April 2014 PDF

April 2014 Serving the Worldwide Helicopter Industry rotorandwing.
com
Bell Jet Ranger

Returns in ‘X’ Form
New Era in Simulation

Inside AgustaWestland
GPS Approach at Home
Now, the tools for
better decision-making
are right at your fingertips:
Garmin GTN™ series for helicopters.
Enhanced safety. Mission response. Situational awareness. With our
GTN™ 750/650 touchscreen avionics, you’ll see all the benefits of faster,
more intuitive access to the flight information you need. Plus, you can upgrade
RIGHT NOW with approved installations for a wide range of popular helicopters,
including: The Bell 206 and 407 series; Eurocopter’s AS 350B2/B3, EC 130B4, and
EC 130T2; plus MD Helicopter’s 369E/F/FF models. Technology highlights include
control-mounted remote frequency/waypoint activation, as well as available HTAWS alerting
with 5-color terrain shading and altitude callouts on descent; radar altimeter interface;
worldwide weather, voice/texting and position reporting links, night vision goggle (NVG)
compatibility, and much more*. To learn more, visit: Garmin.com/helicopters
*Optional HTAWS, NVG, radar altimeter, and satellite datalinks all sold separately.
©2014 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries GTN SERIES
EDITORIAL
Andrew Parker Editor-in-Chief, aparker@accessintel.com
Andrew Drwiega International Bureau Chief/Consultant,
adrwiega@accessintel.com
Ernie Stephens Editor-at-Large, estephens@accessintel.com
Claudio Agostini Latin America Bureau Chief
Contributing Writers: Rick Adams; Chris Baur; Lee Benson;

Igor Bozinovski; Keith Brown; Keith Cianfrani; Steve Colby; Dan
Deutermann; Peter Donaldson; Ian Frain; Pat Gray; Emma Kelly;
Frank Lombardi; Elena Malova; Vicki McConnell; Robert Moor-
man; Douglas Nelms; Mark Robins; Dale Smith; Terry Terrell;
Content Licensing for
Richard Whittle.
Every Marketing Strategy
ADVERTISING/BUSINESS
Jennifer Schwartz Senior Vice President and Group Publisher,
jschwartz@accessintel.com Marketing solutions it for:
Randy Jones Publisher, 1-972-713-9612, rjones@accessintel.com
• Outdoor
Eastern United States & Canada
Carol Mata, 1-512-607-6361, cmata@accessintel.com • Direct Mail
International Sales, Europe/Pac Rim/Asia
James McAuley +34 952 118 018, jmcauley@accessintel.com
• Print Advertising
• Tradeshow/POP Displays
DESIGN/PRODUCTION
Rob Hudgins Graphic Designer • Social Media
Tony Campana Production Manager,
1-301-354-1689 tcampana@accessintel.com • Radio & Television
David Hurwitz Web/E-letter Production Associate,
1-301-354-1459 dhurwitz@accessintel.com
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Logo Licensing | Reprints

George Severine Fulfillment Manager, gseverine@accessintel.com
Jonathan Russo Marketing Manager, jrusso@accessintel.com
Customer Service/Back Issues 1-847-559-7314 rw@omeda.com
Eprints | Plaques
LIST SALES
Leverage branded content from Rotor & Wing to create a
Statlistics
Jen Felling ,1-203-778-8700, j.felling@statlistics.com more powerful and sophisticated statement about your
product, service, or company in your next marketing
REPRINTS
Wright’s Media, 1-877-652-5295
sales@wrightsmedia.com
campaign. Contact Wright’s Media to ind out more about
how we can customize your acknowledgements and
ACCESS INTELLIGENCE, LLC
Donald A. Pazour Chief Executive Officer recognitions to enhance your marketing strategies.
Ed Pinedo Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
Macy L. Fecto Executive Vice President, Human Resources &
Administration
Heather Farley Divisional President, Business Information Group For more information, call Wright’s Media at 877.652.5295 or
Sylvia Sierra Senior Vice President of Corporate
Audience Development
Robert Paciorek Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer
visit our website at www.wrightsmedia.com
Michael Kraus VP, Production, Digital Media & Design
Steve Barber Vice President, Financial Planning and Internal Audit
Gerald Stasko Vice President/Corporate Controller
Alison Johns Vice President, E-Media, Business Information
Group
For photocopy or reuse requests: For over ten years, Aviation Today has been your Internet-hub for
1-800-772-3350 or info@copyright.com
market intelligence and business resources, offering up-to-the-minute
news and expert analysis in all aspects of the world of aviation.
Access Intelligence, LLC

4 Choke Cherry Rd., 2nd Floor
Rockville, Md. 20850 - USA
Phone: 1-301-354-2000, Fax: 1-301-354-1809
E-mail: rotorandwing@accessintel.com
Visit us today at www.aviationtoday.com. 17279
A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 3

Editor’s Notebook
By Andrew Parker
Heli-Expo 2014: A aparker@accessintel.com
700-Word Summary
f course it’s preposterous to • All-Metal Moves Into New Las • AS350 Pair to Serve U.S. Heli-
O think that the world’s larg-

est helicopter tradeshow
could be summed up in
less than say, 10,000 words, but
due to space constraints, there’s a
Vegas Headquarters
• Erickson Air-Crane Shortens
Name, Splits Into Divisions
• Turbomeca, Ramco Systems
Forge Boost Agreement
copters ENG Fleet
• AW189 Level C Sim Headed to
Gulf Helicopters
• MD530F Pair Heading to Boliv-
ian National Police
lot of material that didn’t make it • EuroAvionics Purchases Flori- • Bell Helicopter Continues to
into the April print edition of Rotor da-based LCX Systems Move 525 Forward
& Wing. • Kaman’s Legacy K-Max Poised • FAA Issues STC for Air Comm
That’s why we created our Post- to Rise Again AS350 Air Conditioner
Show Wrap digital edition, for • ASU Demonstrates Unfilmed • BLR Aerospace Reports Uptick
more news and photos from the Intensified Tubes In Government Sales
show. The Wrap can be found • Universal ‘Point & Click’ Func- • AgustaWestland AW609 Prog-
at: http://accessintelligence. tion Available on MD Explorer ress Speeds Up
imirus.com/Mpowered/book/ • Guidance Louisiana Becomes • DAC International Becomes
vheli14/i1/p1 Latest Robinson Dealer Regional Distributor for SkyTrac
There were also more than 100 • AW109 Trekker Aims at ‘Rug- Systems
stories, photos and news releases ged, Reliable’ Operators • North Flight Wins Approval for
posted online during the week • Tilton Fuels De velopment CVR/FDR Installs
of Heli-Expo 2014, including a Dreams with Niche Military • Donaldson Achieves Approval
selection of headlines below. See Contracts for Bell 407 Filter
the full list at Rotor & Wing’s Event • Avpro Completes Bell Transac- • Shandong Qi Xiang MD500E
Coverage page online: www.aviation for Jet Ranger X Trio Order is First in China
tiontoday.com/rw/event-cov- • PremiAir, ASU to Sell Night • Trakka Inks 10-Year Agreement
erage/ Vision Technology in Europe with AgustaWestland
Happy Hunting! • Legendary Bell 47 Gets New • Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-
Pair of Boots from Scott’s 67E Powers EC175 in Certifica-
Headlines from the Show • Vector, Sunshine Helicopters tion Effort
(in no particular order): Ink MRO Agreement • AgustaWestland AW189 Dis-
• Enstrom Takes Wraps Off Two- • AS350 Duo Enters Service with play System From Rockwell Col-
Seat TH180 Trainer Liberty Helicopters lins Gains EASA Approval
• Thales Group Reveals Avionics • Turbomeca Signs SBH Contract • FAA Certifies Honeywell Sky
2020 for Helicopters with ADAC Luftfahrt Technik Connect Tracker III
• ‘New Identity’ Hallmark of Air- • Breeze-Eastern Adds Inventory • Scott’s-Bell 47 to Offer Glass
bus Helicopters at Heli-Expo to Spare Parts Network Cockpit in 47GT-6 Helicopter
• Sikorsky Reaches Deal with • Milestone Buys Five More • A s c e n t 5 0 0 0 1 C He l i t a n k
Thommen for Searchlights and AW139s, Three AW189s Achieves FAA Approval
Laser Systems • Pr att & W h i t n e y C a n a d a • Aero Precision Expands Busi-
• United Rotorcraft Strikes Agree- Secures Milestone Engine Sup- ness Alliance with UTC Aero-
ments for AgustaWestland, Bell port Deal space Systems
and Sikorsky Completions • Able Aerospace to Distribute • Los Angeles Police Department
• D ro p C a m Fro m I nte g r at- Bell PMA Parts for Northwest Air Support Chooses Helinet
ed Microwave Technologies Dynamics Microwave Downlink System
Emerges at Heli-Expo • Jeff Pino on Macquarie Rotor- • Fre eFl ight , U N D Achie ve
• Bell Helicopter Brands 505 ‘X’ craft Leasing: $100 Million Pro- ADS-B Transceiver Certifica-
With Proven Name: Jet Ranger jected By End of 2014 tion from FAA
4 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

WE PROVIDE HELICOPTER OPERATORS
WITH MORE THAN JUST A LEASE™
1. PROVEN ABILITY TO DELIVER

Over 140 helicopters on lease, and over $2.2 billion of assets
3.
100% LEASE FINANCING GLOBALLY
C
ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT
N AW S D
AW EC EC S
PARTNERSHIP
S PBH
P
Phone: +353 1 205 1400 / +1 614 233 2300
E
W
THIS MONTH FROM
Personal|Corporate Commercial Military Pub
28 DEPARTMENTS
12 Rotorcraft Report
20 People
20 Coming Events
21 Hot Products
45 Classified Ads
47 Ad Index
COLUMNS
4 Editor’s Notebook
8 Feedback
(Above) Engineering at AgustaWestland facility in Italy. (Below) Enstrom TH180 10 Meet the Contributors
cockpit on display. (Right) Heli-Expo show floor. Two photos by Frank Lombardi
43 Training News
46 Leading Edge
FEATURES 48 Safety Watch

50 Military Insider
22 ■ New Era of Simulation Training On the Cover: Bell 505 Jet Ranger X unveiling at Heli-
Around the North Sea and the world, safety and pilot training are
under review. A plethora of new-technology simulators should help Expo 2014 in Anaheim, Calif. Photo by Andrew Drwiega,
reduce the risk rate. By Rick Adams International Bureau Chief. Design by Rob Hudgins.
28 ■ Delivering Family to the World

Part 2 of Rotor & Wing’s visit to AgustaWestland headquarters
32
facilities in Italy. By Andrew Drwiega
■ GPS: Need One, Get One!

The digital world has flooded the market with countless types
of smart devices that rely on small GPS receivers to do an ever-
increasing list of location-based tasks. By Frank Lombardi
14
36 ■ Essential Equipment
This month we focus on Flight Training Devices and Heliport
Lighting. By Rick Adams and Andrew Drwiega
40 ■ Safety Management Systems

Implementing an SMS program into an organization, large or small,
will help save lives and resources. By Keith Cianfrani

Vol. 48 | No. 4
April 2014
blic Service Training Products Services
12 ONLINE
www.rotorandwing.com
POST YOUR HELICOPTER PHOTOS

• Have any breathtaking helicopter photos that can hang with the best of them?
Share them on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/rotorandwing
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
STORIES & PHOTOS ON THE WEB

• Go to rotorandwing.com to see more photos and read some of the stories that
didn’t make it into this month’s print edition, for example:
• Aero Precision Expands Alliance with UTC Aerospace Systems
• All-Metal Maintenance Stands Moves Into New Vegas Headquarters
• Operator Cooperation Part of Russian Hour at Heli-Expo
• Universal Avionics ‘Point & Click’ Available on MD Explorer
• FreeFlight ADS-B Transceiver Gains FAA Greenlight
• FlightSafety to Bring Level D S-92 Training to Sao Paulo
• EuroAvionics Buys Florida-based LCX Systems
DIRECT TO YOUR DESKTOP: CHECK YOUR E-MAIL

APRIL 1:
• Digital edition of Rotor & Wing April 2014. Electronic version with enhanced web
links makes navigating through the pages of Rotor & Wing easier than ever.
WEEK OF APRIL 7:
• HOT PRODUCTS for Helicopter Operators—Latest in equipment upgrades, performance
modifications, training devices and other tools for the rotorcraft industry.
WEEK OF APRIL 28:
Get connected: • Rotor & Wing’s Helicopter Safety & Training e-letter. Get the latest updates from
helicopter training organizations around the world.
Become a fan of Rotor & Wing on
Follow us on @rotorandwing TO SUBSCRIBE TO ANY OF OUR EXCLUSIVE E-MAIL 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: RW@omeda.com. Canada Post PM40063731. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5.
©2014 by Access Intelligence, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.
Publication Mail Sales Agreement No. 40558009
W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 7

Feedback
Personal|Corporate Commercial Military Public Service Training Products Services
Responses Online R&W’s Question of the

The following headlines and
responses appeared on www. Month: What elements of a
rotorandwing.com
safety management system
From Aviation Today
(In reference to a story about DAR-
(SMS) work best for your op-
PA’s X-Plane program) eration? What operators have
What American aviation needs
today is a 1,000 lb, two seat tan- done a good job of implement-
dem, electric/Hybrid motor glid-
er, mass produced and sold at the ing a strong SMS program?
same cost/lb as a compact car...
Neil Cosentino
Let us know, and look for your and others’ responses in
a future issue. You’ll find contact information below.
Robots Building Aircraft
(Response to: “Will Airbus Futur- Responses Via Social Media Sydney Harbor... spectacular!
assy Robots Build Aircraft?” The following appeared on Rotor
Why not? A robot will not forget & Wing’s Facebook page at www. Michael Burton
a rivet neither tighten a screw to facebook.com/rotorandwing
the right binary. After all will not NYC in the 80’s, Florida Everglades
get flu or pain or tendinitis, which and Bahamas.
it’s the most frequent disease for What’s the Coolest Place John Marks
repetitive tasks. You’ve Ever Flown a
Look the automotive indus- Helicopter? Babylon
tries, they could speed up and Twenty feet over a male Alaskan Daniel Morris
reduce manufacturing costs. Brown Bear on the Kenai penin-
Rui Figueiredo sula, after the 9,900-foot volcano, From Sanaa to Hodeida, Yemen,
bear was much cooler. from the plateau where Sanaa
Safety for All Larry Peck is located, down to the Red Sea;
Let everyone take his/responsibil- passing the “mud skyscraper”
ity and put in practice the 10 com- For me it was definitely flight in villages clinging to the sides of
mandments of workplace safety Grand Canyon to the river and the mountains, young village
to arrive at a 10 score. Let zero back! kids waving up from the roofs
accident be our target as from this Juraj Krajcirovic as they hear the 212 approach-
minute. ing... like having your own Nat
Bless Manuel Ozark’s in Missouri!!! and blue Geo show ... also flying around
mountains in Jamaica! the island of Socotra... amazing,
Air Methods Diversity Stacey Henry unspoiled nature.
(In response to “Air Methods Diver- Tony Beaumont
sifies with Purchase of Blue Hawai- The Congo River
ian, Sundance Helicopters”) Patrick Heidenreich The football stadium in Nashville,
[CEO] Aaron Todd has shown Tenn.
shrewd business savvy and is to Mountains of Kosovo, fresh snow Cesar A Ramos
be commended for navigating on the ground, flying NVGs witht
through some very difficult times. he fullest, brightest moon I have A trip from Milan, Italy to Antalya
Todd shows an uncanny insight ever seen. Incredibly beautiful then Istanbul, Turkey in an Agusta
into future of commercial rotor- night, visibility must have been A109S - amazing!
craft operations. 100 miles. Will never forget it! Christine Lesko
Andrew Leonard Jim Furlow
Do you have comments on the rotorcraft industry or recent articles and viewpoints we’ve published? Send them to: Editor, Rotor
& Wing, 4 Choke Cherry Road, Second Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, fax us at 301-354-1809 or email us at rotorandwing@accessintel.
com. Please include a city and state or province with your name and ratings. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material.

Richard Fine
Quality Inspector
Innovation. Reliability. Performance.
We take great pride in providing high quality, reliable products that enable our customers to meet
their mission requirements, including products like our high visibility windows. These precision-
crafted windows are optically correct, affordable and easy to install. Experience makes all the
difference, so let us show you how attention to detail has helped make Aeronautical Accessories
an industry-leading brand for over 30 years.
www.aero-access.com | sales@aero-access.com | 1-800-251-7094

©2013 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. All rights reserved.
Meet the
Contributors
KEITH CIANFRANI is a retired U.S. MARK ROBINS is an experienced and
Army lieutenant colonel, master accomplished editor who has bylined
aviator and Army instructor pilot, more than 50 full-length feature arti-
rated in both helicopters and fixed- cles in his career, most dealing with
wing aircraft. He holds a master’s technical and manufacturing devel-
degree in aerospace safety from Embry-Riddle opments. He has written for such technical trade
Aeronautical University. Keith is a certificated flight magazines as Quality and Electronic Packaging and
instructor and has flown commercial aircraft for Production. He has also worked full-time for the edi-
more than 20 years in and around the New York torial departments of the American Society of Civil
City area. Engineers and Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
ANDREW DRWIEGA , International DALE SMITH has been an aviation

Bureau Chief, is a senior defense/avia- journalist for 24 years specializing in
tion journalist with a specialization business aviation. He is currently a
in international military rotorcraft. contributing writer for Rotor & Wing
Based in London, he has reported and other leading aviation magazines.
from Iraq and Afghanistan on numerous occasions He has been a licensed pilot since 1974 and has flown
on attachment with American and British helicopter 35 different types of general aviation, business and
forces. Andrew is a member of the Army Aviation WWII vintage aircraft.
Association of America, the Royal United Services
Institute, the Air Power Association and is an associ- ERNIE STEPHENS, Editor-at-Large,
ate member of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He has spent 27 years with a major county
a BA (Hons) degree in War Studies. police department, retiring as a deco-
rated sergeant and chief pilot of its
FRANK LOMBARDI, an ATP with both aviation section in 2006. He began
fixed-wing and rotary-wing ratings, his flying career in the late 1980s when he earned his
began his flying career in 1991 after rotorcraft license and incorporated a small aviation
graduating with a bachelor’s of science company as a sideline to his law enforcement career.
in aerospace engineering, working on He has been writing features and columns for Rotor &
various airplane and helicopter programs as a flight Wing since 2003.
test engineer for Grumman Aerospace Corp. Frank
became a police officer for a major East Coast police TERRY TERRELL gained his early
department in 1995, and has been flying helicopters in aviation experience as a U.S. Navy
the department’s aviation section since 2000. fixed-wing instructor and U.S. Coast
Guard aircraft commander, where
DOUGLAS NELMS has more than his service included SAR in Sikorsky
30 years of experience as an aviation S-61s. Terry served as a cross-qualified captain and
journalist and currently works as a safety special projects officer with Houston’s Transco
freelance writer. He has served as Energy, and later with Atlanta-based Kennestone
managing editor of Rotor & Wing. A AVSTAT Helicopter Ambulance Program and Geor-
former U.S. Army helicopter pilot, Nelms specializes gia Baptist LifeFlight.
in writing about helicopters.

When You Choose FlightSafety, You Choose Safety.
Safety Continues with ongoing investment and innovation • Reinforced in 1 million+ training hours each year
Builds when you train as you fly, fly as you train • Backed up by the industry’s best Customer Care
Benefits Customers from 167 countries • Advanced with superior simulation technology • Supported by factory-authorized training
Practiced with a high-technology, integrated training system • Expands with a global network of Learning Centers
Focus of 3,500 expertly designed courses • Taught by 1,800 professional instructors • Designed into a fleet of 300+ flight simulators
At FlightSafety International, we center everything we do on helping our Customers operate their

helicopters to the highest level of safety while providing the outstanding service they expect and
deserve. We continually invest in new programs and a growing international network of locations
to meet current and future Customers’ requirements.
Safety Starts With the Best Training Our outstanding instructors provide helicopter operators the
highest quality, most comprehensive professional training available. We offer courses developed by
our training experts with one overriding goal – to enhance safety. Each course leverages today’s most
advanced and innovative training systems for instruction that’s effective, relevant and clearly presented.
Safety Drives Our Training Technology We design and build Level D helicopter simulators and other
advanced training devices to complement, support and reinforce safety in our training. They replicate the
flying characteristics of the aircraft represented – including a full range of environmental conditions such as
whiteouts and brownouts – and are qualified to the highest standards by aviation authorities worldwide.
Safety Extends to More Aircraft at More Locations We deliver unsurpassed simulation-based and
mission-specific training for AgustaWestland, Airbus, Bell and Sikorsky helicopters. Training includes
inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions, night vision goggle and other helicopter-specific
scenarios. FlightSafety. Our name is our mission.
Please contact Scott Fera, Senior Vice President, Marketing • 718.565.4774

sales@flightsafety.com • flightsafety.com • A Berkshire Hathaway company
Personal|Corporate Commercial Military Public Service Training Products Services
■ PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES
Bell Revamps Jet Ranger Brand

With ‘X’ for New 505
Before the curtain fell (left) and after (right). Photos by Andrew Drwiega
Bell Helicopter launched, in the words to the Bell 505 short light single (SLS) under any circumstances.”
of President and CEO John Garrison, Jet Ranger X as entering into a market Garrison acknowledged the stated
“the revitalization of the legendary Jet segment that was “incredibly price- intent of the U.S. Army to retire the
Ranger” during Heli-Expo. The launch sensitive” and that the SLS would sell OH-58 and TH-67 from its fleet, but
of the 505 Jet Ranger X drew a huge for around $1 million. He added that said that Bell continued to execute on
crowd with Garrison introducing the it would be attractive through its tech- programs that it had. He balanced this
new short light single (SLS) helicopter nology offering, including the Garmin by saying that the AH-1Z and UH-1Y
from a podium among the crowd. He G1000H avionics and the Turbomeca were halfway through their delivery
reviewed the drive of Bell in terms of Arrius T2 engine. schedules (36 and 87 aircraft, respec-
pushing forward with the 525 Relentless As far as the Bell 525 Relentless tively last year from a total program of
and on the military side, the V-280 Valor was concerned, Garrison said that first record of 349 helicopters – 160 UH-1Ys
(for the Joint Multi-Role) competition. flight is expected by the end of the year and the rest new and remanufactured
The previous day, Garrison had and that the “super medium” helicopter, AH-1Zs). Two U.S. Marine Corps
talked about “making progress and with its fly-by-wire technology and squadrons are now operational with
gaining momentum in our commercial CAT A operational capability, could be both aircraft. —By Andrew Drwiega,
business.” The OEM delivered 213 civil “best in class against a very wide range International Bureau Chief
helicopters in 2013, up 12 percent from of competitors – AW139, AW175, Read the full story and see more
the 188 in 2012. Bell recorded revenues AW189, EC225 and S-92 foremost photos from Heli-Expo 2014 at www.
of $4.5 billion in 2013. He had referred among them. A strong claim to make rotorandwing.com

Rotorcraft Report
■ TRAINING | AIRFRAMES
Enstrom Takes Wraps Off TH180 Two-Seater

At Heli-Expo 2014 in Anaheim,
Enstrom Helicopter of Menominee,
Mich., pulled the wraps off of a
brand new design – a two-seat,
piston helicopter. The aircraft,
dubbed the TH180, shares the same
general shape of the larger three-
and five-seat Enstrom products,
but scaled down to accommodate
just two people.
“The TH180 is designed primar-
ily as a training helicopter,” said
Orlando Alaniz, Enstrom’s direc-
tor of marketing. “In addition, the
TH180 will be well suited for other
missions, such as patrol, surveil-
lance, or personal transport.” Enstrom TH180. By Frank Lombardi
A fuel-injected, Lycoming HIO-
390 piston engine will drive the described as “excellent autorotation did say that maintenance would be
TH180’s high inertia main rotor. capabilities.” The TH180 “is also economical. Enstrom has already
And in the company’s attempt to designed with the flight instruc- received orders from launch cus-
appeal to helicopter flight schools, tor in mind,” Alaniz added. “It has tomers Indiana Helicopters in Gos-
the designers included an engine a quiet cabin with plenty of head hen, Ind., and Sharkey’s Helicopters
governor, shock-absorbing skids, and leg room.” Alaniz did not say of West Lebanon, N.H. —By Ernie
sturdy airframe, and what Alaniz what the TH180 would cost, but Stephens, Editor-at-Large
■ PRODUCTS | AVIONICS
Thales Reveals Avionics 2020 for Helicopters

One of the most jaw-dropping exactly the same as a computer
pieces of technology on display mouse and pointer.
at Heli Expo was Avionics 2020; Thales’ Avionics division is
which c an le g itimately b e designing the suite and Perrot said
described as a new generation that it will be based on open sys-
cockpit for helicopters. Basically tem architecture with a Thales
it is an intuitive, all touchscreen electronic backbone, but that will
cockpit display that Thales be compatible with mission soft-
marketing director Richard Perrot ware allowing third-party systems
demonstrated. or functions to be added into the
Using only fingertip control, architecture. The displays will not
he accessed the avionics and mis- be restricted by size and discus-
sion management on the large sions are being held with all of the
display panels, demonstrating the OEMs regarding its introduction
programming of a route to a search date, which will be 2020. Perrot said
Thales Avionics 2020. Graphical image
area while selecting the transit courtesy of Thales Group that part of the system had already
path, then the programming of a been involved in flight trials, but
search pattern. – and the standby aid is a roll- would not say which OEM or event
There is not a single button to tracker pointer incorporated as an aircraft type. —By Andrew Drwie-
press – it is all touch-screen alone alternate mode that would be used ga, International Bureau Chief

Rotorcraft Report
Erickson S-64. Photo courtesy of Erickson
shouldn’t be the largest provider

of third-party maintenance for the
Bell 214ST.” The new logo repre-
sents the new composite rotor
blade system developed for the
S-64. “It’s a multi-million dollar
investment and we will start fly-
ing by the end of the year. It will
Erickson Shortens Name, give 10-15 percent improvement
in lift capability and a decrease in
Splits Into Divisions MRO and manufacturing costs,
and a 3-5 percent decrease in fuel
burn,” confirmed Rieder.
Erickson Air-Crane is now Erickson 50 percent of our revenues came Erickson is the type certificate
Incorporated, but has several from firefighting… and 95 percent holder not only for the S-64 but
divisions, announced Udo Rieder, of Evergreen’s revenue came from also has bought the type certificate
the organization’s chief executive Department of Defense (DoD) for the Pratt & Whitney T73 engine
at a media briefing related to Heli- work. Air Amazonia had 100 per- used on the Air Crane and the
Expo. Following the acquisitions cent revenue from oil and gas, intention is to have its engineers
last year of Evergreen Helicopters revealed Rieder. improve engine performance.
and Air Amazonia, the company’s Now, he said, the company had Rieder said that there were
share price rose from $8 to $21 per doubled its financial size from $200 opportunities in the oil and gas
share (a 163 percent growth). The million to $400 million in revenues. sector “within Peru, Ecuador and
group now comprises: Erickson The total business today comprises domestically in Alaska.”
Air Crane; Erickson Helicopters; around 30 percent DoD, firefight- The European Air-Crane divi-
Erickson Transport; Air Amazonia; ing/oil and gas around 25 percent sion supports four S-64s that are
Canadian Air Crane; European Air each, with the remainder coming owned by the Italian government,
Crane; and Malaysian Air Crane. from commercial activities (includ- but there are opportunities for
“We were giving a lot of the mar- ing logging). He said the diversity expansion, according to Rieder. He
ket to light and medium helicopters meant that the company could bet- said that aircraft operated in Africa
as well as fixed-wing aircraft,” said ter withstand up and down cycles and the Middle East could now go
Rieder, explaining the need to grow in any particular sector. to Europe for their repair and over-
the organization. As a consequence The MRO side has also been haul. He also said that there were
Erickson’s fleet has expanded from strengthened, added Rieder. “We work opportunities in Switzerland
20 air-cranes to 90 diversified air- know how to maintain and manu- as well as the more traditional
craft. Most of the divisions will fly a facture legacy components. We are firefighting markets of Spain and
mix of aircraft. now the largest Bell 214ST opera- southern France. —By Andrew
“Prior to the acquisitions, over tor and there is no reason why we Drwiega
AW109 Trekker Aims at ‘Rugged, Reliable’ Operators

During Heli-Expo AgustaWestland introduced what CEO Daniele Romiti
called the new member of the AW109 family, the light twin AW109
Trekker. Performers, whose representation of rugged dance, heralded the
unveiling of the helicopter.
Geoff Hoon, managing director for international business, said that
there had been market “pressure for a rugged, reliable and as cheap as it is
going to be” helicopter. The production aircraft will be based on the cabin AW109 Trakker at Heli-Expo. By Andrew
Drwiega, International Bureau Chief
of the AW109 Grand.
Bob Price confirmed that the AW109 Trekker would be initially built at the company’s Philadelphia facil-
ity in the U.S., another addition to the already promised AW169. The aircraft would be certified this year and
its first flight would be in 2015. Hoon said that customers had been pressurizing the OEM for a version of the
AW109 with skids. —By Andrew Drwiega

Rotorcraft Report
■ PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES
Kaman Gauges Interest in Restarting K-Max

The K-Max production line could the success of the one remaining of the aircraft, which was first taken
be brought back to life if there unmanned K-Max flying with the to Afghanistan in late 2011. Starting
are enough orders to make it U.S. Marine Corps should not be with two unmanned K-Max, the
cost-effective, said Terry Fogarty, underappreciated. The Marines have second has not operated since an
Kaman’s general manager for continually extended their field trials accident in June 2013.
unmanned systems. Although R & W 1 2 pg island_Layout 1 9/6/13 10:02 AM Page 1
he admitted that the company
Exelis F4949
regularly gets requests for its
veteran intermeshing rotor
helicopter, which obtained its type
certificate back in 1994, Kaman
used Heli-Expo to gauge just how Aviator Night Vision System
serious potential customers were
and getting them to state whether
they would commit to a deposit.
Unlike many companies who
divest themselves of production
line tooling, Kaman has kept its
K-Max machinery in relative-
ly good storage conditions. “We
could turn on the production line
in around 15-18 months,” said Fog-
arty, adding that a more accurate
forecast would depend on how
quickly its suppliers could also
stand up and deliver to Kaman.
The company is believed to be
looking for around 10 firm com-
mitments for it to make a positive
decision by the end of the year.
Of the 35 K-Max originally
manufactured, only around 20 are
still flying (including that oper-
ated by the USMC). Fogarty said
Brings you the power of sight for

that the company would make a
decision about whether to restart
the production line by the end of your most critical night missions.
the year. “I always thought it was
going to be a pause in produc-
tion, albeit one that has lasted
for 13 years,” said Fogarty. “It will
Exelis F4949s IN STOCK
be the same aircraft with the
same design, engine and blades,”
confirms Fogarty, adding that
any changes would necessitate a
re-certification that the company
would not wish to go through:
“Potential customers want it for
exactly what it does now.” www.transaeroinc.com
While the aircraft is highly
valued by civil customers in the Exelis is a registered trademark and “The Power of Ingenuity” is a trademark, both of Exelis Inc.
Copyright 2012 Exelis Inc. All rights reserved.
firefighting and logging sectors,

Rotorcraft Report
■ MILITARY | AIRFRAMES
MD Helicopters Aims 530G at International Militaries

MD Helicopters owner Lynn
Tilton believes, or rather “dreams,”
of taking her once-ailing company
forward to rapid manufacturing
and production of existing and new
helicopters.
A self-confessed “obsessive for
technology and innovation,” Til-
ton believes that one of the ways
to get her company back into the
mainstream of helicopter produc-
tion will be through the use of 3D
printing. With many companies
under her control, she has been MD530G at Heli-Expo 2014. Photo by Frank Lombardi
particularly interested in the auto-
motive sector and other specialist around the corner.” Whatever is the not be considered by the U.S. Army
applications. result of her research, she assures (“I think I know them pretty well by
“If we can put out a new aircraft that it will be a brand new design. now”), but that if the company can
designed in the 3D space it will MD is currently selling between keep selling her “armed scout” fam-
deliver us a quicker time to market,” 50-100 helicopters per year and ily to foreign militaries in numbers
she stated, reflecting on the prob- Tilton has directed the company of around 12-18 helicopters, that
lems the company continues to toward its own niche in supplying would not only please her but give
have in logistical fulfillment. smaller military customers in the the company much more financial
Her ideas for a hybrid helicopter international market. flexibility to spend on R&D. Expec-
would include the use of electric Down to earth and away from tations were that the company
motors. “We may try to do a single- dreaming, the company showed would deliver 50 or more aircraft in
engine helicopter for propulsion its MD530G on the stand, which 2014, depending on how success-
and an electric motor for systems, is an armed aerial scout helicopter ful the company is in getting the
but it is realistic enough to real- precisely for that foreign market. MD530G to market. —By Andrew
ize that such a concept is not just Tilton acknowledges that it would Drwiega
■ COMMERCIAL | LEASING
Pino on Macquarie: $100 Million By End of 2014

Jeff Pino, the ex-president of Sikorsky Aircraft who “retired” in 2012, is back
in the helicopter business, this time as CEO of newly formed Macquarie
Rotorcraft Leasing, part of the U.S.-based Macquarie Group.
“Leasing reduces risk and improves operator balance sheets,” stated Pino.
Having served at the pinnacle of one of the world major helicopter manufac-
turers, his experience leads him to believe that the growth of the leasing sector
should not be seen by OEMs as a sudden growth in the market: “The OEMs
must not see leasing as an increase in demand. There is a glut in money, not
in helicopters. But OEM forecasting models are mature.” He believes that the
OEMs will ensure that the residual value of helicopters will be maintained.
“With the increase in the price of oil, operators can lease equipment but
they don’t need to own it,” he said. With longer range offshore developments
poised to expand the type and range of helicopters required, he said that the Jeff Pino.
energy sector could “hedge” its options with smart risk management over a
set period of time. Pino believes that around 75 percent of the leasing business
will be in the oil and gas sector, although there are also growing opportunities in the EMS sector.

When Lives
Are on the Line,
Use Rescue
Hoists You
Can Trust.
Goodrich & Hamilton
Sundstrand are now
UTC Aerospace Systems.
UTC Aerospace Systems rescue
hoists are trusted by rescue
specialists worldwide. No matter
what you fly, we have a hoist
that is right for your platform.
Our hoists provide long-term
operational efficiency with the
lowest life-cycle cost in the
industry. But most importantly,
our hoists help save lives.
To find out more visit

www.utcaerospacesystems.com
or email sis@utas.utc.com
Rotorcraft Report
■ PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES ■ SERVICES | FINANCING
Scott’s Gives Bell 47 New Pair of Boots Amur Financial to

Purchase Bristow’s
(Left) Scott’s Bell
47 during Heli-Expo
Bell 206 Fleet
Amur Helicopter Financial
2014. Photo by
Andrew Drwiega
Services has agreed to a major fleet
(Below) Rolls-Royce transaction with Bristow Group
RR300 at the engine Inc. The transaction involves
maker’s booth. Photo purchasing the entire Bristow fleet
by Frank Lombardi of 28 Bell 206-L4 helicopters. As
part of completing this transaction,
Amur HFS provided short-term
operating leases to Bristow for
several aircraft still required
under customer contracts in the
Gulf of Mexico. Bristow may
One announcement extend these leases as needed to
during Heli-Expo 2014 that meet its customer obligations. In
brought the past right up to addition, several of the aircraft
the present was that which will be delivered to and purchased
saw engine manufacturer by Amur HFS in the 4th quarter
Rolls-Royce signing a multi- of 2014 when they come off the
engine contract with Scott’s current contract with Bristow.
Bell 47, the owner of the (Source: Amur HFS)
Bell 47 type certificate since
2009. ■ COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES
This brings Rolls-Royce’s
RR300 light turboshaft Milestone Buys
powerplant to the Bell Eight More S-92s
407GT-6 light utility heli- Milestone Aviation Group has
copter. “We will deliver an increased its S-92 order book with
engine for the first flight test Sikorsky Aircraft by eight units. The
in June,” said Greg Fedele, company has increased its firm and
senior vice president Helicopters for Rolls-Royce. “The engine integration option S-92 orders to 37 aircraft
only took a small amount of work,” he added. valued at more than $1.2 billion.
The RR300 was launched in 2007 based on the M250, of which 30,000 The forward orders are scheduled
engines were produced. It has been optimized for performance between to deliver over the next five years,
240-300 shp with a recommended 2,000-hour heavy maintenance inspec- with 15 scheduled for completed
tion (HMI). It also powers Robinson’s R66. delivery in 2014 and 2015; more
With more than 1,000 Bell 47s still flying, despite production being than half of which are already on
closed 40 years ago, Scott’s Bell owner Scott Churchill has positioned his lease or under letter of intent.
company to be the established OEM with the production of the Bell 47GT- Milestone already has 73 Sikorsky
6 and for spare parts for other variants. aircraft in its fleet, including 45
“With the RR300 we can target the entry level turbine market where S-92s and 28 S-76 family aircraft,
few aircraft fit that niche,” explained Fedele. “It has already enjoyed strong including four S-76Ds. These
growth through our business with Robinson.” When asked whether there aircraft are on lease to operators
was a potential opportunity in the rising aerial unmanned vehicle (UAV) in Asia, Australia, Europe, North
sector, Febele replied: “While growth [in this sector] is small it is still a America and South America
growth area that we will monitor.” The Rolls-Royce M250 powered the serving the offshore oil and gas,
original Northrop Grumman RQ-8A Fire Scout UAV and is the current search and rescue and emergency
powerplant on AgustaWestland’s SW-4 Solo (now in a UAV trial program medical service industries. (Source:
for the UK’s Royal Navy). —By Andrew Drwiega Milestone)

Rotorcraft Report
■ COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES ■ SERVICES | FINANCING
Airbus Gets Large Order for LCI Inks Deal for 20-Plus
37 From Waypoint Leasing Helicopters from Airbus
Two major Waypoint Leasing orders with Airbus Lease Corporation International has reached an
Helicopters were announced Tuesday as the global agreement to acquire as many as 21 new Airbus
helicopter lessor intends to acquire 37 EC225 Helicopters rotorcraft in a contract involving both
and EC145 T2 rotorcraft. These key transactions, the EC175 and the newly unveiled EC225e. The total
Waypoint’s first deliveries in 2014, were detailed at contract value is estimated in commercial terms to
the Heli-Expo in Anaheim, where Airbus Helicopters be around $645 million, with delivery scheduled to
President Guillaume Faury and Waypoint Leasing CEO commence in 2016.
Ed Washecka confirmed the bookings. With deliveries The major commitment marks Lease Corportation
planned through 2017, Waypoint Leasing will further International’s initial transaction with Airbus Helicop-
expand its portfolio of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft – ters. It involves up to six orders for the EC175, along
which already includes two EC225s purchased last year with as many as 15 of the Super Puma family’s EC225e
for offshore operations in Australia through sale and version when it becomes available.
leasebacks with oil and gas operator Bond Helicopters New Turbomeca Makila 2B turboshaft engines will
Australia. Waypoint’s EC145 T2s will receive power power the EC225e for improved performance and a
from Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, and delivered in range-of-action extended to 180 nautical miles with
a versatile configuration to address multiple markets 10 passengers. Certification of the EC225e is targeted
– primarily offshore missions and emergency medical for late 2015, followed by the start-up of deliveries in
services. (Sources: Airbus Helicopters and Waypoint mid-2016. (Sources: Airbus Helicopters and Lease
Leasing) Corporation International)

Rotorcraft Report
PEOPLE
AgustaWestland and managing flight operations. LMI has grown into a premier sup-
Philadelphia Breton has over 25 years experience plier of complex sheet metal and
has appointe d in the aviation industry with a long high speed machined components
Michael Hotze list of licenses and certifications. with revenues of over $400 million
as vice president, Most recently he was vice president and more than 2,400 employees
customer support and director of maintenance for the based at several facilities.
and training. He will manage Air Medical Resource Group. Airbus Heli-
product support engineering, Glen Girard has joined the copters Inc. has
technical representatives, Helicopter Flight Training Center restructured its
customer support managers, the as assistant director of training from senior manage-
fleet operations center (24/7 AOG Bristow U.S., where he was flight ment team mak-
help desk), Part 145, and customer safety manager. His responsibilities ing Peter Cutler
training. Hotze previously worked will be concerned with instruction (above) vice president of customer
in customer support at Bell for ground and simulators, crew support, reporting directly to presi-
Helicopter for 24 years, both for and air medical resource manage- dent and CEO Marc Paganini.
the domestic and international ment, course development and Cutler will oversee all customer
markets. records review. He has over 15,000 support functions for both the
Metro Aviation has selected two hours experience and has trained government and commercial busi-
new directors. Jim Arthur joins as both military and civil pilots. ness segments.
director of operations while Mark Daniel Korte has replaced Treg Manning
Breton takes up the role of direc- long-time chief executive officer becomes vice
tor of maintenance. Arthur comes Ronald Saks after he retired from president of sales
from California Shock Trauma Air LMI Aerospace in mid-March. and marketing,
Rescue (CALSTAR) where he was Korte is the former president of responsible for all
aviation training manager and, defense aerospace at Rolls-Royce. U.S. sales and marketing for both
most recently, director of opera- Saks said that as a board mem- the commercial and military mar-
tions. Having recently contracted ber (non-executive chairman) he kets, including sales of aftermarket
for six new EC135 helicopters from would continue to offer advice to services and products. Manning
Metro, Arthur’s experience will be Korte and the management team. had been VP of commercial sales
valued in customer relationships Under Saks’s 30-year leadership, since 2011.
coming events
March 31–April 2: 2014 CHC Safety & Quality July 28–Aug.3: Experimental Aircraft Association
Summit, Vancouver, BC, Canada. For more details (EAA) AirVenture, Oshkosh, Wis. Contact EAA,
visit www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com phone 1-920-426-4800 or visit www.airventure.org
April 8–10: Aircraft Interiors Expo, Hamburg Sept. 17–19: ATC Global, Beijing, China. Contact
Messe, Germany. Visit www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com ATC Global, phone +44 (0) 207 921 8149 or visit
www.atcglobalhub.com
April 15–17: Asian Business Aviation Convention
& Exhibition (ABACE), Shanghai, China. Contact Oct. 14–16: Helitech International, Amsterdam,
NBAA, phone 1-202-783-9000 or visit www.abace. Netherlands. Contact Reed Exhibitions or visit www.
aero helitechevents.com
May 4–6: Quad-A Annual Convention, Gaylord Nov. 17–19: National Business Aviation
Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. Contact Quad-A, Association Convention & Exhibition, Orlando, Fla.
phone 1-203-268-2450 or visit www.quad-a.org Contact NBAA, phone 1-202-783-9000 or visit www.
nbaa.org
May 12–15: Association for Unmanned Systems
International (AUVSI) Unmanned Systems 2014,
Orlando, Fla. Visit www.auvsi.org 2015:
May 20–22: European Business Aviation
Convention & Exhibition, Geneva, Switzerland. March 7-10: HAI Heli-Expo 2015, Orange Country
Contact NBAA, phone 1-202-783-9000 or visit www. Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.
ebace.aero Contact HAI, phone 1-703-683-4646 or visit
www.rotor.org
July 19–20: Farnborough International Airshow,
Farnborough, UK. Visit www.farnborough.com

for Helicopter Operators
500-32 Series Personal Locator Beacon with Speech

Re-introducing the 500-32 Series Personal Locator Beacons; now available with
full speech capability on the standard frequency of 121.5 MHz. The 500-32 retains
it’s simple, compact 132mm x 72mm x 34mm lightweight form, weighing in at less
than 370gms, making it one of the smallest and most effective beacons on the mar-
ket. The PLBs are compatible with the majority of search and rescue equipment
including the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite-based survivor location equipment. Ver-
sions are available featuring embedded 12 channel GPS with data burst transmis-
sion on 406MHz, further improving location accuracy and detection time.
The fully certified PLB is a one piece unit with the transmitter housed in a
moulded thermoplastic non-slip compact case, incorporating user replaceable
batteries mounted within the overall package. Standard features include an audible
tone indicating live beacon transmissions with GPS Lat/Long position and a full
self-test capability. An operator may reprogram the PLB using an optional repro-
gramming adaptor.
Find out more online at www.hr-smith.com
ASU Demos Next Step in Night Vision Technology

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), distributor of NVIS equipment, gave Rotor & Wing a look at the next step
in night vision technology at the company’s Heli-Expo booth. ASU demonstrated new unfilmed image intensifier
tubes (made by L-3). The unfilmed tubes provide greater reliability and enhanced low light level performance
with better resolution, smaller halos, and increased clarity. The familiar green image is now more blue-grey due to
the use of white phosphor, improving perception and decreasing eye strain, according to ASU. “It’s the completion
of a circle that was started 10 or 15 years ago,” noted Joe Estrera, vice president and chief technology officer. The
robust nature of the new design will increase the time between overhaul, reducing maintenance costs while at the
same time increasing safety, he added. — By Frank Lombardi
DropCam From IMT Emerges During Heli-Expo

Integrated Microwave Technologies, a business unit within the Vitec Group’s Videocom division, has introduced
its DropCam Tx-II/Mini MobilCMDR surveillance kit at Heli-Expo 2014 in Anaheim. The IMT DropCam
Tx-II/Mini MobilCMDR surveillance kit is a rapid deployment video/audio surveillance solution that includes
the DropCam Tx-II Transmitter with integrated camera and microphone, along with IMT’s Mini MobilCMDR
receiver/monitor. Using COFDM digital RF transmission enables superior non-line-of-sight performance in
buildings, culverts and urban environments, DropCam gives users a level of performance unattainable with con-
ventional analog or 802.11 (Wi-Fi) products.
EC225e Intended for Extended-Range Offshore Ops

The new EC225e version of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma product line was formally launched Tuesday, offer-
ing an enhanced rotorcraft that responds to operators’ requirements for extended-range missions – particularly
in support of deep-water oil and gas airlift missions. Details on the EC225e were outlined at Heli-Expo 2014, along
with the first orders. Features of the twin-engine EC225e include more payload, an additional fuel tank, a new
cabin layout and new avionics. Certification of the EC225e is targeted for late 2015, followed by the start of deliv-
eries in mid-2016.

TRAINING | SIMULATORS
THE NEW ERA OF

Simulati
Around the North Sea and
around the world, helicopter
safety and pilot training are
TRAINING
By Rick Adams
T
he North Sea, in many respects, is the
under review. A plethora of new- epicenter of civil helicopter operations
in the world. Since the ignition of the
technology simulators should oil exploration boom in the area a half-
century ago, Norway and the UK have become the
primary users of helicopters, operating nearly 70
help reduce the risk rate. percent of the total fleet in Europe and 95 percent
of airframes with more than 18 passenger seats. In
the Norwegian and UK Continental Shelf sectors,
there are more than 300 helideck-equipped fixed
FlightSafety International Sikorsky S-92 simulator. exploration platforms and more than 100 mobile
Photo courtesy of Sikorsky Aircraft helidecks. In 2012, over helicopter 200,000 sectors

Simulation Era
were flown, carrying nearly two training for passengers a require- has afflicted the commercial fixed-
million passengers – mostly plat- ment. And they suggested that heli- wing pilot community as well, is
form shift workers – encompass- copter operators worldwide imple- reliance on automation. “There is a
ing nearly 150,000 flight hours. ment lightning forecast systems. well-recognized dichotomy affect-
The area can be harsh, no ques- The British Air Line Pilots’ ing both airplane and helicopter
tion, with extremely challenging Association (BALPA), which incor- operators known as ‘automation
weather, winds, and waves. One porates professional helicopter dependency,’ which affects those
pilot described “winds enroute pilots, had criticized the planned who operate these highly complex
close to 70 knots with drift angles review when it was announced in types,” the review stated. BALPA
of 25-plus degrees … landing on September, questioning the cred- had “expressed concerns about new
a heaving deck on a black night ibility of the government’s regulator helicopter pilots joining the indus-
… and violent windshear and tur- to “review itself.” But once the find- try who rely too much on auto-
bulence when passing through ings were released, BALPA general mated systems, and tend to focus
weather fronts.” secretary Jim McAuslan lauded on managing the systems rather
In the wake of five accidents in it: “The CAA has recognized that than flying the aircraft.”
four years, the most recent of which independently setting and pro- The CAA promised to review,
in August claimed four lives when tecting decent helicopter flight by second quarter 2014, all helicop-
a CHC-operated Eurocopter Super safety standards in the North Sea ter recurrent training programs to
Puma crashed into the sea off the is more effective than a ‘light touch’ ensure that basic instrument flight
Shetland Islands, the civil aviation approach. Pilots particularly wel- skills are maintained so that crews
authorities of the UK and Norway come the ban on flying in adverse can readily deal with manual flight
launched a review of “the risks and conditions and the recommenda- if required.
hazards of operating in the North tions on how the chances of surviv- A third area of pilot training
Sea and consider how these can be ing an incident can be improved.” concern is recency. Currently,
managed more effectively.” Capt. Bob The UK/Norway CAA review there are no explicit requirements
tion
scrutinized pilot training, not- for pilot recency in helideck oper-
ing that 44 percent of accidents ations. The oil and gas industry
between 1992 and 2013 were does, however, place recency con-
attributable to “operational” causes, tractual obligations on helicopter
the majority of which the reviewers operators. Pilot requirements for
labeled “pilot performance issues.” helideck operations are incorpo-
One area of significant weak- rated into the draft EASA require-
ness: “training/checking requirements specific to offshore helicop-
ments are heavily biased to run- ter operators.
Jones, the UK CAA’s flight operations way-based, one-engine inoperative Not surprisingly, the northeast
head, led the review along with Geir flight, and this does not adequately shore of Scotland and southwest
Hamre, head of helicopter safety for prepare a pilot for the environment coast of Norway have likewise
the Norwegian CAA. in which the types are to be oper- become the axis of the helicopter
In February, the results were ated. Likewise, the annual license simulation world.
published, titled, “Safety review of proficiency check and six-month Airbus Helicopters (formerly
offshore public transport helicop- operator check perpetuates this Eurocopter) installed a new Indra-
ter operations in support of the historical focus.” built EC225 full-flight simulator at
exploitation of oil and gas.” They Instead, training should reflect its new North Sea Service Center in
included recommendations heav- the offshore operating environ- Aberdeen, Scotland at the world’s
ily focused on water ditching situ- ment. Some operators who input to busiest heliport, three years ago.
ations. The UK CAA, for example, the review suggested an alternative They also established a long-term
plans to prohibit flights “in the most training and qualification program training agreement with CHC
severe sea conditions” to improve that would draw on flight data Helicopter. Sufficient space is avail-
the chances of accident survivor monitoring (FDM) information to able to add another simulator in
recovery. The review urged the align the curriculum to real-world the future, perhaps for the Airbus-
European Aviation Safety Agency line operations. AVIC EC175 helicopter.
(EASA) to make safety and survival Another area of concern, which The Airbus-Indra EC225 full-

feature training for multiple aircraft

types using roll-on/roll-off technol-
ogy which allows different cockpits
to use the same base motion and
visual systems. According to Thales
Norway CEO Glenn Pedersen,
“Norwegian oil and gas helicopter
pilots operate in one of the world’s
most challenging airspaces for
rotorcraft, requiring outstanding
skills, response times, and attention
to ever-changing weather patterns.”
Further afield, the oil and gas
industry’s trend toward deepwa-
Frasca Airbus Helicopters AS350 trainer. Photo courtesy of Frasca ter drilling further from shore is
fueling demand for longer-range,
motion simulator features a visual tor to be deployed in Stavanger, large transport helicopters, and
system field-of-view of 210 degrees Norway, where Montreal, Canada- the training industry is ramping
horizontal and 80 degrees vertical, based CAE already has devices for up deployments of simulators to
including 50 degrees below the hori- the AS332L/L1 and Sikorsky’s S-61 address demand.
zon “look down” capability for search (also via the CHC partnership). FlightSafety will install a Level D
and rescue (SAR) and night helideck Airbus and its local representative, S-92 simulator in Sao Paulo, Brazil
landing training. The visual database Østnes, intend to also install an in third quarter 2014. CAE and
covers one million square kilome- AS350 helicopter FFS at the facility. joint venture partner Lider Avia-
ters from Scotland to Norway, and CAE has a further presence in cao are servicing S-76C++ pilots
is compatible with forward-looking Scandinavia with EC225 and Sikor- of state-owned Petrolio Brasileiro
infrared (FLIR) and night vision sky S-92 simulators in Oslo, Nor- (Petrobas) who traverse offshore
goggle (NVG) operations. way, and a Bell 212/412 trainer in platforms in the 350,000-square-
CAE operates a simulator in Stockholm, Sweden, owing to their kilometer Santos Basin. CAE is
Aberdeen for the Airbus AS332 L2 mid-2012 acquisition of Oxford planning an S-92 device in Sao
variant of the Super Puma, inher- Aviation Academy. Paulo, and also has a Bell 412 simu-
ited as part of its 2011 acquisition of In September, Sikorsky and lator in Toluca, Mexico.
CHC’s training operations. FlightSafety International opened Helibras (Helicopteros do Brasil),
Frasca International has deliv- a new FlightSafety Learning Center an Airbus-owned helicopter manu-
ered two EC225s and a Sikorsky at Aircontact Aviation Center at the facturer, is building a new train-
S-92 Level B simulator to Bristow Stavanger Airport in Sola. Bristow ing center in Rio de Janeiro with a
in Aberdeen. Norway has signed on to train its combination simulator for the civil
Rotorsim, a joint venture of S-92 pilots there. “The fact that our EC225 and EC725 military version.
AgustaWestland and CAE, will pilots will no longer have to travel In Asia, Airbus’ Malaysia Train-
install an AW189 simulator in abroad for training entails signifi- ing Center recently installed the
Aberdeen in 2015, designed spe- cant efficiencies for us in terms of first EC225 FFS in the region. The
cifically to support Bristow Heli- reduced time-consumption and company also has an EC225 Level
copters and other operators. “We travel costs associated with train- B device in Beijing. CAE has a
are excited to introduce AW189 ing,” noted Renee de Jong, CEO of new S-76C++ simulator in Zhuhai,
simulator training in the United Bristow Norway. China, and is planning an S-92.
Kingdom to support search-and- Flightsafety also has an S-92 They will also deploy an S-92 in
rescue operations,” said John Pon- simulator in Farnborough, UK. Rimba, Brunei, as part of a broader
sonby, AgustaWestland’s senior Paris, France-based Thales is government-military-commercial
vice president of customer support planning a new helicopter training training complex.
and training. center in southern Norway as well, CAE has a presence in India in a
Airbus Helicopters and CAE are scheduled for the second half of joint venture with Hindustan Aero-
collaborating on an EC225 simula- 2015. The Reality H simulator may space Ltd (HAL), including AS365

N3 Dauphin, Bell 412, and HAL

Dhruv simulators in Bengaluru. In
Dubai, CAE offers a Bell 412 device
at its JV with Emirates.
The AgustaWestland-CAE
Rotorsim collaboration, which
began in 2001, features simulators
for several models at a relatively new
training academy and support cen-
ter in the historic old SIAI Marchetti
plant in Sesto Calende, Italy, north
of Milan. Simulators for the A109E,
Nexus, and Power variants are avail-
able, as well as AW139 and AW189.
The joint venture has further
AW139 capability in Morristown,
N.J., near New York City. The part-
ners have discussed AW169 and AgustaWestland flat panel trainer. Photo by Rick Adams
AW189 training in North America.
AgustaWestland is also expand- instrument meteorological condi- light, whiteout, and brownout con-
ing its global network of authorized tions (IMC) training. ditions, as well as and demonstrate
training centers with AW109 train- Airbus Helicopters plans a Level competency in recovery from inad-
ing in Zurich, Switzerland and D EC175 FFS by 2016 at a location vertent IMC. The agency will also
AW139 courses in Kuala Lumpur, to be identified in North America, require that aircraft be equipped
Malaysia. A joint venture with citing the rotorcraft’s introduction with a flight data monitoring sys-
Mubadala Aerospace intends to in the Gulf of Mexico. tem by 2018, and (in what seems a
launch AW139 training in Abu Frasca will be delivering a 407 no-brainer) the FAA wants pilots to
Dhabi this year. GX FFS to the Bell Training Acad- “identify and document the highest
FlightSafety dominates the U.S. emy in Alliance, Texas. obstacle along their planned flight
Gulf Coast and corporate helicopter The proliferation of new-tech- path before departure.”
markets with its training centers nology simulators, which is in its Coming sometime over the next
in Lafayette, La., West Palm Beach, relative infancy, should pay off few years is the expected implemen-
Fla. and Dallas, Texas. At Lafayette: with improved flying skills and tation by various national aviation
AW139, Bell 206, Bell 407, S-76C+/ situational awareness in the com- authorities, such as FAA, EASA,
C++, and a new Sikorsky S-92 Level ing years, traits the civil helicopter and others, of new helicopter flight
D qualified simulator by Q3 with needs to help reduce the accident simulation training device (FSTD)
the new Vital 1100 visual system and and incident rate. guidelines published last year by
Crewview glass mirror display. At Several decades after the air- ICAO. Unfortunately, ICAO’s role
West Palm: S-70, S-76C/C++, and a line industry embraced high-end is only advisory, and it is up to each
new S-76D. In Dallas: a new EC135 simulation for the bulk of pilot NAA to work the often excruciat-
in April with Garmin avionics suite, training, it’s difficult to understand ingly slow process to convert the
Bell 212, Bell 412, Bell 430 (close to why there’s a need for the U.S. guidance into regulation.
Bell Helicopter’s Fort Worth head- National Transportation Safety The International Helicopter
quarters), S-76B, and in 2014 a new Board (NTSB) to issue a “Safety Safety Team (IHST) says that from
NVG-capable Bell 212/412EP Level Through Helicopter Simulators” 1997 thru 2005, the average num-
D full flight simulator. alert … but it is. Far too much train- ber of annual civil helicopter acci-
In Shreveport, La., FlightSafety ing is still done in the aircraft, and dents worldwide was trending
installed a Level 7 AS350 flight one-quarter of helicopter accidents upward at a rate of 2.5 percent.
training device in November at occur during the training phase. Since 2006, the average has been
Metro Aviation’s center. The high- FAA issued new rules in Febru- trending downward at about 2
end FTD includes night vision ary, among them a requirement percent. That’s good, but no one
goggle (NVG) and inadvertent that pilots are tested to handle flat- considers it good enough.

COMMERCIAL | PRODUCTS
In the second of a two-part feature

from AgustaWestland’s home in
northern Italy, the company’s attitude toward
world markets is examined, along with the
importance of introducing technology to improve
responsiveness and availability to the customer.
By Andrew Drwiega, ance innovation and the need to become players in the aerospace
International Bureau Chief cooperate with other industries sector. Their ambition was not
on the world stage, while provid- just to complete and assemble
A
gustaWestland C EO ing increased customer service their own orders, but to grasp a
Daniele Romiti wants and support. “We have a compli- slice of the technology “cake” and
to “keep the speed of ance officer to monitor ongoing create their own competencies
the company at the our relationships. We want to be a that could be sold into the interna-
highest value possible but like responsible company,” he adds. tional market.
when you drive a car, if you start At the beginning of the 1990s, “We put all our effort into keep-
exceeding its performance, then Romiti was part of a team that ing control of the jewels of the
there must be a safety device to looked into the future to plan family – dynamic components,
ensure you do not lose control. where the company was heading. avionics, integration – and this
We have to ensure that we have They foresaw competition that was the core of the company,”
the ability to keep the company was beginning to rise from coun- reveals Romiti. “Every time some-
safe.” Romiti made the remarks tries that were looking to increase one wants some of this technology
while explaining the need to bal- their own industrial capability to then our aim is to keep a step ahead

AgustaWestland Visit
minute ‘run dry’ capability [as in “We are second [in terms of civilian
the AW189] across all the existing aircraft sold] and can grow further.”
gearboxes, but knowing the ingre- Although all of the OEMs have
dients to shape the architecture is experienced a decline in potential
the key factor for future transmis- military sales Garavaglia says the
sion development. You may take business is ‘solid’ and that mili-
pictures of it but you still can’t repli- tary operators have moved from
cate how it works,” he said. modularity of inventory to capa-
Roberto Garavaglia, senior vice bility. While there may be fewer
president of strategy and business helicopters in number, he considers
development, is quite certain of that there is a longer value chain of
the company’s corporate technol- services associated with increased
ogy plan. “There are a number of capability. “We can also penetrate
technologies being explored with into training which adds to that
the idea of fielding them over time. value chain.”
If it is an airframe technology it is In terms of both the military and
something we would mature; if it is civil markets, Garvavalia states that
a technology component or a piece it is no longer about just delivering
of a sub-system we can make agree- airframes. “We will grow less from
ments with others.” big contracts, but more though our
Emphasizing Romiti’s earlier wider ability to serve our custom-
point, Garavaglia notes: “We see a ers,” he concludes.
growing number of countries who In terms of international coop-
have an appetite to create their eration, one of the most significant
own technologies. Up to 20 years is the joint-venture agreement with
ago they simply bought something Russian Helicopters over Heli-Vert,
sophisticated – now they buy and the organization that will assemble
have a share [in the technology]. the AW139 helicopter for the Rus-
The value chain has been split – sian and CIS markets. “Russian
we all [OEMs] now have differ- Helicopters comes from a different
ent approaches. The U.S. is more culture. They are very good build-
restricted because of their activities ers of helicopters but are cultur-
in military markets, although the ally different to the attitude of the
AgustaWestland’s booth at Heli-Expo 2014.
civilian sector is marginal in the west and the U.S. approach,” said
Photo by Frank Lombardi
composition of their revenues. In Garavaglia. “Russia has tradition-
Europe we cannot sustain the size ally been more driven by military
in what we have. For example, the we are through military sales so we requirements and folding back into
new generation of gearboxes is not need growth in the civil market, civil as needed. They can have very
similar to the old ones, so I may together with support and train- long prototype lives. We have much
accept to offer the old technology ing. But even in support you will respect for their different approach
outside the company as part of a compete with other players – the and helicopter manufacture is part
larger agreement.” In this way, he ‘battlefield’ changes in terms of of their culture.”
explains, AgustaWestland can actors [in each sector].” At the end of January, HeliVert
incorporate the lessons learned The growth for AgustaWestland gained a Certificate of Approval
from correcting mistakes made in is clearly going to come from the from the Aviation Register of the
previous systems, or simply add continued enlargement of the civil Interstate Aviation Committee (AR
in a new generation of design or market, particularly with the ‘fam- IAC) allowing it to begin produc-
aspect of manufacture that allows ily’ approach to operators gathering tion of the AW139 as a commercial
the company to retain and protect momentum. He acknowledges the helicopter. The certificate is valid
its position as a knowledge owner strengthening of the energy sector for two years.
for future developments. and is also aware of the numbers of Russian Helicopters CEO Alex-
“You can’t always apply the 50 aircraft in the replacement market: ander Mikheev stated that the

COMMERCIAL | PRODUCTS
HeliVert project “…has enabled us

to create one of the most modern
and high-tech production facilities
in Russia,” referring to the Tomilino
plant near Moscow.
The success of the AW139 and
the establishment of HeliVert has
allowed AgustaWestland access
into a market that ripe for this
medium twin helicopter. Romiti
said that the expansion of the cus-
tomer base into this new region
with its own operating challeng-
es would ultimately benefit all
AW139 operators.
The first Tomilino-produced
AW139 flew in December 2012,
one of the first five built after
the initial AR IAC audit in May
of that year. The second audit,
conducted in November 2013,
resulted in the approval for com-
mercial production.
A joint venture in China with
the Chinese Aviation Industry
Corporation (AVIC II) has also
been established in the form of
AW139 training maintenance simulator. Photo courtesy of AgustaWestland
Jiangxi Change Agusta Helicopter
(CAH). This aims to license the
production, sale and support of is to establish the world’s premier AW189 simulator would be pur-
the AW109 Power for the Chinese training facility for AgustaWestland chased and located in Aberdeen to
commercial market. However, the aircraft. The training and simulator serve the UK’s Search and Rescue
slowly evolving legislation to open facility at Sesto Calende can trace a helicopter crews.
up airspace and allow the interna- history of pilot training back to the But the depth of pilot and main-
tional helicopter community to “up mid 1960s and even further back tenance training at Sesto Calende
gears” on this potentially huge mar- to the beginnings of SIAI (Societa’ is impressive. Operators of the
ket has been frustrating. “We have Italiana Aeroplani ed Idrovolanti AW189 can train their employees
a joint venture but we are in a wait – the original seaplane company). on a virtual maintenance trainer,
and see situation,” Romiti observes. However now Rotorsim, a co- ground maintenance trainer, vitu-
development company between al interactive procedural trainer,
Think Customer – and AgustaWestland and CAE, is devel- flight training device and of course
Training oping Level D full flight simu- the full motion FFS. The detail of
Apart from designing new air- lator (FFS) for the new range of the virtual maintenance trainer is
craft, AgustaWestland is grasping AgustaWestland helicopters. particularly proactive, allowing the
technology in a variety of different With a CAE Series 3000 AW189 trainee to open maintenance bays,
ways; from training though logis- simulator already in place, as well as plug and unplug items that they
tics support and on to its direct the AW139 simulator, during Heli- would do on the real aircraft, but all
interaction with its customers. Expo AgustaWestland announced in a virtual environment.
At the Training Academy Aes- that they would be joined by a Alongside the physical training
sandro Marchetti, Rotorsim cus- similar Series 3000 FFS AW169 aircraft, whether it is an AW189
tomer training manager Michele simulator that would be available or AW109, instructors or students
Sorice explained that the vision by mid-2015. In addition, a second can use the electronic board that is

AgustaWestland Visit
Screens at AgustaWestland’s facility in Italy. Photo by Andrew Drwiega
the Multimedia Interactive Main- the product has been so impressive intended to allow operators to cre-
tenance Environment for Training over the last six years,” he said. ate online profiles of all users from
(MIMET). This board provides At the time of Rotor & Wing’s the same organization.
students with immediate access visit, the average closing time on a It has several access areas with
to coursewear, technical publica- customer service requirement was several features that include: a
tions and other information as they 24.78 hours. He said the ambition flow of documents published
stand beside the aircraft. was to ship to customers within by AgustaWestland; a Myprofile
AgustaWestland has also been 24 hours, but delivery times still area for customers to manage and
designing training scenarios to depended on the type of product update their details; a Myfleet
run on its 3000 Series simulators. being shipped and the country the option where customers list their
Through four different Visual receiver was based in. Baricci said helicopters and can access rel-
Databases (VDBs) – urban and that they were achieving a 92.5 evant information on them from
mountain (summer and winter), percent delivery of goods within AgustaWestland’s database; and
Caribbean area and desert area – 72 hours. However, that could slow Mycommunications, which lets
there will be four types of mission significantly if the part was a fire customers create service requests
for various user profiles. These extinguisher or bottle of air for a life directly into the company’s SAP
include: HEMS mission; police raft to cite a couple of examples. Customer Relationship Manage-
chase; battlefield, search and res- The center breaks its track- ment (CRM) system, then monitor
cue; and oil rig operations. ing down to items sent within 24 the progress of the request through
The logistics and distribution hours, up to 72 hours and then over a tracking number including tech-
center at Lonate Pozzolo is one 72 hours. “Some customers are nical queries, support requests,
of three around the world – the served within a few hours, others warranty claims and other reports
other two being in Yeovil, UK and take longer.” and job requests.
in Philadelphia, Pa. The centers are John Ponsonby, senior vice
in continuous operation with three Leonardo – What’s in president, customer training and
shifts working 24/7. Alessandro a Name? support said that the Leonardo
Baricci, vice president of customer Another technology upgrade can portal offered a wider range of
support and services said that the be seen in the newly launched web-based services which should
real impact in the way AgustaWest- Leonardo customer portal, revealed deliver faster response times
land addressed logistics came with at this year’s Heli-Expo, which is the and quicker solutions. Further
the success of the AW139. “That next step forward from the MyFleet enhancements including e-com-
changed our perspective on how web application. Designed with the merce options are expected dur-
to serve the market. The growth of participation of customers, it is ing the coming year.

SERVICES | AVIONICS
GPS Approach
Need One?

GPS Approaches
By Frank Lombardi,
The digital electronic world has flooded Technology Editor
the market with countless types of
P
eek into the cockpit of
any aircraft on the ramp
smart devices which rely on small GPS today, and you will be
hard-pressed to find one
whose panel does not contain a
receivers to do an ever-increasing list GPS, the common reference to
global positioning system.
of location-based tasks.
h:
At a time seemingly not long
ago, GPS was a new device that, to
the pilots on the front end, was not
much different than the terrestrial-
based LORAN navigation systems
Get One!
they were replacing.
But as the sun rises on airports
all over the globe these days, the
digital electronic world has flooded
the market with countless types
of smart devices which rely on
small GPS receivers to do an ever-
increasing list of location-based
tasks, such as “geo-tagging” the
location at which you snapped
some photos, finding the nearest
coffee shop, helping you find your
car, your spouse, or even just keep-
ing really accurate time. Oh how far
we’ve come.
With all the new uses that
advances in GPS technology have
given us, it’s easy to overlook the
fact that we also have improved the
ability to navigate from point A to
point B in the safest most accurate
manner ever possible.
What GPS Is
The Global Positioning System
is a constellation of 24 satellites
placed in orbit around the Earth
at an altitude of approximately
12,000 miles, and a world-wide
network of ground facilities that
track the GPS satellites, monitor
their transmissions, correct errors,
and send commands and data to
the constellation.
Garmin booth at Heli-Expo 2014. Photo by Frank Lombardi
It was put in place by the U.S.
Department of Defense in the 1980s

SERVICES | AVIONICS
for military purposes, but eventu- as an IFR platform are only begin-
ally was made available for public ning to be realized. WAAS will
use. From their precise orbits, GPS surely change all that.
satellites circle the globe twice a day Instrument approaches are
and transmit signal information to usually grouped into one of two
Earth. The satellites contain very categories: precision and non-
accurate atomic clocks. precision.
Essentially, the GPS receiver The precision approach is one
compares the time a signal was that incorporates vertical guid-
transmitted by a satellite with the ance as well as lateral. The tradi-
time it was received. This time tional non-precision approach
difference tells the GPS receiver offers only lateral guidance via a
how far away the satellite is. The GPS isn’t impressive enough, the VOR, NDB, or DME, and without
GPS receiver needs to be locked advent of the Wide Area Aug- the vertical portion, is accom-
onto at least three satellites to mentation System, or WAAS, plished with a step-down proce-
calculate the two-dimensional improves on the current accuracy dure, beginning from the Final
position of latitude and longitude, by about five-fold. Whereas basic Approach Fix, and halting at a
and track movement. Locking GPS gets you within 15 meters of Minimum Descent Altitude, flown
onto four or more satellites allows accuracy, WAAS brings that num- to the Missed Approach Point.
the receiver to calculate the third ber to within 3-5 meters. It accom- Pilots like to call this approach
dimension of altitude. plishes this by doing even more the “dive and drive” technique.
In 2000, the gover nment error correction of atmospheric Because of the inaccuracy and
turned off what they termed disturbances via multiple ground length of time exposed to low alti-
“Selective Availability,” which was stations with very precise known tudes, the possibility of controlled
a Department of Defense inten- locations. These corrections are flight into terrain is increased, and
tional degradation of the GPS sent via ground to a WAAS master so the Minimum Descent Alti-
signal designed to thwart potential station, where they are beamed to tudes of non-precision approaches
military adversaries. This greatly two geostationary satellites over are decidedly higher than preci-
improved the accuracy of the GPS the equator, which in turn send the sion approaches. The lowest non-
signal to its current average of more accurate position updates to precision approaches terminate at
about 15 meters. GPS WAAS receivers. about 500 feet AGL.
For years, the Instrument Land-
What GPS is NOT So WAAS the Big ing System (ILS) has been the most
GPS receivers are passive. They do Deal, You Say? recognized method of providing a
not transmit signals. While GPS Ok, so that wasn’t very funny. But precision approach procedure to
receivers may contain a database neither is the seriousness of flight an airport. Its sensitive electronics
of obstructions, they do not pro- in Instrument Meteorological can bring an aircraft down a sloped
vide standalone ground proximity Conditions (IMC). The ability to path, providing obstacle clearance
warning (GPWS) or terrain aware- operate under instrument flight while tracking the localizer and
ness (TAWS). These awareness rules (IFR) is the mainstay of the glideslope, and terminate at a Deci-
systems use GPS location data U.S. National Airspace System. For sion Height (DH) of as low as 200
along with their own database to years, the system has seemed to feet AGL.
look ahead of the aircraft and warn cater to aircraft of the fixed-wing A key point here is that these
the pilot of impending impact with variety. There are literally thou- forms of instrument approaches all
the ground. sands of departure, enroute, and rely on ground-based equipment
Avoiding controlled flight into instrument approach procedures and infrastructure to operate. This
terrain (CFIT) is still the pilot’s job designed for airplanes that are makes them expensive, inconve-
– and remains as such – regardless flown by helicopters. Although nient, or impossible to incorporate
of any of these systems. this has continued to work as at locations suited specifically for
helicopters gain ground in the helicopter operation, such as hos-
GPS and WAAS world of instrument flight, the pitals, government facilities, or
As if the accuracy of standard true advantages of the helicopter private helipads.

GPS Approaches
Enter the GPS WAAS Hickock and Associates. He has So How Do You Get
Approach been developing IFR procedures for One?
helicopters for over 20 years. Hick-
GPS approaches have redefined ock reviewed some of his accom- There are many challenges to
what can be an acceptable loca- plishments, which include: initiat- overcome if you’d like to have a
tion for the development of an ing the first GPS approach to be custom-made approach set up at
approach procedure. With GPS approved by FAA, developing the your location. By far the easiest
being essentially space-based, first helicopter GPS airspace sys- route to take would be to contact
there is no equipment or infra- tem, developing the first approved a service provider such as Hick-
structure to contend with at the helicopter GPS departure, and ock and Associates, who would
intended site. And while stan- developing the first WAAS LPV discuss the feasibility, all your
dard GPS can be used only for procedures. Not surprisingly, Hick- options, and guide you through
supplemental navigation if used ock was the first FAA-approved all the steps necessary. They con-
on a precision ILS approach or fly non-federal developer. fidently claim to be the only true
non-precision approaches down Hickock said that “the pri- sole-source 100 percent turnkey
to basic non-precision minimums mary impetus for developing provider of helicopter instrument
on a GPS (LNAV ) approach, helicopter instrument approach procedures.
WAAS accuracy makes your GPS and departure procedures is to No matter who you seek out
a primary navigational instru- increase safety, especially in the to design your approach, it will
ment – not just a supplemental enroute phase, with an empha- most certainly have to begin
source like approved non-WAAS sis on eliminating CFIT.” But an with an on-site evaluation. Data
GPS receivers. ancillary benefit is that having an colle ction on obst acles and
WA A S a p p r o a c h e s h a v e approved LPV approach allows heliport evaluation will affect
“Localizer Performance with Ver- operators to recover some of the the design of the approach and
tical Guidance,” hence their acro- costs of their operation. your options. Flight validation
nym LPV. They have the ability IFR helicopters are expensive and flight inspections must be
to take an aircraft down to a DH to maintain, not to mention the carried out, basic maintenance
of 200 feet AGL, along a sloping cost of keeping their IFR pilots should be anticipated, and final
path as a typical ILS system can, current. An operator who has to approach charts and procedures
but with essentially nothing more turn down flights because they are drawn up.
than a WAAS-enabled GPS in have no instrument procedure According to Hickock, plan on
your aircraft. at all, or just a non-precision it taking an average overall of one
The implications to helicopter LNAV procedure with higher year to develop and approve a GPS
operators are huge. No one knows minimums, is losing revenue. LPV approach to your private heli-
this better than Steve Hickock, of pad or facility.
With the advent of NextGen
and automatic dependent sur-
veillance-broadcast (ADS-B) air-
“The primary impetus space system changes, a WAAS-
enabled GPS will be part of the
for developing helicopter mandatory equipment required
to provide “ADS-B out” informa-
instrument approach and tion to ATC. Although WAAS
only exists in North America at
departure procedures is to this point in time, it seems that
with the widespread success and
future implementation of WAAS
increase safety, especially in in every cockpit, there is no bet-
ter time than the present to take
the enroute phase, with an advantage and have a GPS LPV
approach designed which you can
emphasis on eliminating CFIT.” call your own.

PRODUCTS | SERVICES
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT:
FTDs and Heliport
Lighting Expanding Bidders’ List: With the
market pickup up worldwide, there
may be more helicopter simulator
suppliers than you think.
By Rick Adams
A
fter a long lean period when high-end Level D full-
flight simulators were out of reach of most operators’
budgets and low-end “broomstick and a bucket” limit-
ed-capability flight training devices seemed the norm,
helicopter training equipment is now every bit as sophisticated
as that used for airline pilot training, if not moreso, particularly
CAE 3000 Series. Photo courtesy of CAE the new visual systems and motion/vibration platforms.

Essential Equipment
The two dominant helicop- both acquisition and operating out that the central Illinois, family-
ter training companies, both in costs down.” run company built its first helicop-
terms of simulator manufacturing CAE’s visual display is a direct- ter simulation device more than
and independent training centers, view dome, 10 feet in diameter for 40 years ago. One rare capability:
are FlightSafety International and small and mid-size helicopters and “We can plan and implement our
CAE. They’re not the only game in 12 feet for larger aircraft. The com- own flight test program to design,
town, however. pany launched its “third-genera- deliver, and qualify a very highly
The latest enhancements to tion” image system, Tropos-6000, accurate simulator.”
FlightSafety’s current helicopter in 2011. CAE’s Simfinity line of flat- Rockwell Collins produces one
simulators include the Vital 1100 panel displays complements and of the industry’s leading image gen-
visual image generation system uses much the same software as the erators, the EP-8000, widely used in
with “an increased level of fidelity, Level D FFS. commercial aviation training, and
particularly in near-ground areas they have created military helicop-
with enhanced effects such as rotor High-End Players ter flight simulators; however, they
wash and wave actions,” according Other manufacturers capable do not seem to be pursing the civil
to Steve Phillips, vice president of of producing high-end Level D helicopter simulator space at this
communications. and Level B full-motion simula- time.
To display the new high-resolu- tors include Indra (Spain), Thales
tion graphics, which FlightSafety (France), and Frasca (U.S.). Special Purpose
says are five times as powerful as Indra is one of the top technol- FlyIt, a small American company
the previous generation, the com- ogy companies based in Europe, (Carlsbad, Calif.) has shipped over
pany has opted for a glass mirror operating in more than 120 coun- 120 Professional Helicopter Simu-
known as Crewview. tries and with over 40,000 employ- lators (PHS) to 26 countries, focus-
At 310 degrees, it’s the widest ees. They leverage their work in the ing on light helicopters such as the
horizontal field-of-view on the defense sector (as do Flightsafety, AS350 B2 and Bell 407. Compared
market. “The expanded field of CAE, Thales, and others) into the to several million dollars for a
view eliminates edge distortions civil helicopter training business. Level D device, their generic avia-
common in legacy soft-film [mylar] Indra has been most closely associ- tion training device (ATD) costs as
display systems. ated with Airbus Helicopters (for- low as $150,000 and a cockpit-spe-
This allows pilots to train with merly Eurocopter), producing FFSs cific model still under a million.
virtually the same out-the-window for the AS350, EC225, and EC175 Chairman Terry Simpkins claims
view in the simulator as the heli- in recent years. FlyIt’s PHS “is the only ATD ever
copter,” Phillips says. Thales has three training cen- authorized for 7.5 hours of hover
In addition to Level D full-flight ter projects in the works: with training” and that “the student is
simulators, FlightSafety produc- SAF in Albertville in France’s Alps, able to hover the real helicopter in
es Matrix flight training devices, in Norway with an undisclosed 1.5 to 2 hours.”
computer-based training, distance- partner, and an FFS in China with Environmental Tectonics Cor-
learning, and the gamut of solu- a “local partner.” Spokesperson poration (ETC) of Southamp-
tions for a turnkey solution. Joshua Valanzuolo notes that Thal- ton, Pa., offers computer-based
“CAE’s 3000 Series full-flight es offers comprehensive training systems, basic, and procedur-
simulator product was designed solutions, such as “full mission al trainers, but is perhaps best
specifically for the helicopter mar- preparation and rehearsal across known for spatial disorientation
ket with large, direct projection many areas, including oil and gas, devices and scenarios, “enabling
domes and all-electric cueing,” search-and-rescue, firefighting, aircrew to experience a full range
says Peter Cobb, global operations mountain flying, night flying, and of motioned-based SD illusions.”
leader for helicopter training. “The urban security.” Another name you’ll occasion-
use of common motion, vibra- Frasca, which sometimes gets ally see on a bidders’ list is Cuesim
tion, and visual systems across the tagged with a “low-end” label for (Oakley, UK). They’ve produced
range of civil helicopters we simu- having produced thousands of a mix of trainers for military and
late, along with the possibility of desktop and flight training devices, civil customers, mostly Level A, B,
using multiple helicopter cockpits also has a range of capabilities up and Level 3 multi-crew coordina-
using just one platform, helps keep to Level D. Randy Gawenda points tion devices.

PRODUCTS | SERVICES
Heliport and Portable Lighting
T
he drive to ensure that Avlite helipad lighting. Courtesy of Avlite
safety remains uppermost
in the minds of helicop-
ter operators becomes
ever more challenging when the
industry continues to expand
into relatively new international
market sectors. When operators
are involved in challenging mis-
sions where their capabilities are
often pushed towards extremes,
particularly in those new and/or
developing markets, safety prac-
tices reach out beyond the actual
aircraft and many of the new inte-
grated systems such as HUMS and away from ambient lighting. and IR lighting can be switched on
and on-board cameras. As Fraser MacKay, director FEC at the same time. “The use of NVG
There is a recognized steady Heliports Worldwide, explains: seems to be increasing leading to
growth around the world in “Helipads are small and compact a greater demand for NVG visible
the HEMS market. This is now and can be surrounded by poten- lights,” MacKay said.
spreading beyond traditional tial obstacles. It is here that good Other portable lighting sys-
operators into countries with rela- lighting in particular can be effec- tems include that from Aerolight-
tively modest services or, in fact, tive, particularly flashing beacons ing Switzerland. It comprises six
those wishing to launch their first that can attract the pilot’s attention LED omnidirectional lights that
HEMS operations. One of the from a distance.” are powered by built-in batter-
major problems in such countries Portable systems can now pro- ies. There is an option of 14-hour
is often the lack of infrastructure vide a quick and effective solution, operation with 100 percent inten-
and it particular helicopter landing particularly for temporary landing sity or a longer duration of 40 hours
zones away from recognized air- zones. FEC Heliports has devel- with 30 percent intensity. Although
fields. One of the biggest dangers oped its own portable system that military use of NVGs is common
to any HEMS operator is landing can be deployed from a briefcase. among leading air forces around
a helicopter in an unfamiliar loca- There are up to eight lights in a the world, use in the civil com-
tion, especially away from helipads case and MacKay says that two munity is still patchy. MacKay has
in the case of medical emergency cases would provide sufficient noticed that in the UK there is an
crews and those specializing in air units for any emergency helipad. increasing need for HEMS opera-
rescue. This also applies to certain Each light features white, green tors to fly at night. He said that this
industry sectors, such as mining, and blue lights together with an would have an effect on the need
where locations are often remote infrared (IR) capability. Both visible for equipment and training for air-
crew and ground support.
Heliport Lighting Companies Australia-based Avlite has devel-
Aerolighting Switzerland http://www.aerolighting.ch/j/ oped products for both the military
Astronics Corporation www.astronics.com and commercial markets. Standard
Avlite Systems www.avlite.com incandescent lighting is visible to
DeVore Aviation Corporation www.devoreaviation.com NVG wearers though the heat that
Downing Heliport Systems www.downingheliport.com they emit, but any location that has
FEC Heliports www.fecheliports.com changed to LED lighting will see a
Flight Light Inc www.heliportlighting.com problem due to the lack of heat in
Holland Aviation www.hollandaviation.com these lights. “LED lighting produces
Point Lighting Corporation www.pointlighting.com no significant heat signature and

Essential Equipment
emits colored light at a single wave- retain product compliance and According to MacKay, products
length which is typically outside will ensure that installations that such as FEC’s digital Remote Light-
the NVG reception range,” explains feature their product are kept up ing Controller (RLC) integrate tra-
Tara Steward, head of global sales at to the regulatory standard set by ditional VHF PCL with SMS con-
Avlite. LED lighting not only reduc- bodies such as ICAO or FAA. trol and monitoring. More remote
es power consumption against that In June la st ye ar, R ACQ heliports may be operated on an “on
of incandescent lamps, it also has a Careflight Rescue opened a helipad demand” basis, adds Stewart. Avlite’s
much longer lifespan. landing site (HLS) at Toowoomba solar heliport lighting system offers
“Reduced power requirements in southern Queensland. The heli- wireless monitoring of individual
have led to the adoption of renew- pad’s construction included Avlite’s fixtures and other elements such as
able energy alternatives,” states solar powered flood lights (white Heliport Approach Path Indicators
Stewart, adding that solar power is light with an adjustable head to (HAPI) and Windcones. But flood-
available for both permanent and vary the lighting across the helipad lights around a helipad can have
portable systems, although there when needed) and bordered by their downside, particularly on a
are a range of power options. ICAO compliant green solar pow- small helipad: “There is growing
One of the most difficult ered perimeter lights. recognition that there are some-
aspects of owning a heliport is to Ashley van de Velde, CEO times conflicting requirements for
keep abreast of regulatory devel- CareFlight Group Queensland, pilot oriented verses passenger/
opments. stated that the lighting would ground staff lighting – floodlights
With manufacturers common- further enhance the safety of the to help the latter can blind the for-
ly having to be aware of any chang- HEMS operation, which would mer.” So planning illumination for
es, says Stewart, lighting OEMs lead to improved service delivery to any helipad needs careful consider-
will ensure that their customers the local community. ation. —By Andrew Drwiega
Powered by
Aviation Professionals Network has been created

to bring together aviation insiders across all aspects of
the industry including commercial, corporate, private
and military sectors.
Make connections, share your expertise,

search career opportunities and industry events.
Where insiders go
to get the know.
Join today at
www.avpronet.com
14688

TRAINING | SMS
ESSENTIALS OF
GOOD SMS PROG
Implementing a Safety Management System into an
organization, large or small, will help save lives and resources.
By Keith Cianfrani has officially been approved by FAA Advisory Circular 120-
the FAA for use in aviation opera- 92A provides a framework for SMS
tions. Right now, its use is manda- development by aviation service
S
afety Management Sys- tory for Part 121 air carriers but providers. It contains a uniform set
tem (SMS) is the new for the rotary wing community it of expectations that align with the
standard of safety man- is voluntary and recommended structure and format of the Inter-
agement programs that but not mandatory. national Civil Aviation Organiza-

SMS Success
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University booth
at Heli-Expo 2014. Photo by Frank Lombardi
divided into four building blocks or mentation. Level One begins

“Pillars” and are essential for a safe- when a service provider’s top
ty-oriented management system. management commits to provid-
They are Safety Policy, Safety Risk ing the resources necessary for
Management, Safety Assurance full implementation through-
and Safety Promotion. out the organization. Level Two
First, let’s look at Safety Policy. specifies that the service provider
This establishes senior manage- develop and implement a basic
ment’s commitment to continu- Safety Risk Management (SRM)
ally improve safety, it defines the process and plan, organize and
methods, processes, and organi- prepare the organization for fur-
zational structure needed to set ther SMS development.
standards and meet safety goals. Level Three promotes proac-
Its design expectations are to tive processes and incorporates
continually improve the level of a fully-functioning SMS compo-
safety, comply with applicable nent. It involves careful analysis
regulatory requirements, estab- of systems and tasks involved
lish clear standards for accept- such as identification of potential
able operational behavior for all hazards in these functions, and
employees, identifies responsibil- development of risk controls.
ity and accountability of manage- Level Four involves continuous
ment and employees with respect improvement and continued
to safety performance. It also assurance. Processes are in place
requires the appointment of key and their performance effective-
safety personnel. Finally, it also ness has been verified. This is the
must include a commitment to final level of SMS maturity.
encourage employees to report At the recent HAI Heli-Expo
A
safety issues without reprisal. in Anaheim, Calif., SMS was
Next, Safety Risk Manage- presented in many of the Rotor
ment determines the need for and Safety Challenge sessions and
adequacy of new or revised risk there were several SMS courses
controls based on the assessment conducted by contracted ven-
of acceptable risk. It’s a formal sys- dors. “The Squadron” was one of
tem of hazard identification and these companies teaching applied
OGRAM
is essential in controlling risk to risk management and facilitation
acceptable levels. It works together of a safety culture and awareness
with Safety Assurance, which eval- into various organizations. Other
uates the continued effectiveness of SMS sessions were directed at
implemented risk control strategies small fleet or private operators.
and supports the identification of The SMS function does not
new hazards. It strives to continu- need to be extensive or complex to
tion (ICAO) SMS Manual and FAA ally improve the SMS process. be effective. Smaller organizations
Safety Policy. Finally, Safety Promotion may use a paper log to document
SMS is a risk management pro- includes training, communica- safety issues and paper system or
cess that many military services tion and other actions to create a simple spreadsheet or to track them
used effectively for years, but may positive safety culture within all to resolution. Also, in smaller orga-
have called it by a different name. levels of the workforce. It assesses nizations the owner and company
There are a few differences with the climate, evaluates training and leadership may elect to conduct
military program but the basis of observes communication. It re- internal audits and internal func-
indentifying hazards and taking the emphasizes the “top down bottom tions themselves in conjunction
appropriate action to mitigate these up” safety module. with the management review func-
hazards remains the same. SMS is SMS has four levels of imple- tion. It is these smaller organiza-

TRAINING | SMS
tions that I believe the focus needs safety culture established yet. Certi- ship that permeates throughout
to be on. A recent HAI survey fied flight instructors (CFIs) are the the organization. This is evident as
indicated that 43 percent of small closest link to the development of the owner of the company has his
operators or private owners are not pilots in training. cell phone number in every aircraft
using any type of risk assessment Bringing forward an SMS or operator’s manual. This aids in
tool in their operations. To me, this Personal Risk Management sys- employee involvement and “buy in.”
was quite alarming considering the tem will prepare pilots to apply Metro’s employee reporting system
availability of safety programs in industry best practices in safety is effective and management always
the industry today. throughout a flying career. With all responds to the reports. The com-
Internal evaluation and man- the information about SMS avail- pany also promotes a “just culture”
agement reviews may consist of able today, adding SMS instruc- and employee accountability for
periodic conferences between busi- tion to a pilot in training may seem safety management.
ness owners or top management overwhelming – but it doesn’t Another commercial oper-
and other employees to review have to be, and the CFI’s respon- ator who has an extensive and
information and to track progress sibility is to train and produce safe effective SMS program Phoenix
toward resolution. An integral part pilots. The U.S. Helicopter Safety Heli-Flight, which has been using
of SMS to identify risks and hazards Team (USHST) has recently pub- SMS since 2009. SMS has helped
are gathered by internal or external lished a document to aid CFIs with the company gain transparency
audits, incident investigations, and SMS. This document explains how throughout the company when
employee reporting systems. After to bring SMS Risk Management to practicing safety management.
this information is gathered it is the training of all pilots, ab initio to Phoenix Heli-Flight has an excel-
analyzed and assessed. advanced levels. lent hazard employee reporting
A larger organization may need Another issue is that some system that covers hazards, occur-
more sophisticated resources such smaller operators do not fully rences and non-compliance. They
as web-based data systems and understand SMS and how it they too, promote a “just culture” and
trained safety personnel to manage can benefit from it. However, I employee accountability.
the details and a more formal com- was glad to see Heli-Expo attend-
mittee system to accomplish the ees from various aviation orga- Conclusion
same functions. Implementing an nizations such as the oil and gas Implementing a Safety Man-
SMS program from an operator’s industry, law enforcement, other agement System into an organi-
perspective involves a commit- government agencies, utility orga- zation, large or small, will help
ment from all involved. It involves nizations and helicopter opera- save lives and resources. It will
much work, but it’s necessary to tors with less than five aircraft also help pilots, young and old,
establish a good safety management participating in SMS training. develop Risk Management skills
program. First, a draft SMS imple- Operators face challenges with which are in great demand in the
mentation plan must be developed implementing SMS such as per- helicopter industry. SMS is not
then the costs need to be identi- ceived extra work, employee “buy a stand-alone program. It must
fied, followed by a funding plan in” and funding, to name a few. include many other factors of
and approval by the accountable It takes time to establish a safety managing safety, such as flight
executive. An SMS organizational culture and many operators just data monitoring (FDM), crew
structure must also be in place do not understand this. resource management (CRM),
and includes a safety office, safety As we look at the helicopter maintenance safety and the most
manager, safety review boards and industry as a whole, there are many recent initiative from HAI “Land
safety action groups. operators that are successfully and Live,” among others. SMS is
Why do some pilots not “buy using SMS in their daily operations. part of a safety culture a company
into” the SMS program? I believe Metro Aviation is one of these must have. SMS does not have to
there is no safety culture mentor- companies. Metro initiated its be complex to be effective. SMS
ship practiced when a young stu- SMS program in 2009 and is now is here to stay and may be man-
dent pilot is receiving flight instruc- at Level Four. The company is one datory within the rotary wing
tion. Mainly because many new of the few rotary wing operators industry in the near future, so let’s
flight instructors are conducting who achieved this level. Metro has get on board and use it. As always,
the training and they do not have a a safety commitment from leader- Take Action to Fly Safe!

Essentials of a Good SMS Program 40
TRAINING NEWS Airbus Plans U.S. EC175 Sim Boost 44

Safety Watch column by Terry Terrell 48
Military to Civil Transition Explored TSI Presents

During Heli-Expo 2014 Seminar Second Annual
Among one of first workshops to open at Heli-Expo 2014 was a military- Moral Courage
to-civilian transition seminar. Stacy Sheard, Sikorsky production test pilot Award to Operators
and former Army aviator, filled a room to maximum capacity as she ran The 2014 “Moral Courage Award”
a workshop for former or soon-to-be former military aviators looking to was presented to three recipients at
enter the world of the civilian aviation job market. HAI’s Heli-Expo in Anaheim, Calif.
The presentation highlighted the fact that the road to success is often during the Safety Committee’s
long and twisted, but not unattainable. Tips on resume writing, networking, Town Hall Meeting.
and possible venues to seek employment were discussed. A panel of civilian The U.S. Transportation Safety
mentors currently employed in various aviation positions including cor- Institute (TSI)’s Aviation Safety
porate, human resources, EMS and law enforcement, was on-hand to field Division is the proponent of the
questions and provide input as well as inspiration to those who might see award, presented by D. Smith,
entry into the civilian world as a daunting task. —By Frank Lombardi senior air safety investigator and
the originator of this award.
The award is given to individu-
Enstrom Obtains Order for 16 480Bs als and organizations in the avia-
from Venezuela Defense Ministry tion community who put safety
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has received a signed contract from the over all aspects of an operation
Venezuela Ministry of Defense for 16 training helicopters. and who have made difficult, and
The aircraft will be delivered within the next 18 months and will be sometimes unpopular, decisions
used for training by the Venezuelan Air Force and Navy. The contract to ensure safety is not only pro-
includes 16 standard model 480B helicopters as well as spare parts and moted, but also acted upon. This
tools, pilot and maintenance training, and in-country technical assistance is the second year this award was
during the life of the contract. presented.
The Venezuelan National Guard operates Enstrom helicopters pur- This year’s recipients were
chased in the 1970s; they expanded their fleet in 2001. Contract negotia- Sam Egli of Egli Air Haul, Brandt
tions were coordinated through Helinautica, which represents Enstrom in Swigart of Hawaii Power Labs,
Venezuela. (Source: Enstrom) and Air Care and Mobile Care.
The awards committee received
Metro Aviation’s many nominations that all indi-
booth during Heli- cated a positive safety culture in
Expo 2014. Photo by their organizations, which is what
Frank Lombardi this award promotes.
Each recipient received a plague
with a certificate from TSI.
The plagues were sponsored by
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Uni-
versity. Nominations are now open
for next year’s award to be present-
ed at Heli-Expo 2015 in Orlando,
Fla. —By Keith Cianfrani

HAI Initiative Airbus Helicopters Plans EC175
Reminds Pilots to Simulator Increase in North America
‘Land and Live’ Airbus Helicopters
plans to provide a new
“Land and Live” is a new safety level of support for the
initiative revealed HAI during EC175 rotorcraft in
Heli-Expo 2014. This is a follow-up North America, with
to last year’s HAI safety promotion a Level D full-flight
“Just Land the Damn Helicopter.” simulator located in the
This initiative focuses on the United States as part of
decision-making process to either a commitment to opera-
not depart at all on a flight or to ter- tors serving the offshore
minate a flight with a precautionary oil and gas industry. EC175 full flight simulator. Courtesy Airbus Helicopters
landing due to weather conditions, The Level D full-
fuel concerns, mechanical concerns flight simulator will be operational in 2016 at a location to be identified,
or a pilot is just not feeling well. It is providing pilot training at the highest standards. To recreate the most real-
based on an assessment of the pilot istic flight conditions, the simulator is to utilize a motion system, computer-
that the flight is not going well. generated visual scenes and accurate representations of cockpit instrumen-
Pilot concerns on taking such tation – allowing specific mission scenarios to be “flown,” including landings
action are due to various percep- on offshore platforms.
tions such as FAA enforcement, In addition to the flight simulator, Airbus Helicopters has committed
company, customer or local police to expanding and tailoring its customer support operations for helicopter
reaction, negative press, peer pres- transport providers serving the growing oil and gas production and explo-
sure, local zoning and property ration sector – for which the company is the leading rotorcraft supplier.
owner reaction. This will involve new resources for the EC175’s introduction in the Gulf
14 CFR 91.3 and 135.19b allows of Mexico, including parts and spare supplies available at the Dallas/Fort
pilots to make precautionary land- Worth, Texas depot of the company’s U.S. subsidiary, Airbus Helicopters,
ings if necessary as they have the Inc. (Source: Airbus Helicopters)
sole responsibility to do so. This is a
professional decision that involves Metro Air Support of Saint Louis
humility, flexibility and a “Just Cul-
ture.”
Receives ALEA Accreditation
The biggest threat to this would The three agencies that make up Metro Air Support of St. Louis were
be “Planned Continuous Bias” or presented with a plaque signifying their satisfactory completion of the Air-
“get-home it is.” borne Law Enforcement Accreditation (ALEA) program. The Standards
A pilot should have an action for Law Enforcement Aviation Units were developed and are maintained
plan that includes commitment to a by the ALEA Commission, Inc. dba, Public Safety Aviation Accreditation
change of plans, if necessary, assess- Commission (PSAAC) under contract to ALEA.
ing the urgency of the flight to be The standards are intended to provide a foundation of safe operating
yellow or red. practices in the performance of the unit’s mission. ALEA has adopted the
This cultural change to make this standards as best practices and supports the need for the standards to be
decision must be in all pilot plans. It used as a guide for new aviation units, and as recommended practices to
must be emphasized in initial and be reviewed and adopted by all law enforcement aviation units.
recurrent training, discussed during Sgt. Dino Orlando of the St. Louis Metro PD said, “Accreditation is a
“hangar talk” and supported by the great way of synchronizing all three of the departments’ standard operat-
industry. HAI intends to continue to ing procedures into one manual.”
promote this program through the Metro Air Support of St. Louis is made up of officers from St. Louis
safety outreach program and personal Metro PD, St. Louis County PD, and the St. Charles County Sheriff. Collec-
testimonials from pilots. —By Keith tively they operate two OH6As and four MD500Es, out of one common
Cianfrani hangar in Chesterfield, Mo. —By Frank Lombardi

www.MachidaScope.com 800.431.5420
#1 for Dauphin Parts
International Marketplace
 Borescopes
 Videoscopes
 Borescope Kits
 Accessories
We own and stock the largest inventory

of independently held Dauphin
helicopter spare parts available on the
market today.
Rotables, hydraulics, avionics &
instruments ready to ship worldwide.
Parts for exchange and outright sales.
Phone : +41 52 345 3605

Fax : +41 52 345 3606
US-Phone : +1 207-513-1921
E-Mail : mail@alpine.aero
Web : www.alpine.aero
The Industry’s Most Preferred Solution
MRO & Logistics Software Solutions

Integrated with componentcontrol.com
Please visit us at MRO Americas 2014

April 8th-10th · Booth #2115 · Phoenix, AZ

COMMERCIAL | TECHNOLOGY
Leading Edge
By Frank Lombardi
Picture the Power
T
he Power Required curve If power is limited due to an
is not typically included in inoperative engine or high-density
the rotorcraft flight manu- altitude, then the power available
al, but contains a wealth of line drops down and two points
information and can help to explain of intersection dictate your speed
some of the mannerisms of the range (points 4 and 5). If unable
helicopter. It plots the amount of to hover/takeoff vertically, the
engine power required to maintain Summing up the three drag speed for best angle of climb (VX)
level flight at various airspeeds for cur ves into one total power happens at a combination of max
a given weight and altitude (see fig- required cur ve reveals some power margin and minimum
ure). It can be created by recording important points. The lowest speed, found by drawing a line from
a series of airspeed and power set- point on the curve occurs at the the beginning of the limited power
tings in level flight. Add up the indi- “bucket” speed (point 1), where available, tangent to the power
vidual power required to overcome total power required is a mini- required (point 6).
profile, induced, and parasite drag mum. Flying at that speed will give The shape of the curve reveals
(including ancillaries like genera- maximum endurance in level- some characteristics as well. In the
tors, transmission drag, etc.), and flight, being at/near minimum bucket speed range from approxi-
this curve would be the result. fuel flow. As that speed also gives mately 75-45 knots, the curve is
Air friction on the skin of the the greatest surplus of available fairly flat, as the power required to
rotor blades creates profile drag. power, it will produce the best rate maintain level flight in that range
Profile power is what is needed to of climb (VY) when the collective doesn’t change drastically. This is
keep full RPM at flat pitch on the is pulled in. Since the rotor power why on an approach it can seem
ground. It remains fairly constant requirements remain essentially difficult at first to get the aircraft to
until speeds get very high. the same when unpowered, it is descend as it slows, but once you
Induced drag is created when also the speed that will produce get to about 40 knots “the bottom
the blades produce lift. As air is the minimum sink rate, should drops out.” At that point you are on
forced down through the rotor and you find yourself in autorotation. the “backside” of the curve, where
lift is created, the resultant lift vec- To maximize range, you need aft cyclic increases your descent
tor is tilted somewhat aft. This aft the best combination of maximum rate. On either side of the bucket
component acts as drag, requiring speed at minimum power (actually speed, the power requirements
additional power. Induced drag is min fuel flow, which is at a slightly rise rapidly within a given airspeed
highest in a hover and decreases higher speed in turbines, to be range. Because of this, you’ll find
rapidly as speed increases. perfectly correct). This is found by that in these speed ranges, you can
Parasite power is the power drawing a line from the origin of the control your vertical flight path
required to overcome any other graph tangent to the curve (point with small cyclic changes much
drag not associated with the spin- 2). Since lift-to-drag is a maximum more effectively.
ning rotors, i.e., the fuselage, land- at this point, this airspeed will Next time, whether you are try-
ing gear, etc. It is zero in a hover and also be the best range glide speed ing to fly a precision instrument
increases very rapidly as airspeed when the engine quits. Maximum approach, steep approach, or some
increases, at the rate of velocity horizontal speed is reached when advanced autorotational spot land-
cubed. A cleaner fuselage design power required meets power avail- ings, picture the power curve. It
will have less parasite drag. able (point 3). may come in handy.

International Marketplace
Heliport Lighting Helmets
HELIPORT LIGHTING FAA-approved equipment. ANVIS 6 HELICOPTER HELMETS (Kevlar helmets and
MANAIRCO, INC. (419) 524 - 2121, www.manairco.com spares including: HGU models). NOMEX coveralls, jackets,
gloves, etc. factory new, in stock. Sage green and desert
tan. GOVERNMENT SALES, INC., 69 Francis Ave. Hartford,
CT 06106, Tel: (860) 247-7787, Fax: (860) 586-8020.
Catalogue on website: www.aviationhelmets.com
advertiser index
Page#............Advertiser.....................................................................................................................................................Website
9...........................Aeronautical Accessories....................................................................................................................................................................www.aero-access.com
52.........................Airbus Helicopters................................................................................................................................................................www.airbushelicoptersinc.com
45.........................Alpine Air Support...................................................................................................................................................................................... www.alpine.aero
51.........................CHC Summit.................................................................................................................................................................. www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com
47.........................Chopper Spotter...........................................................................................................................................................................www.chopperspotter.com
45.........................Component Control................................................................................................................................................................ www.componentcontrol.com
27.........................Farnborough International..............................................................................................................................................................www.farnborough.com
39.........................FEC Heliports........................................................................................................................................................................www.heliportsequipment.com
11.........................FlightSafety........................................................................................................................................................................................www.flightsafety.com
19.........................Frasca International....................................................................................................................................................................................www.frasca.com
2...........................Garmin International................................................................................................................................................................................www.garmin.com
25.........................HeliRussia 2014.........................................................................................................................................................................................www.helirussia.ru
45.........................Machida Inc...................................................................................................................................................................................www.machidascope.com
5...........................Milestone Aviation..................................................................................................................................................................www.milestoneaviation.com
47.........................Survival Products..................................................................................................................................................................www.survivalproductsinc.com
15.........................Transaero.......................................................................................................................................................................................... www.transaeroinc.com
17.........................UTC Aerospace Systems......................................................................................................................................................www.utcaerospacesystems.com
www . r o t o ra n d wi n g . c o m A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R oto r & W i n g m aga z i n e 47

TRAINING | SPECIALTY
Safety Watch
By Terry Terrell
Talk Among Yourselves

L
ate one night, not many ing among ourselves” on 123.025, Meetings were once again held,
years ago, we were deliver- our regularly observed “universal aviation safety articles written, and
ing a patient to a large met- communications” helicopter air- procedures reviewed, and another
ropolitan medical com- to-air frequency, for the inarguably long period of safe operations was
plex. Since we were flying during critical purpose of maximizing produced, during which very good
the quiet hours after midnight, my the chances of accomplishing radio habits, accommodating both
highly experienced medical crew safe helicopter traffic separation. ATC and air-to-air requirements,
and I were enjoying the smooth We also revisited our associa- seemed to be correctly observed.
winter air and sharp city skyline tion’s strong recommendation that Ultimately, though, as a function
lightscape only offered up to heli- casual helicopter traffic specifi- of occasional less-than-pleasant
copter occupants on rare occasions. cally avoid medical center over- reminders, we continue to be
We had made our standard radio flights. Finally, we reviewed the prompted to recognize that reliably
calls, and had finished a routine importance of using all available safe helicopter separation, accom-
safety reconnaissance overflight of recognition airframe lighting, and plished largely through the main-
the hospital helicopter deck and flying deliberate reconnaissance tenance of good radio habits by all
surrounding airspace. Just starting and approach patterns. participants, continues to require
our final descent profile out of 300 Things improved after that constant attention and discipline.
feet AGL, however, my flight nurse meeting, as we seemed to have Just last month, while transporting
and I caught a fleeting, blurred flash some success in orchestrating a a gravely injured patient, we and
of unexpected fast movement in comfortable period during which another EMS aircraft were advised
peripheral vision, darting under our helicopter traffic around our city by our dispatch authority that we
chin bubble from an unexpected behaved in orderly fashion, with were converging on a certain medi-
direction to our left. Almost as a the TV news aircraft observing a cal center complex, with similar
remembered image remaining on practically effective discipline in estimated times of arrival. I advised
the retina for only a moment, we using airspace between 800 and the admirably alert dispatcher that
realized that it was a small, darkly 1000 feet AGL in their Class G we would arrange coordination by
colored, unlighted helicopter shape. activities, allowing EMS traffic to talking to each other, but it turns
I arrested our descent and rolled in enter and exit accident scene zones out that I was prematurely opti-
the direction the interloper seemed at between 300 and 600 feet, and mistic. I attempted several times to
to have been flying, and was able to casual traffic steering clear of “hot” raise the other aircraft on 123.025,
confirm that it was indeed a small, airspace altogether. Then, on one but was unsuccessful until he came
R22-type helicopter, proceeding otherwise unremarkable evening, up on frequency too late in his
away from the area at very low level, we were reminded that keeping arrival to be effective.
and that it showed no sign of chang- helicopters separated from each Helicopter communities oper-
ing course or altitude, presumably other is apparently destined to con- ating in most urban settings have
unaware of its proximity to the tinue as an ongoing challenge. done a good enough job providing
helicopter traffic density inherent On this occasion it turned out their own air traffic separation
with a medical activity center, and that an alert flight nurse, spot- that the freedom Mr. Sikorsky
almost certainly oblivious to our ting a collision threat during an intended for the miracle of rotary
particular presence. approach into another major medi- wing flight has proceeded with-
During that period of helicopter cal center, injected a perfectly deliv- out compromise by mandatory
history in our area we supported a ered “Abort” call, and proved to canned routes and other infringe-
very active locally organized heli- be the integral component in the ments to efficiency, and without,
copter pilot’s association, and our safety equation that should have by and large, disaster by collision.
very next meeting began with a been unnecessary if the radio call Let’s talk among ourselves and
review of the importance of “talk- function had been fully in place. keep it that way.

May 2014: Rotorcraft Innovation
and AW609 Pilot Report
Note from the Publisher Engineering Change(s)— We take a look at
Very few companies today have the manpower available to how the changing military procurement process with
effectively take advantage of the new business opportuni- its heavy reliance on quasi off-the-shelf solutions and
ties that inevitably come from attending important trade increasing reluctance to fund rotorcraft R&D, together
shows hosted in 5 different countries on 3 unique continents with an ever more complex regulatory environment and
in 1 single month. So we have specially planned and com- bogged-down approval process in the commercial mar-
piled this issue to allow our advertisers to have the next best ketplace is impacting the future of the rotorcraft market
thing – an advertising presence, wrapped in quality content for better and worse.
specifically tailored to the thousands of potential new cus-
tomers who will be attending these shows all over the world Unmanned Options—We’ll examine a number
in the month of May. of unmanned helicopter applications and assess the
impact on the commercial airspace system, specifically
Stop the Presses! Rotor & Wing Flies the focusing on the Sikorsky autonomous research aircraft
AW609—Editor-at-Large Ernie Stephens took the (SARA). The platform is part of Sikorsky’s Matrix Technol-
controls of AgustaWestland’s AW609 tiltrotor during ogy effort. Dale Smith reports.
Heli-Expo in Anaheim. Ernie files a Pilot Report on the
experience, which also involved AW609 training in Texas Essential Equipment–This month we present
prior to the California flight in late February. primary product options when you are in the market to
purchase the following equipment:
Eastern Innovation—The rotorcraft business has
been a global business from its very earliest beginnings, • Synthetic Vision Systems
and the needs of operators spread out in unique environ- • Health & Usage Monitoring Components and Systems
ments all across the planet have long fueled the develop-
ment of innovative solutions and products to meet those Columns— Public Service by Lee Benson; Law
unique challenges. We cast our net this month to round Enforcement Notebook by Ernie Stephens; and Military
up and present innovative new ideas and new products Insider by Andrew Drwiega
coming to the rotorcraft market from Europe, Russia, Asia
and Australia/Oceania.
Bonus Distribution: Quad-A from May 4-7 in Nashville, Tenn. EBACE from May 20-22 in Geneva. AHS Forum
from May 20-22 in Montreal. ILA Berlin from May 20-25. Heli-Russia from May 22-28 in Moscow.

MILITARY | TECHNOLOGY
Military Insider
By Andrew Drwiega
Picking Up the VTOL Pace
G
ood news on the Science and integration) then on to Phase According to Sikorsky, a scaled
and Technology (S&T) III, which will be an initial flight test down version of its Phantom Swift
front in terms of push- around 2017-18. flew last year. The aircraft features
ing forward the perfor- Bagai said the designs proposed two large lift fans within the fuse-
mance envelope for vertical take- from all four companies were lage which are covered when the
off and landing combined with focused on unmanned vehicles, aircraft is in cruise mode. Wingtip-
speed and range. The U.S. Defense but he adds that the technologies mounted ducted fans will provide
Research Advanced Projects Agen- that DARPA is looking for in regard the forward thrust and additional
cy (DARPA) announced in mid- of the X-Plane could also apply to hover lift.
March that Boeing and Karem manned vehicles. Aurora’s LightningStrike will
Aircraft will now join Sikorsky and The four designs received were: incorporate aspects of the com-
Aurora Flight Sciences in the Phase Boeing’s Phantom Swift; Aurora’s pany’s VTOL technology. The
1 of DARPA’s VTOL Experimental Lightening Strike; an unnamed company has worked with DARPA
Plane (X-Plane) project. design from Sikorsky Innovations for well over a decade on projects
VTOL X-Plane is seeking to find teamed with Lockheed Martin’s including GoldenEye 100, Gold-
a hybrid aircraft design that can Skunk Works; and an unnamed enEye 80 and the Excalibur UAV
achieve much more performance design from Karem Aircraft. proof-of-concept for the US Army
and range than the standard heli- Dan Newman, Boeing Phan- between 2005 and 2010. The latter
copter design. The requirements tom Works Advanced Vertical combined hybrid-electric propul-
that DARPA is looking for are Lift capture team lead, said that sion for VTOL and high-speed
speed (achieve a top sustained flight the challenge of providing all of horizontal flight.
speed of 300-400 knots); hover effi- DARPA’s requirements “in a single There seem to be slightly differ-
ciency (raise hover efficiency from aircraft has been the holy grail for ent financial awards from company
60 percent to at least 75 percent); tactical military aviation.” to company. Boeing says it has a
cruise efficiency (present a more He continued: “Designing an “$17 million agreement with DAR-
favorable cruise lift-to-drag ratio of aircraft to perform a vertical take- PA’s Tactical Technology Office,”
at least 10, up from 5-6); and useful off, while maintaining adequate while Sikorsky states that “the pro-
load capacity (maintain the ability low-speed control, is challenging. posed effort is valued at $15 million
to perform useful work by carrying Sustaining efficient hover is also to develop the preliminary design.”
a useful load of at least 40 percent of difficult, and adding a high cruis- While there is no official state-
the vehicle’s projected gross weight ing speed is even more challeng- ment linking this program to the
of 10,000-12,000 lbs). ing.” U.S Army’s Future Vertical Lift
According to program manager Chris Van Buiten, vice president (Heavy) requirement, it should
Ashish Bagai, the Phase 1 awards to of Sikorsky Innovations, said that be noted that Sikorsky, Boeing
the four selected companies are for the X-Plane program “explores and Karem are all participants
the preliminary concept design and a generation of innovation that in the Joint Multi-Role program
technology maturation. According has yet to be introduced.” Mark which will eventually lead to the
to the current schedule, the com- Miller, Sikorsky’s vice president of Future Vertical Lift (Medium)
panies will submit their designs by research and engineering, added aircraft, which will replace the
late 2015. At this point DARPA will that the Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin Army’s medium helicopter fleets
select one design to take forward proposal was based on a “non- of AH-64 Apaches and UH-60
to Phase II (design, development traditional technical solution.” Black Hawks.

Thank you to our sponsos
for making the 10th Anniversary Summit
event so successful
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
AEGIS
Antares Hiscox
SPONSORS
IN SAFETY
PARTNERS
OFFICERS
General Insurance
ANV AMERICAN
Corporation of
SAFETY
EXPRESS
MEDIA
India Aviall
Watkins Syndicate Lenovo
Sponsors correct at time of publication
Save the date

March 23 – 25, 2015
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.chcsafetyqualitysummit.com
You have spoken.
We have heard you.
As the leading provider of commercial and civil helicopters in the U.S. for 13 straight years, we’ve clearly done a lot well.
But the message we keep hearing from you is that we need to do a better job following up with support and service.
Let me assure you that your message is quite clear and has been heard at the highest levels of Airbus Helicopters.
Improving our performance is my highest priority and I have made it clear to our employees that it is their top priority.
Whether you have one helicopter or a fleet, we’ve done a lot of work and invested tens of millions of dollars to
improve your service experience, including:
• Our CS3 center – Customer Support, Service and Satisfaction – is a central command post handling all incoming
customer calls. Customer Service Representatives are trained to address your problems and get your aircraft
back flying. Service is available 24/7/365.
• We have established an 85,000 square-foot parts warehouse at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. About $90 million worth
of parts – 60,000 items – are in inventory. Order a part on our Keycopter system by 2 p.m. and it will be in the
hands of an air freight shipper by 4 p.m.
• A dedicated AOG team is on call day or night to locate parts or a factory-trained technical rep to assist you.
Even with these important changes, we know there may be times we can serve you better. Our commitment is to
continually improve our customer service. Our goal is that in a year you will tell us we have made significant progress.
We thank you for your loyalty to Airbus Helicopters and to our aircraft. We are listening, and you have my personal
commitment that we will continually improve the level and quality of support we provide. We will be with you on every
flight. Please feel free to contact me personally to share your experiences and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Marc Paganini, President and Chief Executive Officer
With you on every flight. WithYouOnEveryFlight.com

April 2014 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

April 2014 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

April 2014 Serving the Worldwide Helicopter Industry rotorandwing.

Bell Jet Ranger

New Era in Simulation

Contributing Writers: Rick Adams; Chris Baur; Lee Benson;

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Logo Licensing | Reprints

Access Intelligence, LLC

Visit us today at www.aviationtoday.com. 17279

A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 3

Heli-Expo 2014: A aparker@accessintel.com

O think that the world’s larg-

4 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

1. PROVEN ABILITY TO DELIVER

FEATURES 48 Safety Watch

28 ■ Delivering Family to the World

■ GPS: Need One, Get One!

40 ■ Safety Management Systems

6 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

blic Service Training Products Services

POST YOUR HELICOPTER PHOTOS

SIGN UP FOR THE ROTOR & WING COLLECTIVE

STORIES & PHOTOS ON THE WEB

DIRECT TO YOUR DESKTOP: CHECK YOUR E-MAIL

W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 7

Responses Online R&W’s Question of the

8 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

Innovation. Reliability. Performance.

www.aero-access.com | sales@aero-access.com | 1-800-251-7094

ANDREW DRWIEGA , International DALE SMITH has been an aviation

10 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

At FlightSafety International, we center everything we do on helping our Customers operate their

Please contact Scott Fera, Senior Vice President, Marketing • 718.565.4774

Bell Revamps Jet Ranger Brand

12 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

Enstrom Takes Wraps Off TH180 Two-Seater

Thales Reveals Avionics 2020 for Helicopters

W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 13

Erickson S-64. Photo courtesy of Erickson

shouldn’t be the largest provider

AW109 Trekker Aims at ‘Rugged, Reliable’ Operators

14 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

Kaman Gauges Interest in Restarting K-Max

Brings you the power of sight for

W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 15

MD Helicopters Aims 530G at International Militaries

Pino on Macquarie: $100 Million By End of 2014

16 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

To find out more visit

■ PRODUCTS | AIRFRAMES ■ SERVICES | FINANCING

Scott’s Gives Bell 47 New Pair of Boots Amur Financial to

18 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

■ COMMERCIAL | AIRFRAMES ■ SERVICES | FINANCING

W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 19

20 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

500-32 Series Personal Locator Beacon with Speech

ASU Demos Next Step in Night Vision Technology

DropCam From IMT Emerges During Heli-Expo

EC225e Intended for Extended-Range Offshore Ops

W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 21

THE NEW ERA OF

22 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M

W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E 23

feature training for multiple aircraft

24 R OTO R & W I N G M AGA Z I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 4 W W W. R O T O R A N D W I N G . C O M