StandardAero Unveils StableLight, the First 4-Axis Autopilot for AS350 Helicopters

StandardAero is unveiling the industry’s first 4-axis autopilot available for retrofit on AS350 helicopters. The autopilot, developed in partnership with Thales and known as StableLight, is equipped in an AS350 test rotorcraft. Demonstration flights will be performed during the 2022 HAI Heli-Expo on March 8-10 at the Dallas Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Vertiport.

StableLight is currently in the process of certification. StandardAero anticipates that the StableLight supplemental type certificate (STC) will receive FAA certification this summer, and shortly thereafter the STC will also be approved by EASA and Transport Canada.

During HAI Heli-expo, StandardAero and Thales are inviting AS350/H125 helicopters operators and owners to fly and test StableLight for themselves. Any AS350/H125 helicopter operator attending HAI or with facilities in the western United States may request a demonstration flight at or after HAI as the helicopter returns to its home base in Vancouver, Canada.

“These flight demos will enable operators to feel the advantages of a true 4-axis autopilot. They will experience its hands-off capabilities and see how pilot workload is reduced while both mission efficiency and safety are significantly increased,” says Christian Blagborne, technical sales manager for StandardAero’s Helicopters business unit.   

Demo flights will require registration prior to HAI Heli-Expo and have limited availability. Operators interested in booking a flight test may contact Christian Blagborne at christian.blagborne@StandardAero.com or +1-236-688-1934.

StandardAero’s theme at the 2022 HAI Heli-Expo event is “Growing to Serve You Better.” Visit StandardAero at Booth #2417 at the Dallas Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center from March 8-10. 

For more information, visit www.standardaero.com.