R44 helicopter

Hartzell Engine Tech receives FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) for its Sky-Tec HT (High Torque) starters for Robinson two-place R22 and four-place R44 light utility helicopters. The company’s Sky-Tec HT starter for Lycoming engines features an integrated self-resetting Kickback Protection System (KPS) to protect the powerplant and starter from an engine kickback. The PMA for the plug-and-play starters was obtained through the company’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program.

True Blue Power, the first company to receive FAA TSO certification for lithium-ion batteries, announces the company’s TB17 (17 amp-hour) lithium-ion main ship battery is a standard option on Robinson Helicopter Company’s R44. Weighing only 16 pounds, the TB17 gives R44 operators an additional 13 pounds of useful load compared to the helicopter’s standard lead-acid battery.