affect damage when an ultrasonic beam meets an can determine flaw depths and loca- in the nearby structure and over life- interface with a different acoustical tions in the X-Y plane. time can cause in-service failures.” impedance enabling defect detection Laser ultrasonic testing is a remote, Damage such as tiny cracks too such as delamination, cracking and noncontact extension of conven- small to see visually can be detected disbonding. From this impedance, tional, contact or near-contact ultra- via ultrasonic testing. Ultrasonics information about a defect’s location, sonic testing. A laser pulse interacts can measure helicopter skin thick- size, orientation and other features at the surface to induce an ultrasonic ness from the outside and corro- can be obtained. Because of their pulse that propogates into the sample. sion-caused metal thinning on skins’ recording function, ultrasonic map- This ultrasonic pulse interrogates the inside surfaces too. “When a rotor- pings ensure traceability of manufac- sample then returns to the surface. craft lands and the door is opened, it tured parts. A separate laser receiver detects the fills with warm moist air,” says Arthur small displacement generated when C. “When it takes flight and reaches Four Main Methods the pulse reaches the surface. The altitude, the skin becomes very cold There are four main ultrasonic NDT electronic signal from the receiv- due to the outside air temperature. methods for helicopters: pulse-echo, er is then processed to provide the Water will collect at low areas and through-transmission, pitch-catch and desired measurement.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 39 SERVICES | MAINTENANCE

Compared to conventional Most laser ultrasound systems do not Close-up View of transducer-based ultrasonic testing, require particular knowledge of a com- Composites laser ultrasonic testing generates and ponent’s shape prior to inspection. detects the full complement of ultra- One of major challenges laser ultra- Composite materials are increasingly sonic waves: bulk (compressional and sonic technology is price. Industrial laser being used in helicopter construction. shear), surface and plate. The non- ultrasonic systems range from $500,000 “The Bell-Boeing V-22 and Bell 409 are contact nature of laser ultrasound is to $2 million, although R&D systems are composed of approximately 50 percent its prime advantage over conventional less expensive. This can be a setback for composite structures, including the air- ultrasound. Also, no coupling is needed. end-users with limited budgets. frame, wing and rotor system,” according to Jerry Nissen, engineer specialist at Bell Helicopter Utilizes Ultrasonics Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, Texas. “Composite components are being cho- Rotor & Wing asked Bell Helicopter to describe in its own words how it sen because they are lighter and stronger uses ultrasonics to confirm quality and detect defects. The following than their aluminum equivalents, allow- response is from Jerry Nissen, engineer specialist: ing the aircraft to fly faster, farther and “A validated and effective ultrasonic process can mean a life-or-death carry heavier loads while costing less difference to bringing a soldier home in one piece and getting a patient to maintain.” to emergency care quickly. We, as inspectors and manufacturers, need to As composite use has increased, keep that in mind during each inspection. so has the need to test its bond integ- Bell uses a number of ultrasonic test methods from contact pulse rity. Virtually all composite parts of echo inspection to phased array, to large multi-axis gantry scanning. a helicopter will be ultrasonically We use a number of devices from various NDT equipment suppliers to inspected at least once during its life, ensure we’ve got the right tool for the job and do so with minimal cost. and some fuselage and empennage Additionally, Bell is continually evaluating new and advanced technol- components will be inspected many ogy resulting in lower costs to manufacture and operate our aircraft. One times, some as often as every 25 flight these, one of the new instruments being developed for our applications hours. Eddy current testing, another is the ultrasonic camera from Imperium. With it, instant c-scan images are NDT methodology which involves produced on a visual-based display. This technology has demonstrated a generating electrical currents by a number of benefits such as reduced training requirement, lower defect changing magnetic field and not- characterization times and increased inspector confidence. Providing ing flow disruption, cannot be used data in an intuitive visual-based display allows the un-indoctrinated per- on composites. sonnel to quickly assess an aircraft component’s airworthiness.” “Ultrasonic inspection is used at Bell for both primary and second- Forty-tude Here at HeliMart we have fortytude forged by 40 years serving you the best way we know how. And we express our gratitude for trusting us with your speci c needs, always exceeding your expectations. 40 years providing extraordinary service, support and parts for MD 500, Bell, Eurocopter and Schweizer helicopters. Call on our fortytude anytime, day or night, and discover what has made us one of the industry’s mosttrusted names. Naturally, we’re here on page 40.

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40 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM HeliCenter

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

Hosted by a mechanic, to more Testing & Training severe impacts from service vehicles and Despite its many advantages, ultrasonic hail storms. testing is not applicable for all helicopter “ Tr a d i t i o n a l parts and does have some limitations. aluminum aircraft “Very absorbent materials or ‘multi-ma- structures deform, terials’ (with multiple acoustical imped- dent and crack when ances) can’t be easily or even tested at all Eurocopter A reflection phenomenon occurs when an ultrasonic beam meets impacted, thus mak- with ultrasound,” says Caroline Korosec, an interface with a different acoustical impedance enabling defect ing damage assess- NDT Responsible in the Quality Materi- detection such as delamination, cracking and disbanding. ment and subsequent als Laboratory for Eurocopter in Mari- ary structures from composite filler repair more straightforward,” says Brooks gnane, France. blocks to tiltrotor spars,” says Nissen. “It Longley, product manager at Imperium Helicopter surfaces must be acces- can assess bond quality or composite of Beltsville, Md. “Ultrasonic testing can sible to transmit ultrasound. Ultrason- integrity for thin and thick structures. assess barely visible impact damage that ics cannot successfully inspect any Ultrasonic inspection can detect and might occur on composite structures. material where it cannot penetrate or characterized processing and fielded Composite structures, when impacted, provide resolution. Components that defects so inspectors can verify compo- may not show any visible effect of the are rough, irregular in shape, very small, nent airworthiness.” impact, and yet may have been weakened exceptionally thin or not homogeneous Once a rotorcraft has been put in enough to fail at some time in the future. are difficult to inspect. “There are all service, ultrasonics can ensure flight Advanced composite materials are more kinds of applications that are not suited safety. Rotorcraft can be damaged by tolerant to impact damage than tradi- for ultrasonic inspection,” says Nissen. something as simple as a dropped tool by tional aluminum structures.” “It is important as an OEM to develop a reliable inspection process that validates the design intent and certifies aircraft airworthiness. Having nondestructive design influence during the initial stages of a program or product develop- ment ensures that high quality is maintained without adding addi- tional cost to new products.” Ultrasonic testing must always be carried out by trained per- sonnel and its training is more extensive than other testing meth- odologies. The ability to interpret and understand results, and use the tools to analyze and report the data will always have to be taught. “Ultrasonic operators are subject to certifications and fol- low training courses dedicated to ultrasonic methods,” says Korosec. “They need to pass theoretical and practical examinations every five years. Certification is acknowl- edged worldwide through the application of EN4179/NAS410 standards.” Following these stan- dards, and implementing the right training and nondestructive tech- nology on the ground will mean a lot less trouble in the air.

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

Photo by Andrew Drwiega

EUROPEANS TRAIN FOR COMBINED AIR OPS IN PORTUGAL

The European Defence Agency’s annual multinational helicopter force exercise has financial backing and is gathering pace with more countries looking to join.

44 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Hot Blade Exercise

Portuguese Merlin EH101 inserts a protection force via fast roping during the EDA training exercise.

By Andrew Drwiega, Military Editor

uke 21, you are cleared to proceed to operationally from Bosnia to Afghanistan, it was the southern landing zone, Sabre. With in reality just one day during the recent European Dthat order, transmitted by the airborne Defence Agency’s (EDA) annual helicopter train- mission commander working out of a ing exercise in Portugal (July 4-19), centered on Belgium Air Force A109B hovering just below a Ovar military airfield, near Porto. The EDA annual ridgeline with a view of the battlefield, two Austrian exercise has been managed for the last few years by Air Force AB212s sped across the northern Portu- Wing Commander Andy Gray (Royal Air Force) guese landscape at low level bringing in a ground and his planning team. protection team. Above them a pair of high flying Exercise Hot Blade 2012 is the most recent of Portuguese Air Force F-16s on station as combat air a series of exercises stretching back to France in patrol (CAP) had been using their onboard sensors 2009, in 2010, and Italy in 2011. Its purpose to sweep the previously identified landing zones is to train participating multinational helicopter (LZs) for unfriendly forces—and had just reported crews and their support teams in as wide as pos- back to ‘Sabre’ that the zones were clear. sible range of joint operability tasks including Air Intense air and ground activity was focused Assault (AA), Special Operations Aviation (SOA), around the two LZs. Enemy forces were threatening Combat Service Support (CSS), to intervene in the rapidly developing operation, (CAS) including Urban CAS and Emergency CAS, with troop insertions and extractions were planned convoy/helicopter escorts, Reconnaissance and to occur over the next hour. Security (R&S) operations, Combat Search and As the operation got into its stride, ‘Sabre’ in his Rescue (CSAR), Personnel Recovery (PR), Military/ R over-watch A109B was beginning to struggle as two Non Military extractions (NEO Ops), Medical helicopters raced in to the wrong landing zone, and Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and Casualty Evacuation almost concurrently he could not reach Grizzly 71, (CASEVAC). a Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Chinook It provides Composite Air Operations CH-47D with a vehicle under-slung for a section (COMAO) training and is all achieved in the of the newly arrived ground forces. Eventually his space of a couple of weeks. So for the air controller orders were relayed through Viper 1, an overhead previously described to show signs of feeling the F-16. Elsewhere in the mountainous valleys and pressure that this multinational mixture of assets popping over ridgelines other helicopters were and nationalities brings is not only understand- either lining up to take their turn in the LZs, or able, it is expected. The point of such a large meet- clearing the area to avoid air confliction. These ing is to expose these crews who would not nor- include a pair of Finnish Air Force NH-90s, two mally be faced with such challenging conditions CH-53 Sea Stallions from the German Air Force to the realities of warfighting in countries such as (just recently transferred from the army in the latest Afghanistan, where combined air operations have defense review). There was also a RNLAF Cougar been the norm. According to EDA figures, since AS-532U2. A NATO AWACS had been available its conception the annual exercise program has for the first half of the exercise period, but had delivered training involving 72 helicopters, 152 returned to its more regular duties the day before. crews and over 1,800 personnel. Over 50 percent Ground crews supported all helicopters. While of crews that have participated have subsequently this drama could actually have occurred anywhere deployed to Afghanistan.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 45 MILITARY | TRAINING

and fulfill on that commitment is hard North Atlantic Treaty Organization enough, but there is also the political (NATO). Recent bilateral agreements dimension of working within the frame- include those between the United King- work of the EDA and the impact of ever dom and France signed in November changing national politics. 2010 and the Franco German Letter of That said, what he and his team Intent signed in June this year. While continue to provide on both the mili- France’s agreement with Britain looks at Photo by Andrew Drwiega Photo by Andrew tary and political fronts in terms of harmonizing needs, pooling capabilities delivering a tangible, multinational and enhancing cooperation over train- training event is on the face of it good ing and logistics, its LoI with Germany news for everyone. However, wider is focused on defense procurement and political developments do raise ques- development, in particular in helicopter Portuguese EH101 Merlin arriving behind CH-53 . tions over future training priorities for terms at the integration of the Tiger and member states. NH-90 helicopters that both countries Organizing and planning such an European nations are in a financially are procuring. exercise has to begin years in advance induced transformation of capability. The undercurrent of bilateral agree- and for the succession of annual exercises Budget cutting is a reality with procure- ments is already beginning to dilute the to keep rolling means that Grey and his ment being slowed or cancelled, as well availability of aircraft and personnel. team have a full-time job. One such as the obsolescence of aircraft being There is a growing dilemma of priority: example was the arrival of the German brought forward. Wide cuts in military do NATO, EU or bilateral exercises take CH-53s by sea, a deployment the like of personnel are also featuring strongly. priority? Added to this is the further which has not been seen for more than This reduction is set to continue for the confusion of competing yet similar 20 years. Grey says that simply organiz- short to medium term. training ambitions within the EU. ing the international military in advance One of the consequences has been a In a typical European anomaly, this to ensure that they make assets and number of bilateral agreements outside EDA-managed international helicopter people available, commit to the exercise, the standard defense pact that is the training program is being replicated by

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46 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Hot Blade Exercise

another international defense agency attended exercises, at least from the ing the Portuguese Minister of Defence, within NATO, the European Air Group point of view of the major players. Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco. During her (EAG). The sixth running of the EAG’s Importantly, the EDA exercise has address, Arnould praised the financial personnel recovery course takes place the backing of its own organization support provided to the helicopter train- at Holzdorf air base in Germany from behind it and the financial muscle that ing program by Luxembourg Defence Oct. 9-26, 2012. its politically connections can deliver. Minister Jeane-Marie Halsdorf. The A need for better focus on CSAR The European Defence Agency (EDA) shortfall in helicopter lift is still one of was identified via the EAG’s VOL- chief executive Claude-France Arnould the EDA’s top ten priorities and therefore CANEX exercises between 2002 to flew in on a C-130 for the VIP day, join- gains access to funding. 2006. From that a regular course was developed and specialist training exercises within the EAG were created of which the Holzdorf meet will be the latest iteration. Introducing the Considering the current employ- ment of NATO’s forces and the shift towards PR operations (to include Com- bat Recovery) in general, a decision was taken to rename the course “CJPRSC,” to encompass current personnel recov- ery operations such as those being conducted by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The PR course in 2009 was conducted at Cazaux airbase, France in September 2009, at Lechfeld airbase Germany in September 2010, and in October 2011 at the Tactical Leadership Program (TLP) facilities at Albacete, Spain. The EAG makes its own claim that between 2009 and 2011 training has involved 58 helicopters, 114 crews and 1,300 personnel, of which 63 crews have been deployed to Afghanistan. Although not identical in objectives, many of the skills and ambitions of the two exercises are similar with combined multiple helicopter missions, troop insertions, isolated personnel recovered and night operations. But it seems that there are “wheels within wheels” when the decision arises about which country will participate in each event, and with what. Some countries, such as the UK, have only sent observers to each exer- cise usually citing the excuse that they cannot spare aircraft away from existing Lowest acquisition and operating costs of any turbine helicopter deployments/commitments. U.S. forces do not participate in either exercise. Hover ceiling OGE at maximum gross weight over 10,000 ft With budgets squeezing each 300 lb capacity dedicated baggage compartment nation’s capability in what it can commit to in terms of annual exercises, there is a very real likelyhood that prioritization will begin to dilute the perceived less www.robinsonheli.com ̋ 310-539-0508

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 47 CATEGORY | INFO

Russians Develop Advanced HUMS 48 TRAINING NEWS Bell Receives EASA OK for 429 Training 49 Safety Watch by Keith Cianfrani 52 RUSSIANS TO DEVELOP FLIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM, ADVANCED HUMS ‘Intelligent avionics’ system aims to improve helicopter safety while monitoring flight conditions. boronprom subsidiary Russian Helicopters is and usage monitoring system (A-HUMS)—during the Engi- planning to incorporate “intelligent” avionics neering Technologies 2012 forum, held in late June/early Ointo all of its helicopter lines from 2015 onward. July in Zhukovsky, outside of Moscow. A-HUMS will offer The system—which seeks to increase pilot control over a helicopter’s technical condition in real time situational awareness—will be used for monitoring flight and help with maintenance planning. Russian Helicopters conditions, autopilot landing and collision avoidance. The expects lower direct operating costs and higher reliability company says the technology will allow pilots to carry out with the system. An onboard diagnostics system will allow difficult maneuvers at low altitudes, in various weather maintainers to access specific information on various com- conditions and at night. The manufacturer intends to ponents and mechanical systems, including the engines, build the avionics package around a combination of exist- transmission and structural airframe. ing systems and new technology. Features will include a Russian Helicopters is also planning to develop an warning for landing zone hazards, including power lines, enhanced vision system (EVS) for its in-development and the ability to update maps and charts to select an Advanced High-Speed Helicopter and some of its newer unprepared landing site in an emergency scenario. variants such as the Kamov Ka-62. The manufacturer is Russian Helicopters CEO Dmitry Petrov told Rotor & also working to establish the Training Helicopter Academy Wing at Heli-Expo in February that flight safety and reducing near Moscow. According to Petrov, the academy will even- accidents is a top priority for the manufacturer, noting that tually house a large training complex, with full-scale flight up to 95 percent of helicopter accidents are related to human test grounds, simulators approved to Level D/Stage 7, and factors, or pilot error. “Especially on our newer models,” he a pool of training instructors. “We’ve already started teach- said, “our operators are working on decreasing the influ- ing and educating there, by 2015 we’ll reach the full output ence of human factors on the safety of flight.” The company of flight and technical training,” he explained. —By Rotor & unveiled another development project—advanced health Wing staff

Heli-Union, SAAF Receive Eurocopter Simulators French operator Heli-Union has added a new Eurocopter Dau- phin N3/N3+ full flight simulator (FFS) to its training center in Angouleme. The unit is qualified as a Level B full flight simula- tor (FFS) and a Level 2 flight training device. The simulator allows Heli-Union to provide various types of training, includ- ing ab initio, IFR, low-altitude navigation, mountainous flight, night vision goggle (NVG), offshore and SAR. Eurocopter Eurocopter has also delivered its first full-motion simula- tor to Africa. The Super Puma-designed simulator is also compatible with the (SAAF)’s Atlas Oryx. Col. Hardus Engelbrecht stated that having a simula- tor available at the SimAero training center would allow the SAAF “a much bigger bang for our limited buck” by eliminat- Heli-Union’s new Dauphin N3/N3+ simulator is Level B qualified. ing the need to send crews to Europe for training.

48 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Plan Annual Training with Safety In Mind

Well it’s that time of year again when Reserve and National Guard aviators plan and execute their annual training plans. Many commercial pilots are members of the Reserve components and take time off of their flying jobs to “switch hats” and put on the green Photo by Pvt. Frazer Dodson flight suit to serve their country. The difficulty with keeping current and proficient within the active duty flight regulations requires breaking the training into blocks around weekends and a two-week period. Keep in mind that Reserve Component aviators The 36th Combat Aviation Brigade joined the Texas Air Guard and the 1-19th Special have the same flight requirements as Forces Group for air assault and medical evacuation training at Camp McGregor in New Mexico. Air support was provided by Boeing CH-47 Chinooks and Sikorsky UH-60 Black their active duty counterparts. The Hawks. challenge for annual training is that there is a lack of continuous training time in a highly technical/tactical skill Bell Obtains EASA Approval for 429 environment that makes it a more Pilot Training difficult-to-manage risk. This is even The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the Bell Helicopter more important for the pilots who Training Academy (BTA) to offer 429 pilot training. EASA has also certified the do not fly full-time. Good leaders Bell 429 flight-training device to a Level 2. The BTA is located in Texas at the Fort remind their aviators that they are Worth Alliance Airport. accountable for their actions and self- disciplined performance to standards that can have the greatest impact acci- Night Flight Concepts Partners with dent prevention. Planning with safety ALEA for Laser Training in mind is a sure-fire prerequisite for Bedford, Texas-based Night Flight Concepts has teamed with the Airborne Law successful training. Enforcement Association (ALEA) to offer training with the Laser Armor Laser The first step is to develop a com- Defense system. Dudley Crosson, an aviation physiologist and educator, partnered mand climate that permeates safety with Night Flight to develop the course. According to Crosson, the training is throughout the organization. Make it aimed at instructing aircrews in the best manner to respond to laser strikes by giv- clear that standards must be adhered ing them a “sound understanding of the affects of lasing, methods for mitigating to and that supervisors have to enforce the problem and recommendations for safety management systems.” them. This safety philosophy starts at the top and flows downward, and then back up. Take for example, Army Helicentre Aviation Receives CEMARS Field Manual 100-4 Risk Manage- Approval for Emissions ment, which states that risk manage- Helicentre Aviation has become the first UK-based utility surveillance operator ment must be integrated into mission to achieve certified emissions measurement and reduction scheme (CEMARS) planning, preparation and execution. certification with ISO 14069. Helicentre obtained the CEMARS approval for Leadership must continually identify compliance with a carbon reduction program from the Achilles Group in the hazards and assess both accident and UK. After a trial period revealed how the fuel costs per aircraft could be moni- tactical risks, then develop and coor- tored, Helicentre’s safety team implemented the CEMARS with Achilles’ help to dinate control measures.—By Keith work toward a targeted five percent increase in fuel efficiency. Cianfrani

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 49 COMMERCIAL | TECHNOLOGY Leading Edge By Frank Lombardi Energy, Rotor Speed and Dead Men nergy. “It cannot be created kinetic energy of rotor speed that speed condition. The third point is the or destroyed, only changed we will once again convert back to low hover point. This point is dictated from one form to another.” thrust, in the final moments before the by the energy absorbing qualities of the EYou should remember your touchdown that, without an operating landing gear and rotor inertia, since high school physics teacher making engine, will happen. RPM will be decaying all the way to the a statement like this. You should also With training and physics on our ground. As speed increases from this remember your primary flight instruc- side, the odds are good that our touch- point along the curve to Vcr, any flare tor making a statement like, “Rotor down will be successful; but sometimes will be ineffective and only add little, speed is life.” The relevance of these fate and physics work against us. This if any, energy to the rotor, bumping the two statements could not be more is why engineers and test pilots have height up to hcr. important, especially when the engine brought us the Height Velocity (H-V) It’s helpful to know the conditions in your whirlybird stops. diagram, or “Dead Man’s Curve.” While dictated during H-V testing, as they are Simply defined, energy is the every pilot should know they don’t not always listed on the chart. For FAA capacity to do work. To make helicop- want to be caught in it when the engine certification purposes, the curve is ters fly, the engine converts potential goes silent, also knowing the basis for it usually developed in little, if any wind, energy stored in fuel into rotational can be helpful. at max gross weight and high density kinetic energy that powers the rotor The H-V diagram starts off as a altitude conditions. There is a 1-sec- system. The rotor then imparts its mathematical estimate by designers, ond delay by the pilot before applying energy to the air by accelerating it who compute the inertial properties of corrective action when demonstrating through the disk, in order to create the rotor as well as its torque require- points along the curve above the knee, the thrust that provides airspeed and ments at certain speeds, weights and and no delay when demonstrating altitude. The rate at which this energy lift coefficients. This gives an idea of the points below it. (Some military specs conversion must be done is measured time it would take for the rotor to decay use 2 seconds all around!). All points as power required. to an unrecoverable RPM under cer- are demonstrated from level flight, When the engine suddenly stops tain conditions. Armed with this, they and therefore may be conservative in providing power, the rotor begins to first calculate, then very cautiously con- a descent, but overly hopeful if in a feed on its own rotational energy, and firm key points on the curve with an climb, when the failure occurs. In fact, RPM begins to drop. The decrease in incremental buildup of flight testing. variables such as pilot reaction time, thrust starts the helicopter descending. The “knee” of the curve is the first actual aircraft weight, CG, technique, Now it is gravity and the act of fall- of three points, and is of particular etc., will cause the H-V diagram to ing that dictates the transfer of ener- importance when building the avoid grow or shrink depending on the con- gy. Even in autorotation, the power area. It is defined by a “critical” speed ditions you are at on that fateful day required to turn the rotor and keep (Vcr), above which an autorotative land- when things get quiet, so “your mileage it “in the green” remains about the ing can be made at any height. Surpris- may vary.” same as it was in level flight. However, ingly, for most helicopters the height at One thing that cannot be over- instead of the rotor doing work on the which this point occurs (hcr) remains stressed is that no matter how good air, it is the air that must do work on the approximately the same, between the pilot, the deeper you are into the rotor. Therefore, the power required 80-100 feet. The second key point is “avoid” area at the time of failure, the can only be achieved by attaining a the high hover point. This is the point larger the mess will be when you reach certain rate of descent. When the at which one can expect to achieve the ground. The laws of physics cannot potential energy of altitude and kinetic steady autorotation and adequately be outwitted, so respect and manage energy of airspeed is used up, it is the flare to a safe landing from a zero air- them the best you can.

50 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM Ground Handling International Marketplace

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WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 51 TRAINING | SMS Safety Watch By Keith Cianfrani Safety Goes Hand in Glove with Mission afety is not an entity in and universal application of uniform prac- cedures represent a skill—a product of itself. Pilots need to develop a tices and procedures.” enforced standards and training. Safety Shealthy perspective for safety, You may ask where or at what level in planning and operations is critical in not think of it as an obstacle this standardization or development any organization to preserve resources. to mission accomplishment, but a of uniform practices begins. It starts As an experienced military and civil- means to mission accomplishment. with everyone at every level. Executing ian accident investigator, I can attest that I’d like to highlight the links among training using approved publications a common thread runs through all of management, standardization, train- provides the basis for standardization. these terms—management, standard- ing and safety. These items “go hand in By following these guidelines, safety ization, training, and safety. When they glove with mission accomplishment becomes a by-product of professional- are not followed and practiced, unsafe and cannot be separated.” One could ism, and professionalism means com- acts occur that lead to accidents. This is define management as “the process plying with all set standards (directives, why we ask ourselves in the safety busi- of acquiring priorities, allocation technical manuals, regulations, SOPs, ness: “Why do pilots keep having the and using resources (people, money, training plans, and company policies). same accidents over and over?” material, facilities, information, time By the book, disciplined operations are As a safety consultant, I have the and processes) in an effective and effi- mandatory. We must ensure the risk opportunity to audit many operators cient manner.” management process is incorporated aviation safety programs for trends, We could also define safety as “the into regulations, directions, SOPs, train- policies, command climate, leader- conservation of resources (human life ing plans, mission and task training. ship involvement, accident prevention and equipment) while accomplishing a We cannot forget about leadership, programs, risk management practices, mission or task.” These two statements which we can define as “influencing training, maintenance and standard- form the basis for the same theme lead- others to accomplish a common goal.” ization. Most of the companies and ers should follow and calls for establish- Leaders must set these standards for government agencies understand that ing requirements as necessary for the safety, provide guidance for risk accep- management, standardization, train- safety and conservation of aviation tance decisions and conduct training risk ing and safety go hand in glove with resources under their control. This will assessments. It can be deduced that safe- mission accomplishment and cannot conserve manpower and material by ty is a result of product of proper man- be separated. These companies have a reducing losses due to accidents. agement, training and standardization. highly dedicated workforce and their The basic gist here is to accomplish Also, the purpose of standardization of employees feel they have “ownership the mission while conserving resourc- training, along with standardization and of the company” and understand what es. We do this and prepare for this with training is to allow accomplishment of they do or don’t do affect the success of training and standardization, or stan- the mission (flying or other) while con- their company. dardized training. Let’s look at some serving resources. When the standards I’ll further expand on this story in the statements and definitions in training are not adhered to, leaders must take September issue as I report from my trip and standardization, and note the ties the appropriate action to expeditiously to Robinson Helicopters in Torrance, with management and safety. correct non-conformities with man- Calif. I attended Robinson’s pilot safety Standardization can be defined as dated standards—including work place course where I observed the company’s “The management principle which deficiencies, and hazards—or accidents safety practices, toured the production fosters the development and sustain- may occur. plant, talked to pilots and employees, ment of a high state of proficiency and Safety is a part of all operations and interviewed the leadership of the com- readiness among pilots and employees leaders, pilots and personnel and all pany and even had the opportunity fly throughout an organization. Standard- levels must embrace safety as a princi- the R66 and R22. Stay tuned and until ization is accomplished through the pal element in all they do. Safety pro- then, Fly Safe!

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WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM AUGUST 2012 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 53 MILITARY | PROCUREMENT Military Insider By Andrew Drwiega Dogs and Ponies Seek New Shows ttending the Farnbor- UCAVs, it may be just the job for the the weekend before. But the C-17 press ough Airshow in early July Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) role flight was also canceled—clearances Areconfirmed the increas- (as carrier out by the Grumman C-2 could not be got in time, it appeared. ingly widely held belief Greyhound in the U.S. Navy fleet). In Perhaps industry’s reluctance to that the center of gravity of business, fact the prospect of the U.S. Navy buy- “break out the balloons” at Farnbor- particularly military aerospace, is ing 48 MV-22s (albeit still without any ough can be identified by something moving eastward and away from defined budget to back up that aspira- that the UK Secretary of State for Europe. Everybody knows it, and tion) would be very supportive to Bell- Defence, Philip Hammond, said dur- while the facade was still familiar, the Boeing’s hopes of selling the aircraft to ing the ADS Defence Conference on Manager, Sales commitment was not there. the UK (although numbers and lifetime the morning of the third day. Although As a journalist, there were fewer costs still have a major role to play in principally addressing British industry, rotorcraft press briefings than I have any decision). Hammond warned that the defense ever seen. AgustaWestland alone, Russian Helicopters held a press industry, in fact industry in general, under the bower of its parent company conference on three of its products— was facing a huge challenge. He stated Finmeccanica, was the only company the Ansat, the Mi-171A2 and the that domestic demand was declining to host a full press conference with KA-32A11BC—which, although largely as government budgets contract, a CEO Bruno Spagnolini in the hot seat. sales pitches, had good English speak- factor throughout Europe. Added to Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling held this was the reality that traditional a less public private roundtable with export markets were also fundamen- the press and Bell Helicopter Presi- tally changing: “Previous customers dent & CEO John Garrison hosted a now want to be partners, and perhaps press breakfast. Sikorsky had arranged in a few years’ time, see themselves as 1-on-1s with new president Mick first tier competitors. So there will be Mauer for selected journalists on the a huge pressure on industry to revisit Photo by Andrew Drwiega Photo by Andrew Sunday before the show. There was a business models, and to build partner- time, not so long ago, that a new CEO ships to reflect the new reality.” of any major helicopter OEM would He suggested that industry had have been metaphorically “paraded to think about three key elements— through the streets of Rome” (ok, development capital, end demand and Farnborough or Le Bouget), like a con- technological capability—in a different Your mission relies on your aircraft, and at Aeronautical Accessories the success of your mission is our quering Caesar. way. He suggested that partnering in Aside from a lone Sikorsky MH-60 development rather than simply deliv- number-one priority. We’re committed to delivering fast, personalized service backed by an extensive R/S briefing, the usual plethora of ering products was now the way ahead. British Secretary of State for Defence Philip inventory and the expertise you’ve come to expect. That’s why customers rely on our personalized product updates was largely missing Hammond speaking at the ADS Defence In the main, the rotorcraft industry has (although the U.S. Marines did a superb Conference during the Farnborough Airshow already responded to this with various approach to meeting their unique parts and accessories requirements. job—once again—of telling everyone in the UK told industry that they needed to partnerships progressing with Russia, who will listen how well they are using adopt a new approach to business as the China, India and Brazil, among oth- world order changed. the MV-22B Osprey). Perhaps the mes- ers. The challenge will be to manage sage was picked up by “faces unseen” ers with appreciably slicker presenta- the process in a way that ensures their from the UK’s Ministry of Defence, tions (they are learning the game fast). continuity as a prime, or at least as an who may consider it for use onboard Boeing had “off-on-off” flights lined up equal partner. With minds on the com- the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers. on one of the four MV-22Bs that flew ing struggle that lies ahead, the airshow As they are now without “cat and trap,” over from the U.S. for Farnborough and “dog and pony show” may well be on its at least until the JSF-35 is replaced by the Royal International Air Tattoo held way to newer climes. www.aero-access.com | [email protected] | 1-800-251-7094

©2012 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. All rights reserved.

54 ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2012 WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM International Marketplace

Jennifer Lunceford Manager, Sales

Innovation. Reliability. Performance.

Your mission relies on your aircraft, and at Aeronautical Accessories the success of your mission is our number-one priority. We’re committed to delivering fast, personalized service backed by an extensive inventory and the expertise you’ve come to expect. That’s why customers rely on our personalized approach to meeting their unique parts and accessories requirements.

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

©2012 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. All rights reserved.

WWW.ROTORANDWING.COM OCTOBER 2011 | ROTOR & WING MAGAZINE 55 ( THINK INNOVATION )

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

Thinking without limits