HAI Convention News

Aviation Specialties Completes NVIS Install on Era AS350B2
March 7, 2013 - 11:30am
ASU has performed night-vision goggle-compatible cockpit lighting modifications

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU, Booth No. C2707) announced this week at Heli-Expo ’13 that it recently completed night vision cockpit modifications to a Eurocopter AS350B2 operated by Era Training Center. ASU maintenance director Chris Reber completed the modification on-site at Era’s facility in Lake Charles, La.

“Era Training Center needed its aircraft modified within a short period of time and wanted it done before Heli-Expo,” he said. “Through a collective effort, we streamlined our process and completed the modification in a little more than a month.”
Helibras/Eurocopter Choose Becker Audio System
March 7, 2013 - 11:25am

Becker Avionics (Both No. N5801) will supply its DVCS6100 digital audio and intercommunication system for the Brazilian Army Aviation AS550 A2 Fennec and AS350 Squirrel helicopter modernization program.

The selection means Becker Avionics of Miramar, Fla., and Becker do Brazil are the new partners of Helibras, Eurocopter’s Brazilian subsidiary and the Brazilian Army.
IMT Spotlights Covert Surveillance Technologies
March 7, 2013 - 11:20am

Integrated Microwave Technologies introduced a new tool for aerial surveillance Tuesday at Heli-Expo ‘13. The Mobile Viewer-BC Dual-Diversity COFDM Briefcase Receiver/Monitor is intended for law enforcement, public security monitoring and covert surveillance operations.
Honeywell Extends Distributor Network
March 7, 2013 - 11:10am

Honeywell (Booth No. C4304) is announcing a new global network of condition-based maintenance systems (CBMS) distributors, enhancing worldwide coverage with native language and onsite technical support.

Effective January 1, Beijing Andawell Science & Technology in China and Transworld Aviation in the United Arab Emirates joined Honeywell’s CBMS network in the U.S., Europe, South Korea and Japan. New local offices are also planned for Australia and the UK.

Bristow Group Renews TAP Support for S-92 Fleet
March 7, 2013 - 11:00am

Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) announced Wednesday at Heli-Expo ’13 the signing of a 10-year Total Assurance Program (TAP) agreement to support the S-92 fleet operated by Bristow Group. Valued at more than $840 million, the renewal was signed late last year following expiration of a prior seven-year support contract. Sikorsky offers TAP maintenance support to commercial and military operators of the S-76, S-92 and S-70 worldwide, with the program covering up to 98 percent of the cost of parts replacement on the airframe, drive train, gearboxes, avionics and consumable items.
Helicopter with a View: Tech-Tool Plastics Creates Cabin Comfort Window for EC120/130
March 7, 2013 - 10:45am

Part of the allure of a helicopter is the incredible visibility from inside the cockpit and cabin. Fort-Worth, Texas based Tech-Tool Plastics (Booth No. C3601) introduced a new version of its Cabin Comfort window for the Eurocopter EC120 and EC130 T2 during Heli-Expo ’13.

“The added visibility and room provided by our windows is ideal for the tourist industry,” said Johnny Wilson, founder and president of the company.

USAF, Navy Demo Teams Unlikely to Fly in 2013 Thanks to Sequestration
March 7, 2013 - 10:35am

The lingering effects from sequestration have taken a heavy toll on the 2013 military airshow and demonstration season, as multiple public outreach events and at least one high-profile team have seen their entire schedule scrubbed due to budget cuts.
Zuccaro Announces Enhanced Alliance Between HAI and EAA for AirVenture 2013
March 7, 2013 - 10:30am

HAI president Matt Zuccaro announced a renewed and enhanced partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association during his annual press conference at Heli-Expo ’13. Zuccaro introduced EAA’s Jonathan Berger, who detailed the new arrangement.
FlightCell Unveils ‘Smaller, Smarter’ SATCOM
March 7, 2013 - 10:20am
Flightcell development team

Flightcell International (Booth No. C4014) is exhibiting its new Flightcell DZMx–“the world’s smallest, lightest, and smartest satellite communication and tracking system”–here at Heli-Expo. Weighing just 1.4 pounds and significantly shallower than the company’s previous DZM3 satcom (at 4.95 by 2.18 by 4.72 inches) the DZMx includes both Iridium and 3G broadband connectivity and Ethernet, USB and Arinc-429 capabilities. New Zealand’s Garden City Helicopters will be the first company to use the DZMx when it goes into production later this year.
Brazil’s Omni Extends Support Contract with Heli-One
March 7, 2013 - 10:20am

Heli-One announced the receipt of an estimated $25 million extended support contract from Brazil’s Omni Taxi Aereo at Heli-Expo ’13. Under the agreement, Heli-One will provide power-by-the-hour support for Omni’s Sikorsky S-61s and S-76s, as well as two additional S-76C++ helicopters. Omni’s fleet, which is used to support Brazil’s offshore oil industry, also includes Sikorsky S-92s, Eurocopter EC225s and AgustaWestland AW139s. Company president Larry Alexandre said Heli-One is “honored to be part of this ongoing partnership with Omni.” The new contract also extends Heli-One’s support of the Omni fleet to 2018.

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