February 26, 2008

Apical Industries gains EASA OK for R44 pop-out emergency floats

Dart Helicopter subsidiary Apical Industries gained EASA approval for its pop-out/emergency floats for the Robinson R44 and R44 II, the company announced. The floats represent a lightweight, easy-to-install option for operators who routinely or even occasionally fly over water, Apical said, adding that the kit is also suitable for installation on the R44 Clipper.

The four-float system c more

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ICAO set to issue revised WAAS approach criteria

By Thierry Dubois

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced it will issue revised standards for helicopter navigation this fall that are intended to take advantage of GPS receiver technology and new types of instrument approach procedures.

The first set of standards will deal with vertical and lateral guidance using the wide area augmentation system (WAAS) or its European equivalent, more

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Makeover sheds years from aging Bell

Phil and Lee Hixon, owners of the Palm Springs Air Museum in Southern California, recently took delivery of a refurbished 1980 Bell 206L-1 after completions, MRO and maintenance services provider Texas Aviation Services made a number of changes to it.

Employees replaced the Rolls-Royce 250C-28B powerplant with a C-30P version and installed new Garmin avionics–a GNS 530W GPS/navcom with more

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Inspection program aims to identify bogus parts

Yonkers, N.Y.-based Crestwood Technology Group (CTG) has intoduced a so-called Authent-Assure program to ensure that military, defense and aerospace contractors receive genuine parts and equipment in response to a marketplace that has become “flooded with counterfeit parts.”

CTG announced late last year that as part of the program, each of its five quality assurance personnel has receiv more

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Sikorsky adds ‘wow factor’ to its Web site

By Harry Weisberger

Sikorsky unveiled its fully transformed Web site–www.sikorsky.com–to Heli-Expo’08 attendees yesterday. The revamped site uses a combination of video and Flash animation to bring Sikorsky’s aircraft to life. It also features an interactive helicopter tour.

“The Sikorsky Web site is increasingly the company’s ‘front door’ to a global audience and the first experience many people will have more

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Calstar Seeks R-R 250-C30 STC for BO 105

California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue (Calstar) has completed requirements for a supplemental type certificate (STC) to re-engine the Eurocopter BO 105LS with a Rolls-Royce 250-C30. The engine modification will allow the McClellan, Calif.-based organization’s BO 105LS to provide service at higher altitudes throughout the mountainous Sierra Nevada region. In partnership with Aerometals of El Dorado Hi more

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New Leader Joins Edwards & Associates

Bell Helicopter named Greg Williams president and general manager of Edwards & Associates, Bell’s helicopter completion and maintenance center. Williams, most recently Bell’s executive director of integrated support solutions, succeeds Phil Dieterich, who retired. Edwards & Associates includes two facilities in Tennessee and Florida and subsidiaries Aeronautical Accessories and Rotor Blade more

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AFS Helps Helicopters Breathe Clean Air

Here at Heli-Expo’08, Aerospace Filtration Systems (Booth No. 4013) is marking the delivery of more than 3,000 inlet barrier filters (IBFs) for helicopters. The engine protection systems are in use worldwide on a wide array of commercial and military helicopters, with more than one million total flight hours combined.

While AFS currently sells the majority of its inlet barrier filters more

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HID Lighting Available for R22

Aircraft accessories provider Precise Flight (Booth No. 1421) of Bend, Ore., has received a supplemental type certificate for its high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting for the Robinson R22 series. According to Precise Flight v-p Scott Philiben, the HID lighting is “a great fit” for Robinson helicopters, providing illumination in low-visibility situations and dense urban environments.
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Columbus Cops Take 10th MD 500E

The police helicopter unit of Columbus, Ohio, has accepted delivery of its 10th MD 500E; the ninth was delivered in December. The aircraft is on display at the MD Helicopters booth (No. 143).

According to Lt. Mike Evans, commander of the helicopter unit, speed, agility, reliability and low operating costs are keys to success for the unit. Six of its MD 500Es patrol the city’s 216 squar more

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