North Flight Data Systems CVR/FDR STC for the AS350and EC130B4

North Flight Data Systems, LLC announces the FAA STC approval for its flight data system installation in the Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter) AS350B3 and the EC130B4 helicopter. The North system is the first affordable Lightweight Aircraft Recording System (LARS) that is fully integrated into these models. The system includes the Voice and Video Recorder (CV2R), Multi-function Data Acquisition Unit (MFDAU) and Quick Access Recorder (QAR). With a crash resistant CVR/FDR far exceeding the recent ED155 data capture guidelines and the ability to record more than 100 engine and airframe parameters plus six (6) individual audio channels with video recording, North’s system is an example of flight data monitoring at its best.

“We are continuing to reach our goal of being able to provide helicopter operators with affordable voice, video and flight data recording equipment that provides the detailed data that has, to this point, only been available on the larger aircraft. We couple our hardware with software that is very user friendly and designed to enable our customers to get useful FOQA and MOQA data,” says North president Jeff Warner.

The initial STC was completed on a PHI Air Medical AS350B3 equipped with the Cobham Helisas autopilot. The system includes the ability to record the complete Helisas autopilot data stream as well as either analog or digital radar altimeters. The recorded airframe and engine data is supplemented by an internal Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) data stream. The addition of hook load or other accessory equipment data can easily be accommodated by the system. The follow on approval was on an EC130B4 operated by Metro Aviation for Medflight of Ohio.

“To be part of the STC process and get a first hand look at the testing and requirements that go into using this system is unbelievable,” says MedFlight president Rod Crane. “We are honored to be part of it and look forward to the increased value of safety and in flight performance this new technology will bring to our program.” Milton Geltz, managing director for Metro Aviation adds, “Metro is proud to provide this new technology to MedFlight of Ohio as they are an industry leader in safety management in the ground and air medical industry.”

“We have designed our system so that it is adaptable to all the different light single and twin engine aircraft on the market. The integration of our system in the AS350B3 and EC130B4 is the first step in making our system available on similar Airbus Helicopter configurations,” says Jeff Warner.