BLR Aerospace has delivered its 200th FastFin Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for a Bell UH-1H helicopter. More than one-third of the certificated UH-1 fleet has been modified with FastFin, making it one of the company’s top-selling products, according to Dave Marone, vice president of sales and marketing for BLR. “The market has responded positively to the improvements in directional...

The FAA granted HeliSAS, Cobham’s Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System, STC status on the Eurocopter AS350 model series and EC130 helicopters. Earlier this year, HeliSAS was STCd on the Bell 206B, 206L and 407 models. HeliSAS reduces pilot workload and increases aircraft stability. The two-axis system provides precise control during all modes of flight, regardless of wind conditions or...

Ralph Hawkins | Contributing Author This is the second in a two-part series. In the first part that was published in our June/July issue, I discussed the why of using engine start carts, ground idle compressor speeds and in-flight cruise engine temperatures.In this article, I will discuss the why concerning compressors, silicon dioxide, fuel nozzles and sulfidation. To re-cap the introduction...

HeliMx Interview with Darren Tilman The Power Flow System for the Robinson R22 is a high performance, tuned exhaust system designed expressly for the Lycoming O-320 engine. It is similar to designs Power Flow Systems Inc. has developed and STCd for 13 other Lycoming-powered aircraft, but it has optimized this system for the Robinson helicopter. What’s the big deal about a tuned exhaust, you ask?...

Dana Kerrick — Contributing Author It’s not unusual to receive rotor blades for repair after they’ve sustained damage from wire strikes, tree strikes and hangar strikes, or sometimes human strikes. The nature of the mission of the helicopter makes it necessary to “get close” to the job, and often increases the chance to experience these types of damage. This damage is never intentional and...

A commonly-accepted definition of communication between people goes something like this: Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information . It requires a sender, a message and an intended recipient, although the intended recipient need not be present or aware of the sender’s intent to communicate at the time of communication. The act of communication can occur across vast...

FlightSafety International announces that it will expand its simulator-based Night Vision Goggle training program through a collaborative agreement with Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU). Night Vision Goggle training is currently available at FlightSafety’s Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona using the new FAA Level 7 qualified AS350 Flight Training Device. Other FlightSafety locations will...

Bell Helicopter announces that it has formed a distributor partnership to sell products from TrueView Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS), LLC under its Aeronautical Accessories brand. TrueView EVS’ infrared thermal imaging system improves flight safety in compromised flight conditions such as darkness or low light/low visibility conditionsand virtually eliminates the chance of controlled flight into...

After a four year restoration programme undertaken by a team of AgustaWestland apprentices, the record breaking Westland Lynx helicopter, which is still the official holder of the helicopter World Speed Record, was today unveiled by AgustaWestland’s CEO Bruno Spagnolini and apprentices to employees gathered at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil factory. After the unveiling Bruno Spagnolini, CEO, said “To...