S.E.I. Creates Quieter Cabin
Servizi Elicotteristici Italiani (S.E.I., Booth No. 2045) has developed a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, I-Feel, that can control communications, audio/video playback, cabin functions and passenger settings. It has EASA approval “on most medium and heavy helicopter models.” European approval is expected in the first quarter of this year on an AgustaWestland AW139, with FAA certification to follow.
The company has also received European certification for Silens, a cabin noise and vibration-reduction system that lowers noise from 76 to 71 dB (SIL4) at a cruise speed of 140 knots. FAA certification is expected in the first quarter.

USAIG’s Safety Bucks Add Up
Aviation insurance underwriter USAIG (Booth No. 1501) is here at Heli-Expo touting the benefits and successes of its Safety Bucks program. Under Safety Bucks, USAIG works with helicopter manufacturers to reward the underwriter’s premier accounts that demonstrate a dedication to training and safety. Each participating operator receives up to $30,000 per year to spend on flight or maintenance training. The dollars can be redeemed for training through the OEMs of the aircraft they operate and FlightSafety International. The latest Safety Bucks check went to FPL Group, bringing the total awarded over the 13 years of the program to more than $5,477,450.

Switlik Offers Mission-specific Life Vest
Trenton, N.J.-based Switlik Parachute (Booth No. 3510) is showcasing upgrades to its FAA-approved modular aircrew life vest, designed for helicopter operators with varied operational needs. Unique looped webbing allows users to equip their vests with pockets, holsters and accessories positioned for their specific mission profiles. New features include beaded inflation handles raising tactile reference to military standards, a back panel for ID or reflective material and a wide variety of pocket options. The MOD vest is also now available in other fabrics and colors, including blue and sage green.

Aeromaritime America Expands Facilities
Aeromaritime America (AAI, Booth No. 2721) is expanding into its newly built 10,000-sq-ft shop located behind the original building on Falcon Field in Mesa, Ariz., on March 15. It will include 19 technician stations, an environmentally friendly “zero discharge” clean room, machine shop and NDT section. Sections of the original facility will be converted to administrative offices and a greatly expanded new and reworked parts section. The company expects to announce an opening date soon.

Granitize Offering Discount on Cleaning Kits
First-time Heli-Expo exhibitor Granitize Aviation International (Booth No. 3323) is offering 50 percent off its most popular introductory cleaning and polishing kits here at Heli-Expo. The company’s products are helpful for keeping exhaust stains off tailbooms and bugs off windshields. Granitize’s Stay Clean kits come in three levels, for heavy, medium and light paint oxidation. Each kit includes the appropriate cleaner for oxidation level, degreaser, spray cleaner/degreaser, hard-surface cleaner, Xzilon (a Granitize hard-surface resin product), a clay bar and special cleaner for use with the clay bar, OSHA-compliant spray bottles and instructions. The kit price during the show is $125, including shipping.

European Air Ambulance Meeting at Aero 2010
International air ambulance services will likely dominate the discourse during the first European Air Ambulance Meeting, scheduled to take place during the Aero 2010 show (April 8 to 11) in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Aero 2010 (Booth No. 602) will serve as a platform for exchanging information among organizations and specialists in air rescue, including manufacturers and designers of medical equipment on the aircraft and insurance companies. Organizers expect the show’s venue, in the tri-border area of Austria, Switzerland and Germany, will prove ideal due to its setting in the heart of Europe. For details on the Air Ambulance Meeting and Aero 2010, visit www.aero-expo.com.

HAI Convention News 2010

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