Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announces it received Transport Canada approval for a 500 lbs. weight increase – to increase the maximum gross weight to 7,500 lbs – for the Bell 429. “This enhancement was the result of continued requests from our customers to yield additional performance from the Bell 429. Our customers told us they loved all the features and performance the Bell 429...

American Eurocopter announces that it has been officially recognized as the regional hub for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for Eurocopter EC135 and EC145 customers in North and Latin America. This certification covers D-level MRO activities for all EC135 and EC145 airframes, blades and dynamic components. “We continually strive to enhance our repair and overhaul programs to meet the...

Aspen Avionics announces the availability of an improved Jeppesen terrain database that expands the Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) operation area to regions outside of the continental United States. The new terrain database significantly improves terrain data resolution in virtually all operating areas, enabling the Evolution System to display synthetic vision most everywhere Aspen customers...

The HSAC meeting was held in New Orleans, LA, Jan 11-12. Attendees from offshore operators and petroleum companies discussed best practices and safety initiatives in operations, training, maintenance and technology. Harold Summers, HAI’s director of Flight Operations and Technical Services, provided updates on HELI-EXPO 2012 and HAI Accreditation. The Helicopter Safety Advisory Conference (HSAC...

Nicole Jackson has been named HAI’s Advertising & Exhibit Sales assistant. Prior to joining HAI, Nicole was an intern with the Water Environment Federation in their Exhibition and Conference department. Reporting to HAI’s manager of Advertising & Exhibit Sales, Nicole will be assisting with the marketing of HELI-EXPO®, selling exhibit space and sponsorships for HELI-EXPO, and assisting in...

Helicopter Association International (HAI) announces the winners of the Association’s 2012 Salute to Excellence Awards, honoring those who maintain the highest traditions of the helicopter industry. “The Salute to Excellence awards couldn’t be better named,” says HAI President Matt Zuccaro. “In an industry for which safety is so important, everyone strives to do their very best – and these awards...

Will Barks | Contributing Author Today’s helicopter engines are marvels of technology and power. These engines have heavy demands placed on them for performance and reliability. In order to sustain these demands, knowing your helicopter’s operating environment and how it impacts maintenance is paramount to managing and operating a safe, efficient and cost-effective helicopter operation...

R. Fred Polak | Editor A flight management system (FMS) is often mistakenly called a long-range navigation system. I say mistakenly because the FMS does more than just long-range navigation. The FMS acts as a navigation manager, and in doing so, reduces the number of system controllers on the flight deck and helps reduce the pilot’s workload. By workload I am talking about the amount of data...

Bob Peterson – Contributing Author I have seen the word helicopter defined as “too many moving parts moving in too many different directions all at the same time” — not too far off from reality, in that there are a great many moving parts all moving to accomplish flight. There are mechanical systems, electrical systems, pneumatic systems and hydraulic systems all working together to “fly” the...