To fulfill its long-term potential, the rotorcraft industry must sustain an unrelenting focus on safety and demonstrate its commitment to the communities it serves, according to the Helicopter Association International (HAI), which today morning opens the doors to its 2023 Heli-Expo convention. On the eve of the annual show, the industry group’s president and CEO James Viola spelled out its new strategic initiative to keep the industry thriving and relevant as the 21st century gathers pace.
“We know we must unify the industry with a new vision for vertical aviation and promote community compatibility,” Viola told media representatives on Monday. “We know we must fly neighborly, and it's essential moving forward that we emphasize the need for good relations with the communities we serve and demonstrate the benefits and services we provide.”
Schweizer has received a full FAA production certificate for the S300C and S300CBi helicopters.
The company has produced the helicopters at its facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, under type certificate approval (PUTC). Working under a PUTC requires strict FAA oversight for each aircraft produced. With the issuance of a production certificate, Schweizer can manufacture the aircraft without limitations.
United Rotorcraft, which outfits the Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter platform as S-70 Firehawks, is evaluating several options and upgrades to the firefighting and emergency rescue helicopter program. “[We] strive to make continuous improvements to the Firehawk to enhance flight crew safety, reduce pilot workload, increase the effectiveness and efficiencies of water delivery, search and rescue, and resource management,” the Air Methods subsidiary told AIN ahead of this year’s Heli-Expo.
The improvements include a 1,000-gallon composite water tank that the company produces in collaboration with Dart. According to the company, the composite tank offers significant weight savings compared with standard tanks, thus providing mission performance improvement. United Rotorcraft also plans to integrate the Aerometals inlet barrier filter system—a popular aftermarket modification—as a standard feature in the S-70’s baseline firefighting configuration.
The Korean Forest Service has ordered a Columbia Model 234 Multi-Mission Chinook for roles including firefighting, cargo lift, transportation, and disaster response. The aircraft will be among the first new-build examples of the heavy-lift model manufactured by Columbia Helicopters and includes new features such as a glass cockpit, engine monitoring, and night vision goggle compatibility to help pilots deal with degraded visual environments.
Under the contract announced at the Heli-Expo show on Tuesday, Oregon-based Columbia will train Korean pilots and mechanics. It will also supply parts, special tools, and ground support equipment.
Genesys Aerosystems has developed an IFR four-axis autopilot with hover and hold and collective control. The new autopilot is on display at the Genesys Heli-Expo booth and installed in a UH-60 Sikorsky Black Hawk on the static display.
Supplemental type certificate (STC) programs have begun for the installation of the autopilot in the Black Hawk and Airbus EC145e. Metro Aviation is developing the EC145e STC and XP Services will complete the Black Hawk STC. Genesys will offer the new autopilot to other partners for STC development and upgrades.
The digital flip-through issues of AIN’s award-winning HAI Convention News are now available online. It’s a great way to quickly scan the news from HAI Heli-Expo 2023, whether you’re in Atlanta attending the show or watching from afar.
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