Category: Rotor

StandardAero and Thales Announce Launch Customer for Autopilot System for the H125/AS350

StandardAero and Thales announced WeatherTech as the launch customer for their advanced 4-axis Compact Autopilot System for the Airbus Helicopters H125/AS350 platform. Derived from certified transport category solutions, the lightweight Compact Autopilot brings advanced 4-axis capability, performance and enhanced safety to the light helicopter market, while eliminating the need for a traditional dedicated flight control computer.David MacNeil, founder and CEO of the well-known automotive accessories company WeatherTech, has decided once again to send his aircraft upgrades to StandardAero by selecting Thales Compact autopilot for his fleet. 

“I have been pleased with the support received from StandardAero in modifying our H125 helicopters, and as we look to make additional safety and avionics upgrades to enhance these machines, the decision to include the Thales unique Compact Autopilot technology was an easy one to make,” said MacNeil.

StandardAero’s and Thales’ engineering and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) design partnership team will begin ground and flight testing for the new autopilot system on these aircraft beginning in early 2020. Various equipment upgrades on each of the aircraft will allow for greater compatibility testing and eventual certification with a number of aftermarket modifications common to the popular H125 (B3e) and later model AS350 series of helicopters.

“We are happy to be working with Mr. MacNeil once again as a launch customer for the Thales 4-axis Compact Autopilot System, one of the pillars of our SAFECRAFT portfolio for the H125/AS350 series,” says Elvis Moniz, StandardAero’s vice president of Business Development for Airframes and Avionics Solutions. “This system will not only provide unparalleled safety to the light helicopter market based on a proven robust design developed and fielded by global technology leader, Thales, but it will also provide a truly modern solution with a smooth ride quality and advanced functionality that our business and private aviation customers desire.”

Safran Signs By-the-Hour Support Contract with Transportes Aéreos Pegaso

Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a Support-By-Hour (SBH) contract with Transportes Aéreos Pegaso, covering the Mexican operator’s H145, EC145 and BK117. This contract formalizes a five- year maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement supporting a total of over 30 Arriel 1 and 2 engines.

“With this contract, we will benefit from the best engine support for our Arriel-powered helicopters,” says Enrique Zepeda Navarro, Transportes Aéreos Pegaso CEO. “We are delighted to have Safran on our side as we conduct our missions.”

Olivier Le Merrer, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Support & Services, said: “We are extremely proud to provide this support solution to Pegaso for their helicopters. We will deliver world-class services to guarantee the availability of the engines inside.”

The whole Transportes Aéreos Pegaso fleet is now covered by SBH. Founded in 1981, this Mexican helicopter operator provides on and offshore helicopter support.

This contract will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines USA, which supports more than 3,200 engines operated by 400 customers flying in the United States.

SBH is Safran Helicopter Engines maintenance-by-the-hour service. It makes engine operating costs predictable, eliminate cash peaks, allow flexibility for scheduled and unscheduled MRO coverage. It now covers 40 percent of Safran Helicopter Engines customer turbines’ flying hours.

SBH is part of EngineLife Services, Safran’s range of solutions for helicopter engines.

Unique Surveillance Aircraft Makes First Appearance at Heli-Expo

Seeker Aircraft, Inc. will make its first appearance at the Helicopter Association International’s annual Heli-Expo during 28-30 January in Anaheim, California.

Seeker Aircraft, the manufacturer of the SB7L-360 “Seeker” light surveillance aircraft will be putting one of its Seekers on display in the Anaheim Convention Center. Ed Lundeen, Seeker Aircraft’s president, shared his objectives for being at the 2020 Heli-Expo, “Our light surveillance aircraft does eighty percent of what a traditional helicopter is built to do, so we’ve got a uniquely attractive helicopter alternative at a fraction of the cost to offer existing and prospective helicopter customers. We think Seeker’s presence at this annual forum will be very well received. We’ll introduce a very attractive option for a lot of people that want helicopter capabilities, but have budget constraints. And that includes existing helicopter operators who could add Seeker’s to their fleet, and increase their margins without diminishing any capabilities.”

Seeker Aircraft will have its leadership team present at its exhibit in Anaheim, and welcomes all inquiries from both prospective customers and helicopter OEMs. The company’s static display will be in booth #66.

Lockheed Martin Offering Numerous Vocational Scholarships with March Deadline to Apply

Lockheed Martin has launched a new scholarship program that will award up to 150 scholarships.

Beginning in 2020, the company says it will be awarding up to $6,600 to as many as 150 recipients this year. The scholarship will fund degrees at accredited vocational-technical schools to prepare students for careers in technology and/or advanced manufacturing that does not require a bachelor’s or advanced degree.

The application opened January 15, 2020 and will close on March 12, 2020.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities (including membership in relevant trade organizations or associations), work experience, a statement of career and educational goals and objectives, unusual personal or family circumstances and a outside appraisal.

Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of Lockheed Martin play a part in the selection. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Scholarship recipients can opt-in to be contacted by Lockheed Martin recruitment teams regarding possible internship opportunities. (Note: All interested candidates and scholars must apply through the Lockheed Martin careers site to be considered).

Fore more information please contact the Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship Program administrator at lockheedmartin@scholarshipamerica.org or 1-507-931-0465 and ask for the Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship Program.

Basketball Great Kobe Bryant, Daughter Killed in Helicopter Crash

A Sikorsky S-76 crashed near Calabasas, Calif. this morning, Sunday, January 26, 2020 killing all aboard including basketball great Kobe Bryant. The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB will be investigating. Calabasas is located northwest of Los Angeles, Calif.

Early reports simply said the tail number matched a helicopter Bryant owned and was painted with his logo. Later, the horrific news that Bryant was onboard was confirmed. It has also been reported that Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter was also onboard.

Athletes, celebrities and elected officials have been commenting on the tragic loss of the multi-talented star. Twitter blew up with tributes after the LA County Sherrif’s department posted this: “Five people confirmed deceased, no survivors in #Calabasas helicopter crash. #LASD #Malibu deputies remain with #LA County Fire personnel. Investigation ongoing.” President Trump called the death of Kobe Bryant “terrible news” in a tweet. Los Angeles mayor on Bryant: “This is a moment that leaves us struggling to find words.”

Bryant was 41 and had retired from basketball three years earlier.

MRO Insider to Launch Aircraft Maintenance Services App in February 2020

Launching in February 2020, MRO Insider says its mobile app will provide an efficient solution to quickly “ping” AOG, parts, detailing and equipment rental such as hydraulic mules or jack stands from a mobile device or desktop computer.

Based on live locations of service providers as well as the aircraft, MRO Insider says users will be able to compare hourly rates, ETA to the aircraft, reviews, and other pertinent information via push notifications without paying broker fees or finder’s fees. The app will run on all devices including iOS, Android, tablets, and desktop computers.

“With the development and launch of our mobile app, business aviation will finally modernize past the phone call and email SOP to connect with service providers,” says Andy Nixon, co-founder of MRO Insider. “Too many people are taken advantage of in our industry; an owner/operator shouldn’t have to pay thousands of dollars to make sure they are covered for one AOG event. All services through our app will ping direct to providers, similar to Uber, that handle the services, eliminating any outrageous 3rd party billing practices.” He continued by adding, “the launch of the app will continue building a company culture based on sustainability and connectivity and our team is excited for 2020 and the future of business aviation.”

MRO Insider also says they are committed to “share the air” with other creatures and the launch of the app will coincide with their tree-planting program in northern Michigan. For every app download, MRO Insider says their team will plant a single tree, with additional tree planting incentives to be announced later this year.

FAA Opens One-of-a-Kind Fire Research Facility in Atlantic City

The FAA completed construction and opened a new indoor fire research facility in December to conduct performance tests of potential replacement fire extinguishing agents.

The work conducted in this new $5 million, 2,500 square-foot facility will support research on fluorine-free firefighting foams.

The fully enclosed fire-test facility will eliminate weather related variables in testing and enhance data collection capabilities. It will also contain and collect the byproducts of fire testing chemicals and prevent any contamination of the surrounding area and ground water, allowing for more frequent and efficient testing.

Construction of the new facility started in November 2018 and FAA researchers began testing this month.

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 directed the agency to stop requiring the use of fluorinated chemicals in aircraft firefighting foams within three years. Fluorine-free foams on the market today do not match the performance of their fluorinated counterparts.

The current firefighting foam is a highly effective combatant to jet fuel fires, but it has also generated concerns over potential environmental and health impacts. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a potentially hazardous group of chemicals found in current firefighting foams used at airports.

One Week Left to Submit Nominations for the International Walt Darran Aerial Firefighting Awards 2020

Each year the International Walt Darran Aerial Firefighting Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and innovations within the industry. The deadline for 2020 Awards is only one week away. The Awards committee invites global aviation community to nominate individuals or companies before 17th January 2020 to celebrate their achievements in aerial firefighting.

Aiming to recognize a significant contribution by an individual or organisation to aerial firefighting, the awards were inaugurated in honour of the late Walt Darran, who was a pioneer and advocate for safety and advances in aerial firefighting.

These thought-after Awards are a peer honor, with aerial firefighters from all around the globe honoring fellow colleagues. The nominations and resultant winners are administered by the International Awards Committee – an independent international consortium from the International Fire Aviation Working Group (IFAWG) and Associated Aerial Firefighters.

Any person or organization that has made a significant contribution to furthering the safety and/or efficiency of aerial firefighting could be nominated. Once again, nominations are being accepted in two categories: Contribution to Aerial Firefighting Safety and Industry Innovation & Advancement.

To nominate your candidates, please complete the Awards nomination forms and return them to Kate Niven from Tangent link at kniven@tangentlink.com before 17th January 2020. The Awards committee will convene after this date to review written submissions and select the winners.

The Awards ceremony to announce winners will take place during the Aerial Firefighting North America Conference Dinner on 4th March 2020 in Sacramento, USA as a part of Aerial Firefighting North America 2020.

 

Barfield Appoints Mercier as SVP of Ops Doral

Barfield Inc. has appointed Gilles Mercier as senior vice president of Operations of its Doral facilities. Mercier will oversee the operations of the two facilities, manage the teams and further improve the overall performance.

“We could not be more thrilled to have Gilles as part of our team. He has the drive, the temperament, and the experience needed to help our company be more competitive in today’s MRO market, I trust his judgment as we take our company into the future,” says Hervé Page, Barfield’s CEO.

Mercier holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and has held numerous positions at AFI KLM E&M, including Components Lean Engineer, Costing and Pricing manager, Engine Shop Operations manager, and Air France Industries Transformation Leader. “I am really proud to join the Barfield team. I am ready to learn about the teams and tackle the different challenges with customers, performance and development,” says Mercier.

StandardAero and Thales Team to Certify the Advanced Autopilot System for Light Helicopters

StandardAero and Thales announced a signed teaming agreement formalizing a mutual commitment for developing and certifying an advanced autopilot system for the light helicopter market. The system will initially be certified for installation on the popular Airbus Helicopters AS350 platform.

Based on their autopilot experience, Thales says it has incorporated the features and safety design architecture usually found in multi-engine Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) helicopters into its Compact Autopilot, now available to light helicopter platforms. Thales is offering a lightweight four-axis solution that enables permanent aircraft stabilization, eliminating the traditional dedicated flight control computer. The autopilot can also fully control the helicopter from initial hover to coupled approach and position-hold.

StandardAero brings its aftermarket experience in aircraft modifications and supplemental certification capabilities to the AS350 Compact Autopilot product. The company says its engineering and certification knowledge serves to ensure the fielded solution will far exceed the basic certification requirements and will satisfy operators’ exacting expectations for system operation, airframe integration, simplified maintenance and product support.

“Our Compact Autopilot solution capitalizes on the proven levels of safety and reliability that are already deployed on larger air transport platforms. We will use this technology and experience as the basis for a cutting-edge, timely solution, bringing light helicopters into a new era,” said Christian Bardot, Thales vice-president in charge of Helicopter Avionics business

“As part of our ongoing SAFECRAFT program, offering this state-of-the-art compact autopilot allows us to press forward in our aggressive pursuit of certifying innovative, transformational safety technologies that address many of the most common concerns our customers face, such as pilot fatigue and entry into inadvertent IMC conditions that can oftenresult in LOC-I and CFIT situations. These risks are well known throughout the industry by owners, operators and the pilots flying these machines, yet until now, we haven’t had the right technology available for this segment to adequately address the threat head on. That all changes today,” added Elvis Moniz, StandardAero vice president of Business Development for Airframes and Avionics Solutions.