This sponsored article was developed by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of Spidertracks.

Whether you’re in peak or off-season for aerial firefighting, it’s important to ensure you and your team stay up to date with local mandates and regulatory compliance, and that your pilots continue to fly safely, distraction-free.

Technology now allows our industry to easily access mission-critical information, which was previously unattainable. Aviators can accurately and securely store this data, transmit in real-time, and utilize this information to make proactive safety decisions and mitigate future risks.

This also has a knock-on effect, where there are now many solutions available in the market providing this service. Now, the decision isn’t whether to choose a solution; it’s deciding which solution is best suited for your operation and will be the most efficient for you and your team.

Key considerations in choosing the right solution provider include the ability to seamlessly integrate with existing providers, customize the software, connect in real-time to remote areas where cellular coverage is limited, and record, transmit and report on firefighting event data, such as real-time aircraft positions, tank/bucket fill and gallons filled.

Future-proofing the longevity of your chosen solution is also a key factor. Managing pilot scheduling, flight records, log books, timesheets, incident/accident reporting, and hazard/risk registers are just some of the valuable information businesses need to track.

One of these solution providers is Spidertracks, which has three core integration partners that are compliant, operationally viable, and allow aerial firefighters around the world to effectively suppress fires while capturing all information required for local authorities.

Spidertracks’ all-in-one software and hardware solution seamlessly integrates with its partners, as well as allows for external integrations via its automated flight following (AFF) feed. This ensures teams are able to capture all critical data automatically and report accurately, which enables pilots to fly distraction-free.

Recently, Spidertracks merged with software solution Air Maestro, enabling operators to have a one-stop option for real-time flight tracking, safety management system (SMS) and crew management. Delivering unparalleled value to the market, the unified software platform addresses critical, unserved needs in the global aviation industry.

Spidertracks has worked with customer Blackcomb Helicopters for 12 months, recently migrating its automated flight following system to Spidertracks. This resulted in immense benefits for Blackcomb’s operations.

“Spidertracks’ feature-rich software and hardware has been a game-changer for us,” said Chris Haslock, director of operations at Blackcomb. “We find the web interface remarkably user-friendly, and the mobile app takes this ease of use to the next level.”

He said the seamless communication facilitated by Spidertxt among Blackcomb’s staff has streamlined the company’s processes. Meanwhile, the mapping page provides a clear and concise overview of aircraft activity, contributing to a more efficient workflow.

“Notably, the flight Insights feature has become an invaluable asset for our operations department, offering valuable information that directly supports our Flight Operations Quality Assurance program,” Haslock said. “The capability to load and monitor various flight parameters, coupled with the alert system, has been particularly impressive, enhancing our ability to proactively manage and optimize our flight operations.”

Allow your pilots to focus on the task at hand, and partner with the right provider for your aerial firefighting needs.

To see Spidertracks’ integration partners, visit its website at https://www.spidertracks.com/solutions/fire-data

The post Spidertracks: Partner with the right provider appeared first on Vertical Mag.

Helicopters fly essential missions and often perform life-saving interventions. The instability of our current world has underlined the important role played by helicopters in supporting public service operators that assist populations in demanding environments.

In the midst of new global trends that are increasingly complex and volatile, Airbus Helicopters always seeks to meet its customers’ evolving requirements by continuously improving its current fleet and preparing for tomorrow’s.

From providing emergency medical transport, responding to search-and-rescue missions, or reaching isolated populations, we help save lives, protect citizens, safely carry passengers and safeguard our world for future generations. And we always rely on innovation and lower carbon technologies to do so.

Enabling vital operations

The versatility of Airbus’s civil platforms is an unrivalled advantage for our customers who perform public service missions. From our light single-engine Écureuil to the proven Super Puma family, the diverse strengths of our helicopters provide operators with increased flexibility and reliability.

Firefighting is a prime example of this. The various stages of the mission require different assets — whether to assess the extent of a fire with the H125, to directly attack the fire with the H215 in a water bomber configuration, or to extract citizens or firefighters from the scene with the H225’s exceptional hoisting capabilities.

Another segment where this complementarity between aerial assets is required is energy. The recent certification of our H160 in the United States and Canada makes this next-generation helicopter a major asset for operators in this segment, such as PHI which will operate the H160 along with our proven H175.

The H145 is not to be outdone, as it has demonstrated to be a reliable partner for utility missions as well, performing in the world’s first hoist trial operation on floating wind turbines in Norway, alongside the H135.

Making a difference to save lives

Making the world a safer place starts with protecting citizens. As we support our customers in this endeavor, helicopters that perform emergency medical services (EMS) require constant improvements to provide patients with the highest level of care in the first “golden hour.”

Our H135 and H145 keep making a difference, with enhanced features designed to improve performance and comfort while easing maintenance. Both rotorcraft are equipped with the Helionix suite, Airbus Helicopters’ advanced avionics system, making for greater mission flexibility and operational safety.

Their low acoustic footprint makes the H135 and the H145 the quietest helicopters in their class, while their CO2 emissions are the lowest among their direct competitors. Additionally, the five-bladed version of the H145 increases the helicopter’s payload by 150 kilograms (330 pounds), an essential increment for medical cabin configurations.

Innovating for the future

Our H160, now set for entry into service across North America, or the versatile H145 that has become the platform-basis for our new flying laboratory, the PioneerLab, are examples of how we strive to build vertical-lift solutions that not only exceed our customers’ expectations, but also anticipate their future mission requirements.

As our third flying laboratory, the PioneerLab is dedicated to maturing CO2 reduction technologies for twin-engine helicopters. It joins the DisruptiveLab, which flew for the first time in 2023 with the purpose of evaluating a new aerodynamic architecture intended to reduce fuel consumption. Specifically, the DisruptiveLab aims to explore the implementation of hybridization with a fully parallel hybrid propulsion system that enables the battery to be recharged in-flight.

Meanwhile, we recently marked important milestones on our journey to increase aviation safety and reduce pilots’ workload with the FlightLab, which successfully tested an electric flight control system in preparation of a new human machine interface (HMI). This HMI will have one single piloting stick replacing the three conventional pilot controls — cyclic, pedals, and collective — and will be able to control all aircraft axes.

On the other hand, the FlightLab also flew fully automated with Vertex onboard, an interface equipped with advanced autonomous features that is able to detect unforeseen obstacles and automatically recalculate a safe flight path. Both elements will be essential to Airbus’s advanced air mobility roadmap.

Supporting those who fly our helicopters

Our customers’ feedback is what powers Airbus Helicopters’ transformation and how we improve toward excellence. To provide them with the highest level of support from delivery to operations, we revamped our training portfolio with a greater choice of courses, tailored trainee experience and enhanced digitalization.

The new training offer will also reflect the evolution of Airbus Helicopters’ HCare, which saw a successful trend in 2023 with numerous operators signing up for these customized support packages.

The increased use of digital tools is among our key drivers to support our customers and the evolution of their fleet. For instance, more than 1,200 helicopters in our global fleet are now enrolled to share real-time flight data, which in turn, helps us design customized guidance and maintenance plans.

Innovation is a core part of how we design our support offer, and the joint establishment of HMotion with the ADAC HEMS Academy is testament to this commitment. Once operational, this new simulator training center will focus on providing cost-effective training courses for helicopter personnel, including mission and critical flight training for the H135 and H145 family helicopters.

The post Airbus: An entire range to serve populations appeared first on Vertical Mag.

Designed around three pillars — time, patient access, and availability — Leonardo continues to showcase its program enhancements and aircraft customization for emergency medical services (EMS) in the United States.

With these pillars in mind, Leonardo has propelled forward with consistent investment in program enhancements to grow the thriving EMS field throughout the U.S., with its top aircraft: the AW109 series, AW169, AW139 and soon, the AW09.

Leonardo has the fastest product line in the industry, with all its certified products having a VNE (never-exceed speed) of over 155 knots (287 kilometers per hour). This factor is vital in providing accommodations for patient transportation — from the point of pickup to drop-off — in record time. 

Leonardo crafts each helicopter model for easy accessibility to the patient by the complete medical team. The company is the only manufacturer designing single-engine and twin-engine platforms that permit full patient access with no protrusion into the cockpit.

Whether it’s the AW09, AW139 or AW169, Leonardo’s modular design allows for simple reconfiguration based on the type of mission that customers respond to.

For example, Travis County’s AW169 functionality can be used for search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. However, the medical team can quickly reconfigure the same aircraft to ensure maximum flexibility and efficiency for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) transport.

EMS operators need to be ready at a moment’s notice, and over the last 10 years, Leonardo has worked to ensure that its support network in the United States, including parts, training, service center, and blade repair, is conveniently located close to its customers. This allows for quick turnaround when a maintenance issue occurs.

AW09

The AW09, under development, is a unique single-engine helicopter with a twin-engine size cabin, allowing the operator to maintain inexpensive operations. A cabin in parallel with a twin-engine helicopter will enable them to be much more capable from a patient transport/patient advocacy perspective. In addition, this aircraft is the only single-engine allowing complete patient access. 

Moreover, the AW09 provides operators with a versatile and reliable asset that is ready to tackle a range of primary and secondary EMS missions. The helicopter’s compact footprint enables operations from unprepared surfaces and tight landing zones.

AW109 series (Trekker and GrandNew)

With a recommended cruise speed of 155 kts (187 km/h), the AW109’s best-in-class speed allows rapid patient transport from the incident scene or hospital to the inbound hospital. The aircraft includes a state-of-the-art avionics package that comes standard, and is equipped with synthetic vision, traffic avoidance, and helicopter terrain awareness and warning
system (HTAWS).

AW169

The AW169 stays true to its value of meeting the most stringent requirements — today and into the future. It continues to provide all new capabilities to operators looking for an ideal combination of light helicopter cost with higher category performance, payload, and cabin space, combined with comprehensive and ever-growing support and training services.

The performance increase packages, certified in late 2021, deliver extraordinary performance in all conditions for all applications. This makes the AW169 the helicopter with the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, in addition to offering state-of-the-art technologies such as auxiliary power unit (APU) mode, advanced avionics suite, run-dry gearbox, advanced SAR modes, and health and usage monitoring system (HUMS).

The AW169 offers open cabin architecture, accommodating many EMS interior designs with full body patient access, whether positioned longitudinally or laterally. The type is also available with all three undercarriage options (fixed and retractable landing gear, as well as skids) — a unique option in the market. Leonardo is also working to certify a maximum gross weight (MGW) increase of up to 5.1 US tons (4,626 kilograms) for the skidded variant.

AW139

The AW139 is the benchmark helicopter for multirole flexibility in terms of configuration and performance capabilities. This aircraft can install Bambi Buckets or belly tanks for water bombing while simultaneously being able to transport up to 15 passengers and complete SAR missions. Its rescue hoist is compatible with firefighting configuration, allowing simultaneous capability for in-flight rescue.

Many operators worldwide are successfully operating the AW139 for fire and rescue operations, such as the Los Angeles Fire Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Italian Fire Brigades, operators in South Korea and Japan, and more. 

For EMS and SAR operations, response speed is critical. The ability to react, locate and respond to an emergency with the appropriate resources can be the difference between life and death. Leonardo continues to rise to the challenge by providing capable and sustainable aircraft for its customers.

The post Leonardo: The need for speed appeared first on Vertical Mag.

Providing industry-leading maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services has made Precision Aviation Group (PAG) the obvious choice for mission-critical operators. PAG offers a full suite of MRO and supply chain services for fixed- and rotary-wing platforms worldwide.

PAG is a market leader when it comes to making significant investments to expand its inventories, service capabilities, repair stations, and geographical locations. Every effort aligns with the company’s dedication to supporting aviation operators wherever and however they fly.

“Our customers don’t have to find different suppliers for the components they need — they call PAG,” said David Mast, PAG’s president and CEO. “As a global brand, our past performance speaks for itself.”

PAG understands the direct and life-threatening consequences for mission-critical operators the longer their aircraft is grounded. That’s why the company takes great pride in becoming their trusted MRO service provider.

“When we are in an AOG situation, PAG is going to be the first call that we make,” said Scott Hutchison, director of procurement and supply chain at Pacific Coastal Airlines in British Columbia — a loyal PAG customer for 15 years. “We could reach out any time, day or night, and they’ll respond. That level of customer service is valuable for an organization like us that doesn’t sleep.”

For a company like Pacific, one grounded aircraft could cost the airline anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 a day — but there’s more than just monetary consequences in an AOG situation.

“A lot of what we do is in the small villages we support. We bring people down into the big city for medical reasons, doctor’s appointments, things that they can’t get in the communities they’re in,” he said. “Being able to keep our machines in the air with the help of a company like PAG, I don’t know if you can actually put measure on that.”

To ensure PAG continues to fulfill its commitment to customers, the company has organized its MRO service offerings within four key market segments: avionics, components, engines, and manufacturing/DER.

“We’ve expanded our capabilities in every segment,” said Ketan Desai, PAG’s chief sales and marketing officer. “As a trusted industry leader, we have to stay ahead of the evolving aerospace environment and our customers’ changing requirements.”

One of PAG’s unique attributes is its trademarked Inventory Supported Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (ISMRO) program — a value-add service that puts the company in front of supply chain issues that have plagued the rest of the industry.

Through a robust inventory, ISMRO supports PAG’s MRO functions across all its business segments. In fact, PAG invests around $150-million in rotable, flight-ready inventory — a significant investment with the aim of keeping aviation operators mission ready.

“Chances are that eight of the 10 components you’re looking for will be on our shelves ready to ship within 30 minutes,” Desai said.

Unlike a typical repair station, where customers might have to wait 20 to 30 days to get their components overhauled, PAG’s ISMRO program gives customers the option

of having replacement parts shipped out the same day. This eliminates supply chain delays, and more importantly, it gets aircraft back in the air faster.

“The ISMRO program evaluates the customer’s asset, allowing us to charge customers the exact same dollar amount as having their own components fixed,” Desai said. “It’s a unique model, and there’s nobody else in our industry that offers ISMRO for all four market segments.”

Looking ahead, PAG plans to acquire additional service capabilities and geographic locations, particularly focusing on the engine and component services segments. While other competitors have been hesitant to invest in these areas during times of crisis, PAG has taken a leadership role in putting the business of its customers first.

“Acquiring facilities and businesses and adding additional locations truly improves the customer experience, allowing us to help get their aircraft back in the air sooner,” Mast said. “Ultimately, we consider ourselves the best value. Customers have said we’re very competitively priced, considering the service and availability
they get with PAG.” 

Avionics services

Part failure can ground an aircraft until the part is replaced. For most fleet operators, keeping flight-ready spares on hand is a monumental task. A trusted parts supplier available 24/7/365 is a necessity. Regardless of the size or location of an operation, customers rely on PAG for instant access to the company’s expertise and over 200,000 flight-ready line items.

“From legacy products to current generation platforms, PAG can provide any avionics support an operator needs, wherever they are located,” said Mark Stemwedel, PAG’s vice president of avionics technical services.

A wide range of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services and flight-deck systems are offered, including:

• Engine and flight controls, weather radar

• Navigation and communication systems

• Flight recorders, lighting, data printers

In 2022, PAG added new capabilities to its growing suite of avionics services by acquiring Velocity Aerospace Group. Velocity’s EDN Aviation facility in Van Nuys, California, specializes in:

• Multilayer circuit board assemblies

• Cable and wiring harnesses, avionics enclosures

“Through Velocity’s facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Burbank, California, PAG supports avionics, electrical systems, fire protection, interior lights, water/waste assemblies, and more,” Stemwedel said.

PAG’s expert in-house avionics MRO services result in far more efficient and cost-effective support than that of its competitors, at a fraction of the turnaround time.

While many traditional original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may offer built-to-order service on spares, PAG’s strong relationships with OEMs allow its customers to make immediate purchases from the company’s $150-million flight-ready parts inventory.

Component services

Performing over 100,000 repairs for 6,500 customers in 90 countries every year, PAG is well established as a global leader in the MRO industry. With specialized repair capabilities, PAG can save customers thousands of dollars by repairing components in-house.

PAG’s component services segment focuses on what was essentially the company’s original business model, providing MRO support for starter generators, wheels, brakes, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, instruments, and batteries.

According to Jordan Webber, vice president of component services, “Our unique capabilities within this segment are twofold. We cover the entire product line and our geographic reach is extensive. As a one-stop solution for customers, there aren’t many companies that can offer PAG’s depth and breadth of support,” Webber said.

With the acquisition of Trace Aviation in Jackson, Mississippi, PAG’s comprehensive MRO services include specialization in Beechcraft King Air and 1900 landing gear, as well as airframe component exchanges and overhauls.

PAG has five starter generator shops strategically located throughout the world, including one in Australia, Canada, and Brazil and two in the U.S., giving PAG a unique competitive edge.

“That’s an exceptional offering. People don’t have to transport parts halfway across the world to get them serviced,” Webber said. “We are available where our customer base is located.”

PAG not only overhauls starter generators, with the acquisition of Precision Rewind Services (PRS) in Concord, Ontario, the company rewinds those components in-house.

“Instead of scrapping out an item, we have internal capability to provide cost-saving full rewind. Our customers don’t have to buy new,” Webber said.

Engine services

Repairing and overhauling fixed- and rotary-wing engines and engine accessories is a core PAG capability. This includes a broad range of MRO and supply chain solutions supporting:

• Engines, modules, fuel controls, governors

• Bleed valves, nozzles, fuel heaters

• Turbine blades, compressors, and gear boxes

“Our customers are looking for timely and detailed support for inspection/repair services, or immediate access to our inventory of PAG-owned spares,” said Keith Stringer, vice president of engine services.

Through the acquisition of Keystone Turbine Service (KTS), PAG acquired Rolls-Royce’s second largest Authorized Maintenance Repair Overhaul Center (AMROC) and recipient of the coveted Rolls-Royce “Best in Class” award for three consecutive years.

PAG offers an all-in-one solution, supporting inspection, repair, and full overhaul of the Rolls-Royce M250 and RR300 series of gas turbine engines, including modules, accessories, and components, as well as testing services. PAG also provides Honeywell and Triumph accessories, components, spare parts, and field service support.

In 2022, PAG acquired Pacific Turbine Group (PTB), expanding its repair capabilities for the Pratt & Whitney PT6 and Honeywell TPE331 engine lines.

“PAG provides the internal repairs necessary to return the engine to service in a timely and cost-effective way, as well as the repair or overhaul of the assembly,” Stringer said.

PAG creates custom support solutions, incorporating new or used serviceable material (USM) and internal reworks to manage costs while ensuring high-quality standards. The company has taken great strides to invest in inventory, new capabilities, and technical training, allowing mission-critical operators to have immediate access to parts and timely support.

Manufacturing/DER services

Mission-critical operators know the importance of keeping their aircraft flight ready. With PAG’s manufacturing/DER segment, mission-critical operators can receive MRO services for over 1,100 different:

• Armatures, stators, rotors

• Round wire, solenoids, coils

• LCD displays

“PAG is one of only two facilities in North America that can repair aircraft LCD displays using proprietary processes,” said Mark Stemwedel, vice president of avionics technical services.

PAG also specializes in manufacturing and refurbishing cockpit panels, multilayer circuit board assemblies, cable and wiring harnesses, avionics enclosures, and cockpit sub-assemblies.

“Besides incorporating the ISMRO supply chain model into this segment, our ability to solve a problem for a customer, whether it’s manufacturing a cockpit panel or repairing LCD displays, gives us distinctive capabilities,” Stemwedel said.

PAG’s manufacturing/DER services result in many advantages for the customer, including impressive cost-savings. For example, PAG’s proprietary reverse engineering processes can yield, in some cases, $10,000 to $25,000 in savings for a single LCD repair.

Through internal development and acquisitions, PAG has added over 900 specific DER repairs, and its engineers are constantly working on projects that will yield customers better turnaround times and increased savings on parts costs.

To ensure continued readiness to meet customer needs, PAG has committed extensive resources to further develop its manufacturing/DER services segment.

The post PAG: Instant Access to Over 200,000 Flight-Ready Spares appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This article was created by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of Cadorath.

In the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1954, Gerald Joseph Cadorath embarked on a journey, driven by a dream far greater than his humble beginnings.

With a fierce determination to provide a better future for his family, he leveraged a modest loan of $600 into the foundation of what would become a cornerstone in the aerospace industry — Cadorath.

Starting in a small 500-square-foot (50-square-meter) space in a rundown shack, Gerald’s electroplating company took its first breaths, starting with an old mining bucket turned into a plating tank.

His vision was simple yet profound — to offer hard chrome and cadmium plating to local industries. With relentless hard work and a commitment to quality, the company gradually expanded its services, laying the groundwork for a future marked by innovation and excellence.

Fast forward to today, Cadorath, propelled by the dedication and expertise of over 400 team members, has transformed into a global leader in multiple markets.

These skilled professionals form the backbone of Cadorath’s strategic partnerships with globally respected original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Rolls-Royce, Airbus, John Deere, CNH Industrial, and Zamboni.

Operating from over a quarter-million square feet across multiple locations, including Winnipeg, Manitoba; Orion, Illinois; Bettendorf, Iowa; and Lafayette, Louisiana, Cadorath has made its mark in various sectors — a testament to the collective effort and talent of its expansive team.

From the icy rinks maintained by Zamboni machines to the fields harvested by John Deere combines, Cadorath’s influence is widespread. But it’s in the field of aerospace where Cadorath truly soars. The 1980s marked a significant turn when Gerry, the founder’s son, fueled by his father’s pioneering spirit, defied the perceived limitations of the plating business.

His vision led to the establishment of Cadorath Aerospace in 1989, with a mission to offer specialized electroplating and other processes for aircraft part rework and overhaul.

This expansion set the stage for Cadorath’s prestigious partnership with Rolls-Royce in 2001, becoming an authorized repair facility (ARF) for the M250 engine line.

This initial collaboration was a testament to Cadorath’s growing expertise and commitment to excellence in the aerospace sector. Subsequently, as the RR300 engine line emerged, Cadorath expanded its authorization to include this newer line, further strengthening its strong relationship with Rolls-Royce.

Expanding horizons and shaping the future

In 2005, Cadorath marked a significant milestone in its growth trajectory with the launch of another Rolls-Royce approved facility in Broussard, Louisiana, specializing in state-of-the-art technologies.

This expansion, a testament to the company’s continuous evolution, not only enhanced Cadorath’s capabilities in specialized processes — making it one of the world’s largest in this arena — but also led to the achievement of design approval organization (DAO) status by Transport Canada in 2015, a prestigious recognition also accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This status empowered Cadorath to develop, substantiate, and approve aircraft part repairs, significantly extending the service life of customer parts.

Cadorath’s journey didn’t just stop at Rolls-Royce. The company’s quest for excellence led to strategic alignments with other major OEMs like Airbus and Safran, further broadening its status in the aerospace industry.

The Airbus approval and becoming a D-level repair center — a first in 20 years — showcased Cadorath’s capability in single part repairs and comprehensive maintenance services.

Complementing these technical achievements, Cadorath Distribution, the company’s buying arm, made extensive inventory investments. This foresight turned Cadorath’s facilities into the go-to maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and supply solution for numerous engine overhaul facilities worldwide.

In September 2023, Cadorath announced yet another significant milestone: The opening of its
Rolls-Royce authorized maintenance, repair and overhaul center (AMROC) in Broussard.

“This expansion allows us to offer complete engine overhaul services, further solidifying our commitment to the marketplace,” said Roy Hartfiel, program manager for engine services at Cadorath.

Danny Miller, director of business development, added: “What sets us apart are our dedicated MROs, extensive exchange and rental inventories, and the deep passion and experience of our people. These elements distinctly position us in the market.”

David Haines, chief operating officer of Cadorath, emphasized the core of Cadorath’s success, linking it to the people-centric approach and strategic methodologies.

“Our greatest asset is our people. Their skills and dedication are what make our state-of-the-art equipment perform to its highest potential,” Haines said. “By embracing the principles of the ‘Great Game of Business’ and continuous improvement process, we’ve cultivated an environment where every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective success and drive innovation.”

This year marks Cadorath’s 70th year in business, and the company is gearing up to move its new AMROC into a 15,000-sq.-ft. (1,400-sq.-m) facility in Broussard.

This facility will feature a comprehensive engine overhaul capacity, including an onsite test cell and support staff, offering customers complete fly-in service. The enhanced customer experience, fixed-based operator (FBO) service, and Cadorath’s promise of “MoreUPTime” are set to redefine industry standards.

In its 70th year, Cadorath continues to embody the vision of its founder — a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, propelling the company toward a future where it not only meets the industry’s demands, but sets new benchmarks of excellence. 

The post Cadorath: Evolution of Excellence appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This sponsored article was created by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of CENTUM.

“How can this happen in a time when everyone has a cell phone?”

It was the early 2010s, and this question nagged at Isaac Ballesteros, partner and chief technology officer of the Spanish innovation firm CENTUM research & technology.

He kept seeing news reports about search-and-rescue (SAR) missions that stretched for hours instead of minutes, as aircrews searched vast geographical areas with only a general sense of where the victims might be.

“How is this so difficult,” he thought. “The technology is right there in their pockets.”

To his technologist’s brain, the solution seemed obvious.

Virtually everyone carried a cell phone with them. Those cell phones had global positioning systems (GPS) and other technology that could serve as emergency beacons.

With the right access and a simple user interface, those cell phones could help SAR crews pinpoint a victim’s location to within about five meters (15 feet). It could save lives, save resources, and vastly improve the efficiency of any SAR mission.

“That’s where our product Lifeseeker was born,” said Hector Estevez, CEO of CENTUM. “It quickly finds missing people through their mobile phones, even in areas with no network coverage.”

The technology behind Lifeseeker is complicated, but the outcomes are simple: In a few minutes, it can find a missing person’s location and lead rescuers directly to them. It’s become a game-changing tool for more than 35 leading SAR operators in North America, Europe and Asia.

“Operators tell us that before Lifeseeker, they used visual search methods. So when the weather is complicated or it’s late at night, or if they’re searching in a forest with lots of tree cover, they can’t see anything,” Estevez said. “With Lifeseeker, it’s much easier. Some operators have even used it to find avalanche victims buried under two meters of snow.”

Since Lifeseeker launched in 2016, it has been adopted by key SAR operators like REGA in Switzerland and the Royal Canadian Air Force, according to CENTUM.

For SAR operators, the company developed a simple interface that can run on any device with a web browser — a laptop, tablet or cell phone — and doesn’t require significant training.

“Lifeseeker’s intuitive interface makes it incredibly easy for operators without technical backgrounds to harness our telecommunications systems. We’re committed to empowering all users to make the most of our technology,” Estevez said. “We would like to underscore that our system’s interface is exceptionally user-friendly, even for operators without a technical background in telecommunications systems. This is significant, as search-and-rescue operators may include firefighters rather than just engineers.”

Estevez also praised Lifeseeker’s front-end for its remarkable ease of use. Lifeseeker can be used on manned aircraft (helicopters and planes) or on unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs or drones). Operators can even carry it in a backpack on the ground.

It also fits well within CENTUM’s larger vision: To fly with purpose, creating high-tech systems that bring real value to the world.

“Our job is to help save lives,” Estevez said. “We know there is a direct correlation between rescue time and survival time, and we know Lifeseeker helps with that. This is what’s important to us as a company.” 

For more information about Lifeseeker and other CENTUM products, visit centum-rt.com.

The post CENTUM: Beacons that save lives appeared first on Vertical Mag.

DISCLAIMER: This sponsored article was created by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of Wingman Med.

It’s a frightening prospect that, sadly, prevents many pilots from getting the help they need: The possibility of losing their livelihoods due to a failed medical certificate examination.

But what many pilots don’t realize is, the right guidance from a qualified healthcare professional with extensive knowledge of the aviation industry can make all the difference in the world.

“One of our mantras is, get treated and get better,” said Dr. Daniel Monlux, a flight surgeon and former F/A-18 pilot who is also an aviation medical examiner (AME) certified in human intervention motivation study (HIMS) and co-founder of the aerospace medical consultancy Wingman Med.

“If you think you have a problem, go see a doctor. Get the appropriate treatment for it, and more than likely, there’s a pathway back to the cockpit.”

Unlike a pilot’s license, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate has an expiration date, and a host of factors can lead to it not being approved. In many cases, it boils down to paperwork errors that get flagged in a fickle bureaucratic process.

In other cases, the FAA might raise concern about a past medical condition, or a prescription for painkillers the pilot may have stopped taking years ago.

Those kinds of issues don’t necessarily disqualify a pilot from flying, and an experienced medical consultant from Wingman Med can catch them upstream and prevent them from slowing down the approvals process.

“The doctors at the FAA reviewing division — the aerospace medical certification division in Oklahoma City — they never see you physically … they are literally just looking at the paperwork that gets sent in,” said Dr. Keith Roxo, a trained aerospace medicine physician, Top-Gun-trained adversary pilot and co-founder of Wingman Med.

“You can be as fit as a fiddle, but if your paperwork is garbage, you’re not getting your medical. That’s a crucial thing for people to understand … paperwork errors or just incomplete paperwork are some of the primary reasons why people get stuck in the certification process.”

Still, even in the face of a serious medical condition like high blood pressure, heart attack or diabetes, there’s often a clear path back to the pilot’s seat.

“People who have had heart attacks can still get medical certificates,” Dr. Monlux said. “I think the flying public will be happy to know there’s a pretty rigorous process that pilots need to go through before they’re allowed to fly after that. But there is a process for it.”

Medical and aviation expertise

Wingman Med is a rare medical consultancy that backs up its healthcare expertise with extraordinary first-hand knowledge of the factors pilots face.

Dr. Monlux and Dr. Roxo founded the company after retiring from pilot careers in the U.S. military that saw them rack up thousands of flight hours. They both also spent time as military flight surgeons, overseeing the care of some of the world’s elite military aviators.

“That gives you that instant credibility,” said Dr. Monlux, who started his career in the U.S. Navy and has more than 2,000 flight hours, including combat service in the F/A-18. He was also a commercial pilot for more than 20 years and is a certified flight instructor for single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, as well as for instrument flight.

“When you walk into a squadron, they don’t see you as a doctor first. They’re seeing you as a pilot first,” Dr. Monlux said.

Dr. Roxo has over 2,000 flight hours in high-performance aircraft, including the F/A-18, F-16 and F-5, along with multiple military flight instructor qualifications, an airline transport pilot certificate, and an FAA civilian flight instructor certificate.

Together, they started Wingman Med with the goal of keeping pilots in the air while practicing rigorous medicine, using a model Dr. Roxo compares to one used in the U.S. Navy.

“[In] the Navy model, you are the doctor for the pilot,” he said. “So it’s your job to take care of them — and when there’s a problem, get them back to qualification as expeditiously as possible. I believe [this is] something that has helped us with the FAA side, because we know how to take care of pilots.”

This approach also encourages pilots to get the help they need, rather than avoid getting medical treatment due to a fear of being disqualified to fly.

“It’s one thing that I try and express — not just to pilots, but I’ll do this to younger doctors that I meet,” Dr. Roxo said. “You can’t take care of someone else if you can’t take care of yourself. If you go up in the air when you’re sick and now you have an issue in the cockpit, how are you going to finish your mission? How are you helpful to somebody else at that point?”

Qualified medical advice

Wingman Med leverages more than six decades of combined expertise from its board-certified aerospace medicine physicians, who remain active pilots.

They have a keen understanding of the passion and joy that comes with flying, as well as the dedication required to stay qualified. Thousands of pilots have trusted Wingman Med to help them navigate the FAA bureaucracy with sound medical and administrative advice.

“Having a disqualifying condition is very rarely the thing that holds people back from getting a medical certificate,” Dr. Monlux said.

“You’ve got to treat that FAA medical exam like a check ride,” added Dr. Roxo, using the colloquial term for an FAA Practical Exam. “It’s not an annual checkup with the doctor. It’s a check ride … You have medicine, which is its own complex science, and then you have federal bureaucracy overlaid on top of it. So it’s difficult for the average person, even the average highly-intelligent person, to be able to decipher that in a way that they can truly understand.”

The process often begins with a visit to the Wingman Med website, which includes a searchable database of medications flagged by the FAA, and the MedXPress Simulator, which provides access to the types of questions an AME may encounter from the FAA during their evaluation.

Wingman Med also operates a sister website, PilotDoctors.com, another searchable database that helps pilots find a qualified AME in their local area. In contrast to the FAA’s own published list, PilotDoctors.com has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to filter AMEs based on their individual qualifications, with enhanced datasets that incorporate Google reviews and other sources meant to evaluate an AME’s track record with patients.

“It’s really hard to find somebody who you have any confidence is actually going to know how to do a good exam,” Dr. Monlux said. “And if you really have an issue, having an AME who knows what the FAA’s current regulations are and how to apply the standards, is critically important.”

One-on-one consultation

After browsing the Wingman Med website, pilots can book a free 15-minute consultation with a qualified AME who can provide advice about how to approach their medical exam. Simple queries are often cleared up at this stage, and don’t require a follow-up appointment.

“I would say about two-thirds of the people that we talked to never pay us a dime,” Dr. Monlux said. “We’re able to provide some reassurance and send them in the right direction without any kind of financial obligation to us whatsoever. And that’s really rewarding, to be able to give back to the pilot community in that way.”

If a follow-up is required, Wingman Med staff develop a customized plan based on a detailed questionnaire. Dr. Monlux stressed the plan is not aimed at influencing the opinion of the pilot’s physician; it’s aimed at highlighting which labs they might need to order, which tests to run, and what details need to be documented to meet the FAA’s guidelines.

“The pilot still has to pass all of those evaluations,” he added. “If you cannot show that your heart is fit to fly, there’s not much we can do about that. But what we can do is shorten that process with expertise and efficiency by giving you very detailed instructions.”

After doctors provide an assessment, Wingman Med also reviews all the results and its accompanying paperwork to prevent any unnecessary delays in the approvals process.

“One of the most common reasons why somebody gets in a protracted delay with the FAA is documentation errors,” Dr. Roxo said. “They’ll send one thing in, and I like to joke about it — the FAA asked for capital X, lowercase y, and italic z. And the pilot sends in lowercase x, uppercase Y, and bold z. The pilot thinks: ‘Yeah, I sent them what they asked for.’ It’s close but not quite. You’re either missing a key piece of information, or some other piece of information slides its way in there that is troubling to the FAA and they didn’t know about.”

Outdated medical records can also cause unnecessary red flags, like a prescription for painkillers that lapsed one year after a surgery, or a poorly-explained treatment plan for diabetes that is keeping the illness in check.

“We’ll get that fixed pretty quick,” Dr. Roxo said.

It’s crucial to stress there is no substitute for rigorous medical treatment for any health concern that might lead to a medical disqualification. Safety trumps every other factor. But it’s equally important for pilots to understand there is often a path back to flying, even in the face of a serious condition.

Heart attacks, diabetes, alcoholism and other serious conditions don’t necessarily disqualify a pilot forever. Honesty is always the best approach, followed by medical treatment.

“Own up to the fact you have a potentially disqualifying medical condition,” Dr. Monlux said. “Get it treated, make sure that the condition is under control and the medications you take to treat it are free of any safety-related side effects, and then get back to flying.”

For more information, visit wingmanmed.com.

The post How to find expert help for passing your pilot medical certificate exam appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This sponsored article was prepared by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of AUK Protection.

Ask any pilot what they wish they could change about their flight gear — or what their ideal aviation apparel would look like — and most will provide similar answers. 

Comfortability, maneuverability, functional design, ventilation, and flexible fabric in the joints and back are frequently spoken about among colleagues in the industry.

That’s exactly why Swedish helicopter pilots Johan Baumann and Michael Elmeskog created AUK Protection, a proudly Swedish aviation apparel company, back in 2011.

“We wanted to provide helicopter crews with the kinds of flight apparel we wished we had,” said Baumann, who serves as head of customer relations at AUK Protection; Elmeskog is the company’s CEO. “We realized the apparel we would have wanted was not offered on the market — so we thought, maybe there’s something we can do about it.”

While continuing to work as helicopter pilots in Scandinavia, Baumann and Elmeskog started AUK Protection mainly because they wanted to address concerns they shared with their friends and colleagues in the industry.

“We are simply making our thoughts a reality,” Baumann said. “And truthfully, these are thoughts most other pilots have. There’s nothing revolutionary about it. We just want to develop the kind of gear we wish we had earlier in our careers.”

Today, AUK Protection offers a full range of garments for all sectors of the civilian helicopter market.

“Aerial work, HEMS [helicopter emergency medical services] and SAR [search-and-rescue] operators globally perform their missions wearing AUK Protection,” Baumann said. “And their feedback has been great.”

To help ensure AUK Protection garments are practical and effective, the company has completed dozens of in-depth interviews with flight crews who fly in extreme conditions. Those interviews provide a deeper understanding of pilot requirements, and they guide the design process.

“Our four core values are user-centered design, comfort, premium materials and style,” Baumann said. “All our apparel is made with those values in mind.”

Today, the company’s flight suits, crew pants, shell jackets, reversible vests, parkas, shirts and other products are industry favorites.

“We simply listened as helicopter crews described their real problems, needs and desires,” Baumann said. “This is a new breed of personal safety equipment, developed by pilots and for active helicopter crews.”

AUK Protection’s customer-centered approach has helped the company build relationships with several high-profile clients across Europe and North America, including Air Greenland, the rigorous and respected Arctic helicopter operator. Other customers include the Swedish Air Ambulance Organization and the Swedish Maritime Administration, the national SAR provider. Companies in Canada, Iceland and other parts of Europe have also signed on.

“Operators have embraced our products,” Baumann said. “But we’re not doing anything that anyone hadn’t already thought about. We just chose to make it happen.”

AUK Protection apparel integrates many small, but deeply appreciated features that flight crews have welcomed, including strategically-placed pockets, zippers, ventilation and stretch fabric in the joints and back.

“Our flight suits make it comfortable to sit in the cockpit for long stretches of time,” Baumann said. “We try to make equipment you don’t think about, instead of the other way around. The leaders of this company are also the end users of this type of gear. We are seasoned aviation professionals. We understand where they’re coming from.”

Demand for AUK Protection apparel has grown significantly, and the company is now working to scale its operations. Its goal is to grow strategically, using quality European materials and fabrics. The company is proud of its Swedish roots, and noted all its production and manufacturing are completed within the European Union.

“We can’t push this too quickly,” Baumann added. “We are in full control of what’s being designed. We can design stuff one week and go fly it the next, and we want to keep that.”

Ultimately, the company sees deep pilot knowledge as a key differentiator — and a key reason why customers should choose AUK Protection over its competitors.

“They should choose our products because we really listen to their needs,” Baumann said. “We’re constantly collecting feedback and listening to our customers, and that’s what drives us. We’re not the cheapest option, but you certainly get what you pay for. We deliver exceptional value. You’ll see excellent quality from day one, at a reasonable price, and the investment pays off over time.”

The post AUK Protection: Next-level flight apparel appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This sponsored article was created by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of CENTUM.

“How can this happen in a time when everyone has a cell phone?”

It was the early 2010s, and this question nagged at Isaac Ballesteros, partner and chief technology officer of the Spanish innovation firm CENTUM research & technology.

He kept seeing news reports about search-and-rescue (SAR) missions that stretched for hours instead of minutes, as aircrews searched vast geographical areas with only a general sense of where the victims might be.

“How is this so difficult,” he thought. “The technology is right there in their pockets.”

To his technologist’s brain, the solution seemed obvious.

Virtually everyone carried a cell phone with them. Those cell phones had global positioning systems (GPS) and other technology that could serve as emergency beacons.

With the right access and a simple user interface, those cell phones could help SAR crews pinpoint a victim’s location to within about five meters (15 feet). It could save lives, save resources, and vastly improve the efficiency of any SAR mission.

“That’s where our product Lifeseeker was born,” said Hector Estevez, CEO of CENTUM. “It quickly finds missing people through their mobile phones, even in areas with no network coverage.”

The technology behind Lifeseeker is complicated, but the outcomes are simple: In a few minutes, it can find a missing person’s location and lead rescuers directly to them. It’s become a game-changing tool for more than 30 leading SAR operators in North America, Europe and Asia.

“Operators tell us that before Lifeseeker, they used visual search methods — so when the weather is complicated or it’s late at night, or if they’re searching in a forest with lots of tree cover, they can’t see anything,” Estevez said. “With Lifeseeker, it’s much easier.
Some operators have even used it to find avalanche victims buried under two meters of snow.”

Since Lifeseeker launched in 2016, it has been adopted by key SAR operators like REGA in Switzerland and the Royal Canadian Air Force, according to CENTUM.

For SAR operators, the company developed a simple interface that can run on any device with a web browser — a laptop, tablet or cell phone — and doesn’t require significant training.

“Lifeseeker’s intuitive interface makes it incredibly easy for operators without technical backgrounds to harness our telecommunications systems. We’re committed to empowering all users to make the most of our technology,” Estevez said.

“We would like to underscore that our system’s interface is exceptionally user-friendly, even for operators without a technical background in telecommunications systems.”
Estevez also praised Lifeseeker’s front-end for its remarkable ease of use. Lifeseeker can be used on manned aircraft (helicopters and planes) or on unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs or drones). Operators can even carry it in a backpack on the ground.

It also fits well within CENTUM’s larger vision: To fly with purpose, creating high-tech systems that bring real value to the world.

“Our job is to help save lives,” Estevez said. “We know there is a direct correlation between rescue time and survival time, and we know Lifeseeker helps with that. This is what’s important to us as a company.” 

For more information about Lifeseeker and other CENTUM products, visit centum-rt.com.

The post CENTUM: Beacons that save lives appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This sponsored article was created by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of Leonardo.

Designed with maximum flexibility, the versatile AW169 is Leonardo’s next-generation helicopter in the light-intermediate category that combines best-in-class performances with superior range and safety. 

The AW169 stays true to this value today and in the future to meet the most stringent requirements. It continues to provide all-new capabilities to operators looking for an ideal combination of light helicopter cost with higher category performance, payload, and cabin space, combined with comprehensive and ever-growing support and training services.

Leonardo is constantly investing in program enhancement, as demonstrated by the recent introductions of performance increase packages, skid and advanced search-and-rescue (SAR) mode certifications, providing all-new mission capabilities and configuration options.

The performance increase packages, certified in late 2021, deliver extraordinary performance in all conditions for all applications — giving the AW169 helicopter the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.

Advanced SAR modes include dedicated flight management system (FMS) search patterns enabling the aircraft to automatically fly along a predefined search path, reducing the pilot’s workload in the search phase of a SAR mission.

The AW169 is the only helicopter in its weight category with advanced SAR modes. The high level of automation allows for single-pilot capable SAR modes certification, making the AW169 the world’s first civil-certified helicopter with this capability. There are more enhancements to follow, such as introducing the Phase 8 core avionics software release combined with helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS) offshore modes.

The AW169 4.8-ton has further strengthened Leonardo’s competitiveness and market position in the world’s helicopter market. It has expanded Leonardo’s presence in the emergency medical service (EMS) market and added more operators for law enforcement, disaster relief, and firefighting.

Recently, an order for one AW169 (plus an option for a second unit) by the Phoenix Police Department in Arizona marked the type’s entry into the North American law enforcement market, adding one more leading law enforcement operator to the list of police, security agencies or firefighting departments that have selected the AW169 in nations like Italy, Norway, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Republic of Korea, Slovenia and Indonesia.

Additionally, the AW169 reinforces the company’s leadership in the multi-engine VIP market providing operators with one more option fitting between the popular AW109 series and the bestselling AW139 models.

The AW169 also adds another solution for shorter range operations supporting the energy sector, allowing Leonardo to grow in the new wind farm support field. This is demonstrated by the recent expansion in the offshore wind farm support operations market in the U.S. — operated by HeliService USA, a veteran-owned small business that has partnered with Germany’s HeliService International GmbH to represent its brand in the U.S. HeliService USA has been able to build off their over three decades in operation, supporting offshore wind customers with crew-transfer, hoisting, cargo, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).

Furthermore, its dual-use design has responded to various government, homeland security and defense requirements for missions such as surveillance, troop transport, combat operations, disaster relief, emergency response, firefighting, training, mountain rescue and medevac.

Over 320 AW169s are on order today, with around 160 units delivered from the Vergiate final assembly line in Italy to operators in over 30 countries. The global fleet has logged more than 160,000 flight hours in various operations and conditions, with the fleet leader exceeding 3,500 flight hours in EMS operations in Sweden. 

The post Leonardo: Next-generation versatility appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This sponsored article was prepared and distributed by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of Loft Dynamics.

In the field of aviation training, Loft Dynamics has emerged as a frontrunner. It remains the first and only virtual reality flight simulation training device (FSTD) with regulatory approval from a major aviation authority. In May 2022, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) qualified Loft Dynamics as flight training device (FTD) Level 3, marking a major milestone in pilot training. Since then, pilots have been able to complete entire license and operator proficiency checks in Loft Dynamics’ simulator.

Now, Loft Dynamics is unveiling its latest accomplishment. The company is releasing the  virtual reality Garmin glass cockpit, bringing even more realism and functionality to its inaugural Airbus H125 simulator.

Ten times more compact and roughly 20 times less expensive than traditional full-motion simulators, Loft Dynamics’ cutting-edge devices rival the in-air training experience. They come equipped with a 360-degree 3D view, which allows for precise visual cues inside and outside the aircraft down to the shadows cast by the sun at a particular time of day. Its six degrees of freedom high-motion platform accurately replicates all haptic sensations experienced flying an aircraft, from the cockpit’s buttons to the skids touching the ground.

The full-replica cockpit, in combination with Loft Dynamics’ pose tracking system, makes operating the cockpit intuitive. Whether a pilot is training in normal conditions or practicing the most demanding maneuvers, the features of Loft Dynamics simulators provide unparalleled realism without the risks.

Loft Dynamics’ simulators are not only pushing the boundaries of what is possible with pilot training but also proving to regulatory authorities that the safety and accessibility benefits cannot be ignored.

EASA, which follows its Rotorcraft Safety Roadmap, opened the door for more affordable and realistic training and checking on VR simulators.

“Helicopter operators can now execute their mandatory checks under EASA regulation in our simulator from the convenience of their home base. It saves pilots and operators upward of tens of thousands of dollars a year, dramatically cuts down a pilot’s travel time, and increases flight safety,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics.

“EASA’s qualification is a major validator that VR technology is the future of aviation training, and it’s kept us busy. We are constantly looking for ways to increase the accessibility, precision, and flexibility of VR flight training, and building a glass cockpit was the obvious next step for us.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the latest aviation organization to take notice. This year, the agency selected Loft Dynamics’ Airbus H125 and Robinson R22 simulators to explore the use of VR flight simulation technology in pilot training. Both simulators have been installed at the William J. Hughes Technical Center (WHTC), the FAA’s innovation hub, where they are being used to advance national aviation safety, efficiency, capacity, and environmental sustainability goals, and to drive the evolution of the National Airspace System (NAS) toward the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

Loft Dynamics’ much-anticipated Airbus H125 simulator will be equipped with a fully functional Garmin avionics suite featuring GTN 650 GPS and G500H TXi primary flight display. Built entirely in-house, the company’s full-replica glass cockpit simulator boasts all of the same features as its Airbus H125 predecessor while dialing up the immersive realism.

“Like the conventional cockpit, flight crews can operate the glass cockpit just as they would in a real helicopter,” Riesen said. “With more and more pilots flying in modern cockpits, it’s critical to deliver solutions at pace with what they want and need to sharpen their skills. Our glass cockpit enhances situational awareness and makes it nearly impossible to tell the difference between in-flight helicopter training and simulator training.”

Loft Dynamics has scientific research to show for it. The company conducted a study with the Center of Aviation of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences evaluating the transferability of VR FSTD training to operating a real helicopter. The research showed there was no discrepancy in performance when comparing the two.

“This demonstrates how accurate our devices reflect reality, eliminating the need for pilots to seamlessly adapt to flying the simulator — no matter the stage in their career,” Riesen added. “It’s truly see-it-to-believe technology, and our glass cockpit brings it to an entirely new level.”

While Loft Dynamics has made headlines for its realistic, cost-efficient, and safe training solution, its comprehensive customer service has played a key role in building an expansive and highly engaged client base around the world. Customers include Air Zermatt, Blackcomb Helicopters, Colorado Highland Helicopters, the FAA, Helitrans Norway, Helixcom, and Meravo, Mountainflyers, among others.

“Qualifying an FSTD is complex, time-consuming, and requires specific knowledge. Operating the device also presents challenges. We take those burdens off our customers and enable them to focus on what matters most: operations,” said Jens Westh, Loft Dynamics’ chief operating officer. “We pride ourselves on being an extension of our customers’ team. After all, their success is our success.”

Airbus Helicopters, one of Loft Dynamics’ longtime partners, shows what fruitful collaboration can produce. The company recently doubled down on its partnership with Loft Dynamics by co-developing the Airbus H145 simulator.

To date, Loft Dynamics has 13 training devices qualified under EASA regulations. The company recently announced its expansion into Canada and Italy, partnering with Blackcomb Helicopters and Helixcom. In recent years, the team at Loft Dynamics has already surprised the industry with several world innovations.

“We now have the technology to scale to any flight object like other helicopter models, eVTOLs, and fixed-wing aircraft,” Riesen said. 

The post Loft Dynamics: Future of pilot training appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This sponsored article was created by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of Astronautics.

In September 2022, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) released new certification standards to help protect aircraft from cybersecurity threats.

It was a clear acknowledgement of one of the most pressing concerns in modern aviation: The need to protect avionics and other data systems from vulnerabilities that can arise from increased connectivity.

With malicious actors targeting aircraft every day, the need for protection is also rising.

“Hackers’ motivations go from simple curiosity — some just want to see if they can achieve access to an avionics system — to military and terrorist-level ambitions,” said David Jones, senior product line manager for aerospace cybersecurity at Astronautics Corporation of America.

“Even before the EASA cybersecurity standards were formally announced, Astronautics was actively engaged with many of our European customers in the cybersecurity arena, giving us a distinct advantage in enabling our customers to show full compliance with the new EASA cybersecurity requirements. We’re in a fortunate position to also stay ahead of the game. We knew we needed to be cutting edge when it comes to cybersecurity. While other companies play catch-up, we’re continuing to lead the way.”

Astronautics is a global leader in aircraft cybersecurity, with a clientele that includes operators in the military, emergency medical services, and law enforcement spaces. Its cybersecurity team is one of the best in the business, led by expert engineers and technicians with deep knowledge of the cybersecurity environment, data ecosystems, and emerging cyber threats.

The Astronautics team develops industry-leading threat-mitigation methodologies, secure hardware, and continuous scanning services to protect aircraft from potential disaster.

“At Astronautics, we define cybersecurity in terms of aircraft safety,” Jones said. “This goes far beyond the definitions you might find in an office IT department. Our commitment to cybersecurity is rooted in preventing malicious attacks that can lead to catastrophic situations. Astronautics excels in cyber threat identification, ranking and mitigation, but we’re also among the world’s best in providing other services that improve aircraft safety. These include cybersecurity certification for avionics, advanced toolset capabilities for detecting cyber threats, and continued airworthiness by monitoring avionics throughout their lifecycles.”

In March 2023, Astronautics achieved EASA’s recently released and stringent ED-203A certification for its AeroSync connectivity system on a business jet, demonstrating cybersecurity throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

Astronautics also recently worked with Lincoln Labs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop a cybersecurity threat detection and mitigation methodology for the U.S. This methodology was contracted through the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The company has been active for several years in helping the aerospace and defense industry develop its thinking about cybersecurity risks and how to address them.

“Astronautics has been under continuous contact with the FAA for the last seven years,” Jones said. “We are well prepared to solve cybersecurity challenges and vulnerabilities for any avionics infrastructure in the world — in both civil and military applications.”

Astronautics began its systems-wide cybersecurity work in 2006, when it developed a network server system on the Airbus A400M fixed-wing military transporter. Its expertise has evolved and expanded ever since, encompassing helicopter platforms in the special mission space.

“Our cybersecurity methodology is well accepted and has been tested to mitigate numerous cybersecurity threats,” said Matthew Frei, director of connected aircraft solutions at Astronautics. “One of our key priorities as a company has been to recruit, train and retain a seasoned group of cybersecurity engineers. As a result, we can serve our customers better in an ever-changing environment.”

Astronautics products meet ED-203A, DO-356A and DoDI 8510.02 airworthiness security process specifications, and one of the company’s main services is helping customers achieve EASA cybersecurity certification.

All the company’s products — both hardware and software — are designed to be resilient and cyber-secure, meeting or exceeding EASA and FAA standards. After installation, Astronautics also continuously monitors for threats.

“We provide reports against any types of vulnerabilities that may exist,” said Josh Berrian, senior product line manager at Astronautics. “Then we propose mitigations through a package update, a commercial off-the-shelf [COTS] modification, or our own code to address those types of vulnerabilities … it is a constant lifecycle monitoring of the software that’s on board.”

One of Astronautics’ key offerings is the AeroSync product line, a secure aircraft data gateway.

AeroSync enables bi-directional communication across aircraft security domains, allowing flight crews to load data from the open world into the aircraft, while protecting avionics with segregated hardware and software architecture and multiple processing units.

This ensures the aircraft’s public domain data systems and onboard avionics systems are entirely separate and protected with firewall filtering and other security controls that halt and filter out malicious attacks.

“Imagine it as a toll bridge where someone’s stopping traffic, making sure it’s OK, and then allowing it to pass through,” Berrian said. “For all intents and purposes, this makes the system un-bypassable.”

In addition to this avionics protection, AeroSync is designed to appeal to passengers by providing continuous secure broadband connectivity during flight.

“As connectivity between the ground and the aircraft increases — both in the cockpit and in the cabin — so does the potential risk,” Jones said. “And as interconnectedness increases, there is more need to keep avionics protected from the outside world, while also protecting the integrity of digital data. This data informs the decision-making of flight and maintenance crews, as well as OEMs [original equipment manufacturers]. At the end of the day, cybersecurity is about flight safety. That’s the new standard, and we’re leading the way. Our advanced modeling and architecture analysis tools enable us to assist our partners and customers with their cybersecurity needs.”

The post Astronautics: Protecting against cybersecurity risks appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This sponsored article was created by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of Airbus.

Airbus strives to be a reliable partner to its 3,000 customers in 152 countries, supporting the flight activity of over 12,000 helicopters in service, often performing critical missions.

In a world where that activity is picking up in complex and uncertain times, being able to reach everywhere in record time with tailor-made capabilities is an essential criteria. Innovation and transformation are at the heart of Airbus Helicopters’ strategy to anticipate these changes.

Our customers’ operational environments are ever-evolving, and we make it our mission to provide those who serve, protect, save lives and safely carry passengers in demanding environments with best-in-class solutions that answer their superior requirements.

The versatile H160, our EMS workhorses, the H135 and H145, and our latest flying laboratory, the DisruptiveLab, are but a few examples of how we turn these challenges into opportunities to equip our customers with the highest levels of performance and reliability in operation, whilst supporting them in reducing their environmental footprint.

The H160 receives FAA certification

Set to perform a wide array of operations, Airbus Helicopters’ next-generation rotorcraft, the H160, has been selected by operators in all mission segments.

The rotorcraft’s capabilities are already supporting customers in Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Europe, and the fleet has accumulated more than 2,200 flight hours for operations as varied as electronic news gathering, public service, private and business aviation or law enforcement.

Overall, Airbus Helicopters has received orders for more than 100 H160s from customers around the world, including more than a dozen from U.S. customers.

Marking a new milestone in the journey of the H160, the helicopter was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year, enabling Airbus Helicopters to start deliveries to U.S. customers who had already selected the rotorcraft.

Customers can expect a seamless entry of the H160 into the North American market, with many years of work already dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition. This includes the addition of North America’s first H160 Level D full flight simulator, which is expected to be available for use in Grand Prairie, Texas, as early as the second half of 2025.

Essential partners for essential missions

Incremental innovation is our motto. We make sure our whole range provides customers with the necessary efficiency to perform their essential missions.

Our H135 and H145 are testament to this commitment, with their custom features designed to enhance operational capabilities. For instance, the Bavarian police’s fully-equipped H145s will feature a state-of-the-art computer system with tactical police mission software, easily operated by a foldable flat screen mission command station for an operator in the cabin and a stowable monitor for the copilot.

The crew will be aided by a modern lighting concept and leading-edge camera solutions, offering better situational awareness of the helicopter’s surroundings and events on the ground. Additional features, such as illuminated blade tips, improve the safety on board during essential police operations.

True workhorses for multiple mission segments, including for emergency medical services, law enforcement and energy, as well as military applications, the H135 and H145 are proven helicopter types that have respectively clocked in nearly 6.5 and 7 million flight hours, demonstrating that they’re trusted partners for operators.

The 1,500th H135 was delivered to German EMS specialist ADAC Luftrettung in August 2023, whilst the five-bladed version of the H145 continues to be a successful addition to our customers’ fleets.

Pioneering disruption

To prepare the fleet of tomorrow, Airbus Helicopters is working on the technologies that will equip customers with the means to increase their rotorcraft’s performance whilst contributing to lower carbon operations.

A key driver to reach this goal, our DisruptiveLab is a flying laboratory that is designed to test new aerodynamic features and flight technologies to help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50 percent. The demonstrator held its maiden flight in January 2023 and is set to undergo a series of ground and flight tests to measure the consolidated impact of the new features it is testing.

Another key stream in our innovation roadmap is autonomy, and specifically the Vertex system that has been introduced onboard the FlightLab demonstrator.

Vertex is an Airbus UpNext and Airbus Helicopters project destined to test autonomous flight features to simplify mission management and help reduce pilot workload through innovative devices such as LiDAR sensors, fly-by-wire technology and Eagle, our real-time onboard image processing system. The results of the tests will be integrated into the design of CityAirbus NextGen’s simplified flight controls.

Ready when you are

Once ready for operations, we also make sure to provide our customers with the highest quality services to support them and their fleet. 2023 is shaping out to be a successful year for our support and services offering, with an increasing number of HCare customers, demonstrating the value-add of tailor-made service packages for operators.

The 360-degree full-motion virtual reality simulator designed with Loft Dynamics is already a favorite amongst H125 operators and we are currently co-developing a version for the H145. The H125 training device is expected to receive FAA certification in the coming months, making it perfectly suited for US customers who are looking for a compact training solution and realistic flight behavior.

The post Airbus: Moving forward together appeared first on Vertical Mag.

This sponsored article was created by Insight magazine, the sponsored content division of MHM Publishing, on behalf of Switlik.

If you’re part of a helicopter rescue team that flies over water, chances are you don’t love everything about your dry suit.

Sure, there may be parts of it you like, but does it fit your body perfectly? Does it take into consideration all your exact measurements?

Does the manufacturer provide color options that match your preferences, and can you select the materials they use to make the suit?

Does it have the exact pockets and accessories you need, providing easy access to every piece of carry-on equipment you need to complete your mission effectively?

Very few offshore aviators can answer positively to all the above. But starting in October 2023, the team at Switlik Survival Products aims to change that.

With the launch of Switlik’s new online custom suit configurator, any overwater helicopter team can easily build their dry suit individually and from scratch, with all the bespoke features they desire.

“One of our strengths is being able to work with the customers directly for their mission,” said Sarah Switlik, chief operating officer at Switlik Survival Products. “But the heli world is not one-size-fits-all. This allows us to be able to work with our customers on a mission-by-mission basis, and customize products specifically for them.

“This also allows us to be that one-stop shop for offshore operators — rescue swimmers, flight crews, pilots, and passengers. No matter what job you’re doing in the helicopter, you can build a suit that fits your specific needs and feels like your own. You won’t have to settle for an off-the-shelf option.”

Switlik’s innovative online suit configurator uses a simple, easy-to-use interface to build individual dry suits from the ground up. As the customer adds or changes individual features, they instantly appear in a vivid 3D rendering of the suit.

The customer begins by selecting their fabric material and base colors, then customizes their suit to include all the pockets and features exactly where they need them. The next step is inputting their measurements and boot size for a more tailored and comfortable fit. Then, the customer places the suit order directly through the online store.

As soon as the order comes in, the team at Switlik builds out a pattern for the suit and kickstarts the manufacturing process, then delivers the customized suit to customers in the U.S. through the mail.

Customers outside the U.S. can use the suit configurator to build and order their dry suit from Switlik’s network of approved dealers. Operators can also buy multiple suits with common elements, like the color scheme, number of pockets, location of pockets, and other features to suit each member of their team.

“We now offer a suit for any person flying in a helicopter over water,” Switlik said. “We can reasonably offer anything from basic passenger suits all the way up to highly technical and detailed pilot and crew suits. For the first time, we are offering a non-FR [non-flame-resistant] and an FR-based fabric option.

“The exciting thing for Switlik now is, where before we had very few anti-exposure suits that were a little bit more niche — or very specific to the customer — we now will be able to offer a suit to anyone.”

Switlik’s new online suit configurator may revolutionize the way operators and crewmembers order dry suits, and its purpose is to help operators save lives.

Although a dry suit might not seem like a life-saving tool at first glance, it’s a crucial part of an ecosystem of factors that affect a mission’s success.

“This is especially true in a cold-water situation,” Switlik said. “Any time spent in water that’s not warm … any leak is a failure. We make a lot of suits for several applications, including the government and the military, and we have 100 percent quality inspection on our suits to vouch for. When it leaves this facility, it’s guaranteed water-tight. It has to work for you.”

As the Switlik online suit configurator begins its rollout in late 2023, it carries on a long-held tradition at Switlik Survival Products. Since founder and patriarch Stanley Switlik acquired the company over 100 years ago and began working with aviation customers in the 1930s, it has specialized in customer-focused, mission-oriented solutions.

This new online tool simply leverages new technology to take its bespoke sensibility to the next level.

“Part of our mission statement is to incorporate quality, performance and innovation every day, in all that we do,” Switlik said. “This is innovative for us in that it’s a new technology … it’s very customer-focused and friendly. We pride ourselves on manufacturing the highest quality products that are relied on to perform effectively, so it aligns with all our pillars.”

Switlik dry suits are also ergonomically integrated with its line of life vests, and they use a signature U-Zip-It shape that enables easy movement with zero interference from the zipper and a high level of comfort.

“We can really offer people things specific to exactly what they need,” Switlik said.

Watch for the Switlik online suit configurator starting in October 2023 at switlik.com.

The post Switlik: Taking bespoke design to the next level appeared first on Vertical Mag.

Forest fires, storms, and flooding are on the rise this year in many parts of the planet, and medical emergencies continue to be a part of daily life. Helicopters once again play a key role in many of the ensuing firefighting, rescue and disaster relief efforts. 

In this unpredictable and multifaceted milieu, the need for versatile rescue solutions strikes home for many of us now more than ever. Therefore, it’s no surprise that public service agencies rely on helicopters that can seamlessly swap roles, moving from one mission to the other. Airbus products fit the bill, with the H125, H130, H145, H225, and now the H160, among others, being popular choices for multi-mission operators. 

The aerial firefighter 

Firefighting — traditionally considered to be just one of the many aerial roles of helicopters — is now becoming one of their most critical tasks, especially in the summer as wildfires become increasingly larger, faster, and more difficult to control. 

Firefighting makes up the second-largest segment (after law enforcement) in the worldwide public services fleet today, with 15 percent of the approximately 4,960 public service units in service performing firefighting missions. Of this, approximately one-quarter of the world’s firefighting aircraft are Airbus helicopters — the major players being the multi-mission H125, H145, H215 and H225.

These helicopters can perform a large range of tasks to support firefighting missions: water bombing, surveillance and reconnaissance, personnel and equipment transport, and command and control. Thanks to their versatility, helicopters are the perfect complement to other air assets and a crucial element to firefighting operations.

The air medical asset

From the intermediate single-engine H125 and H130, to the twin-engine H135 and H145, Airbus Helicopters’ customers lead the way when it comes to saving lives.

The most recent addition is the five-bladed H145, which boasts a leg up when performing air medical missions thanks to the added useful load of 150 kilograms (330 pounds). This makes a huge difference when every second and every kilogram counts. 

The helicopter recently entered service with the French Securité Civile where it has already been called upon to perform lifesaving emergency medical flights and search and rescue patrols during floods. 

In Norway, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation uses its new H145 for research, development and training to improve helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), testing new procedures and equipment with the goal of improving patient health and saving more lives.

The versatile H160 enters service

The H160 is making its way around the world, having entered service in Japan in August with Japanese launch customer All Nippon Helicopter, which is using the aircraft for news-gathering missions for Japanese broadcasters, and in July, with a private customer in Brazil. 

The French Navy has received the first H160 configured for search-and-rescue at sea. Meanwhile, final assembly of the first H160 equipped for law enforcement for the French Gendarmerie Nationale has begun in Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Marignane, France.  

The H160 has been designed to create added value in terms of performance, comfort, safety, perceived sound, and fuel consumption. But it is also highly versatile and can be adapted for a myriad of essential missions, such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, public services, oil and gas, and military. 

Supporting  first responders

Support and services are likewise crucial for these essential missions. That’s why customers, such as STARS air ambulance in Canada and Air Methods in the U.S., continue to count on HCare global support contracts to keep their fleets in the air and ready to respond when the call goes out. 

In 2022, Airbus Helicopters revamped its HCare support offering to better align with customer needs. It now includes HCare Initial, HCare In-service and HCare Lifetime. With many customers operating legacy or out-of-production aircraft, such as the Dauphin, H120, Gazelle and Puma, the new offering also includes the recently launched HCare Classics support package specifically designed to meet these operators’ unique needs. French operator HeliDax recently signed up its fleet of 36 H120s, becoming the launch customer. 

With regard to the H160, public services customers opting for this aircraft will benefit from its innovative support concept, which sets new standards of support and maintenance, including an optimized maintenance plan, simplified field maintenance, 3D technical documentation, interactive training, and a connected ecosystem.

This year has proven to be a strong one as the market continues to recover. Airbus Helicopters’ bookings level increased in the first half of 2022, and its market share is above 50 percent of the civil and parapublic market. 

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In 2022, emergency departments are saving more lives than ever before, with crew able to begin treatment and stabilize the patient in flight while sending clinical parameters in real time via datalink to the arrival hospital. This allows the waiting ground crew to have the information necessary to act immediately upon landing, saving time and ensuring that the patients have a better chance of survival and recovery. In recent years, some EMS providers have moved to a larger helicopter platform to better accommodate the specific needs of their medical personnel and patients. The capabilities of these helicopters have dramatically improved the ability to fly and perform missions in difficult weather conditions and varying climates, allowing for services 24/7/365. Developments also reflect changing requirements for medical cabin interiors reflecting needs arising from a trend toward increased weight and height of populations worldwide. 

Leonardo’s fleet of helicopters is well-positioned to meet the rapidly changing asks of EMS customers, with aircraft designed to address today’s needs while anticipating future requirements with the certainty that medical systems and the requirements of rescue missions are ever evolving.

The AW119Kx: Fast and Flexible

The AW119Kx is the first light single-engine helicopter to meet all instrument flight rules (IFR) standards while still providing a spacious interior, allowing for full patient access and the ability to accommodate specialty transport, such as a patient on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The AW119Kx delivers outstanding controllability and maneuverability, even in “hot and high” conditions. Ideally suited for EMS missions due to its performance and capability, it retains the features typical of a light twin-engine including redundancy of all critical systems, while its high endurance and long-range capabilities allow operators to respond quickly. 

Its spacious and versatile cabin has the capacity for three medical attendants and a single stretcher, or two attendants and a dual stretcher allowing 360-degree patient access. The modular interior can accommodate a wide range of equipment. The AW119Kx features the Garmin G1000NXi VFR glass cockpit to enhance situational awareness, with the Genesys AeroSystems IFR glass cockpit available as an alternative to allow pilots to operate the aircraft safely while flying with low visibility and during challenging weather conditions.

The AW109 GrandNew: See Further, Go Anywhere

The AW109 GrandNew is Leonardo’s answer to a market need for a helicopter that blends performance, speed, payload and operational flexibility, while allowing for less environmental impact. Capable of operating in the most severe conditions, it’s a light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter that offers the highest safety by utilizing advanced navigational and situational awareness technology. The AW109 GrandNew is optimized to excel in the challenging conditions during which EMS and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions must fly, fully complying with safety, performance and effectiveness requirements required by the toughest missions. 

Allowing for exceptional cabin flexibility, its unobstructed cabin space allows complete patient access and can be configured in a wide range of layouts, including single or dual stretchers with up to four seats for medical attendants and up to six seats for medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

The spacious interior can accommodate an extensive range of emergency medical equipment. The AW109 GrandNew features outstanding technology and safety, including a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with four-axis digital autopilot to reduce pilot workload and increase situational awareness by utilizing a synthetic vision system (SVS) and helicopter terrain and awareness and warning system (HTAWS).
And the AW109 GrandNew performs in the most severe conditions, including “hot and high” conditions.

The AW169: Next Generation Versatility

The AW169 meets the growing demand for a next-generation helicopter that combines class-leading performance with superior medical capability and safety. The versatile AW169 brings unrivalled operating capability in even the most challenging conditions. It features an auxiliary power unit (APU) mode that ensures mission-readiness with rotors stopped while providing enhanced ground safety. APU mode allows crews to treat/stabilize patients while on the ground with the rotors stopped. Once the patient is ready to fly, it’s an easy and quick transition to flight.

The AW169 is designed around patient needs and is the ideal platform for life-saving primary and secondary missions, and rescue services. It allows for rapid emergency responses, even for long-distance interhospital transport or for EMS and SAR missions at high altitude. The AW169 provides the highest levels of safety by meeting all the latest certification standards and regulations, while the glass cockpit combines latest generation avionics with exceptional external visibility, maximizing situational awareness while minimizing pilot workload during day and night operations. It has the largest cabin in its class with a flexible design that can accommodate two stretchers, either longitudinally or transversely, including both the Ferno and Stryker wheeled stretcher variants. Wide sliding doors allow for easy access, while the spacious cabin ensures full patient accessibility. And there’s a large baggage compartment available to store additional stretchers and equipment.  

The already mentioned APU mode enables operation of the environmental control system, radios and medical devices even when the rotors are stopped. Bottom line: the AW169 ensures air medical professionals can be there for their patients when it counts the most, while providing the best in patient care.   

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While many aerospace companies scaled back during the pandemic, Precision Aviation Group (PAG) persevered, expanding its capabilities and geographic locations — all with the aim of putting its customers first throughout the crisis.

“We adopted safety protocols very early in 2020,” said Ketan Desai, chief sales and marketing officer at PAG. “We’re very proud that not a single PAG facility closed due to an outbreak or health concerns. We’ve continued to serve our customers without interruption or delay.”

With 80% of its total customer base being mission critical operators, PAG carries a heavy responsibility as a leading provider of products and value-added services to the global aerospace and defense industries.

Through the resiliency, strategic planning, and decisive action of PAG’s CEO David Mast during the onset of COVID-19, PAG navigated the pandemic better than most, keeping its employees safe and its customers flying.
And the proof is in the numbers. PAG has grown its presence around the world during the pandemic and is poised to continue to expand both organically in its existing facilities, as well as through new acquisitions. In 2021 alone, PAG added 170 new employees through five business acquisitions, and increased existing rosters by more than 10%.

Today, the company boasts 22 business units, with 16 FAA-approved Part 145 repair stations and 17 locations. The PAG family is now 450 strong.
“This significant growth during a global pandemic was undoubtedly a hectic year for us, but it was also an exciting one,” Mast said. Over the last year, PAG significantly expanded its service capabilities, repair facilities, and inventories throughout its group of companies. While some businesses might have chosen to wait out the pandemic, PAG’s drive to better serve its customers was the catalyst behind its successful growth over the last year.
“Our acquisition strategy is very focused. We want to enhance our repair capabilities, inventories, and locations to give our customers access to a greater suite of products and services,” Mast said.

PAG reorganized its repair services into four key market segments: avionics, components, engines, and manufacturing/sub-assembly/DER services. This structure better describes the company’s depth and breadth of product and service offerings and defines PAG as the obvious choice for those looking for a full suite of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for fixed- and rotary-wing platforms.

“We decided to focus on defining PAG in these four specific market segments because it helps new and returning customers understand how we can help them beyond their immediate need for specific parts or services,” Mast said.

Customers who turn to PAG for their avionics, components, engine, or manufacturing/sub-assembly/DER services can expect a one-stop shop experience with a single point of contact. This person will handle all logistics between PAG companies, capabilities, and services to optimize the customer experience.

While some might ask when PAG’s state of growth will level off, PAG is well poised to grow into the future. It plans to continue to heavily invest in existing business units, scaling up capabilities and inventories to be ready to provide immediate service, ensuring its customers remain mission ready.
“We have plans to retrofit and enhance our largest facility, located in Atlanta, GA. We’ve been at that facility for 25 years, and we’re due for an upgrade,” Mast said. “We also make large capital investments every year to establish new capabilities for existing and next generation aviation platforms.”

PAG’s dedication to its customers is evident through consistently substantial investments in its business units. Over the last two years, PAG invested almost $7.5 million in inventory support for existing platforms.
PAG plans to continue to build out its sales team, technical capacity, and leadership team, in addition to enhancing customers’ experience by expanding in-house service capabilities and targeting additional geographic locations.

Learn more at precisionaviationgroup.com

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Founded in 1985, Life Link III provides critical care and safe, effective air medical transport services to patients across Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is widely regarded as a pioneer in both clinical excellence and critical care, and is one of the first non-profits in the United States to transport patients by helicopter.

Today, it operates 10 helicopter bases with 40 pilots, providing flight services around the clock, 365 days a year. In its rich 37-year history, Life Link III has experienced significant growth, continually striving to provide expanded services and help more patients. Leonardo has contributed to its incredible story of service by producing aircraft uniquely suited to its needs.
In 2013, Life Link III began its partnership with Leonardo when it acquired six AW119Kx helicopters. The AW119Kx’s outstanding controllability and maneuverability, even in extreme weather conditions, make it ideally suited for emergency medical services (EMS). This is especially the case for those operating in the extreme weather conditions of Minnesota and Wisconsin where temperatures climb high in the summer months and plummet far below zero in the winter.

The AW119Kx also offers a modern avionics suite and a spacious interior, which made it ideally suited for Life Link III since, at that point, it was looking to offer mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) inflight, while also maintaining 360-degree access to critical care patients. The AW119Kx could provide both.

The speed of the AW119Kx also gave it the ability to transport patients to trauma centers as quickly as possible, allowing not only for more life-saving missions, but also helping to reduce overall operating costs. And by adding these helicopters to its fleet, Life Link III began the process of standardizing all aircraft interiors and ensuring a level of consistency.

“It is a treat to fly in the heat of summer or the cold of winter,” said Greg Thingvold, vice president of aviation operations for Life Link III, about the AW119Kx. “This aircraft is an incredibly impressive and safe aircraft. I love its speed. It is a performer.”

But the Leonardo/Life Link III story doesn’t stop with the AW119Kx.
In 2020, Life Link III received its own U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 certification, giving it the operational flexibility not only to provide medical oversight in cabin, but also operational oversight, which includes training. This new flexibility allowed for two AW109 Trekkers to integrate into its fleet, which will be used primarily for instrument flight rules (IFR) training and will also provide backup for EMS capabilities.

Life Link III’s burgeoning organizational growth has posed complex and ever-changing challenges along the way, such as the opportunity to provide specialty medical services and capabilities that required a larger aircraft.
Once again, Leonardo had the ideal solution — the AW169. Its larger cabin space provides the space necessary for specialty care transport like neonatal and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The AW169 has the largest cabin in its class, and its flexible design can accommodate two stretchers, either longitudinally or transversely, along with a full suite of advanced life support equipment.

Wide sliding doors allow easy access, while the spacious cabin ensures full access to the patient. A large baggage compartment allows for the storage of additional stretchers and equipment. The AW169 was an ideal addition for Life Link III, as it is designed specifically around patient needs, making it an ideal platform for life-saving primary and secondary missions.

Life Link III’s fleet has grown from six Leonardo aircraft in 2013 to 15 in 2022, which includes 12 AW119Kx — two with an IFR variant — two AW109 and one AW169. Leonardo is proud to have been able to work in tandem to find the solutions and aircraft to fill all its needs.

What’s most important and most significant is that over the past nine years, Leonardo worked side-by-side with Life Link III to provide the aircraft that can handle its cold climate issues, large service area, and expanding services. The results are a true indicator of teamwork, and Leonardo is renowned for this kind of commitment to customer service.

The post Leonardo: Providing versatile aircraft solutions appeared first on Vertical Mag.

Since its inception in 1997, Arrow Aviation has grown from five employees occupying a 10,000-square-foot facility to 110 employees operating out of its current 150,000-square-foot home.

Cyril and David Guidry started the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part 145 repair station in Broussard, Louisiana, steadily growing the company over the last quarter century. Today, its team includes FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant mechanics, FAA-designated airworthiness representatives, and designated engineering representatives.

“Our years of collective experience in aviation maintenance and completion services runs deep,” said Cyril Guidry, CEO of Arrow Aviation. “When customers turn to Arrow Aviation, they can rest assured knowing they’re getting quality service from our highly experienced and qualified experts.”
Right from the beginning, Arrow Aviation has operated as a fully integrated turnkey company, committed to providing quality services at reasonable prices. Arrow Aviation specializes in providing helicopter maintenance and completion services to the commercial, offshore, corporate, emergency medical, and private aviation sectors.

The company is a customer service center for Bell and Airbus Helicopters, as well as an authorized maintenance center for Sikorsky and Rolls-Royce, and an excellent service center for Leonardo. In fact, Arrow Aviation is the only excellent service center in the Western Hemisphere, excluding Leonardo’s facilities in Philadelphia and Brazil.

Its list of accreditations runs long. The company has maintenance organization approvals from the FAA, South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC).
It has also received AS9110 (B) certification from the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), which places Arrow Aviation in a select group of service facilities that have enacted a quality management system that goes beyond the FAA and EASA certification requirements.

Arrow Aviation’s extensive knowledge was put to use during one of the company’s most notable projects — refurbishing Eagle One, the Bell 206L-1 helicopter that played a pivotal role in rescuing passengers of Air Florida Flight 90 from the icy Potomac River on Jan. 13, 1982. The aircraft had crashed into a busy bridge shortly after take-off from the Washington National Airport.

When the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., opened its doors, guests were greeted by a monument to one of the U.S. Park Police’s most intense rescue missions. Arrow Aviation is proud to be a part of working on that historical piece.

“We have had the pleasure of supporting the maintenance and equipment needs of many law enforcement aircraft from offices around the country, and are very pleased to be able to give back to the community, which we have supported for so long,” Guidry said.

Arrow Aviation also completed the first single pilot instrument flight rules Bell 407 for HEMS service, installing Helifab’s EMS interior including patient and isolette transport litters, AC electrical system, and medical oxygen, suction, and air systems.

Located in the same facility, Helifab holds supplemental type certificates (STCs) and parts manufacturer approvals (PMAs) for various installations. The two companies work in partnership to bring new STC-approved products to market. The on-staff designated FAA representatives also provide an efficient FAA product approval process for the development and certification of new product designs or improvements to existing systems.

Recently, Bell announced an agreement with Arrow Aviation to sell the Helifab emergency medical kit configuration for the Bell 505. This installation consists of much of the same equipment used in the Bell 407 and Airbus H130 T2.

The post Arrow Aviation: A quarter century of quality service appeared first on Vertical Mag.

The Leonardo AW169, in its varying configurations, is in operation around the world on all continents and in more than 30 countries. Designed to provide the highest levels of versatility, the AW169 has established itself as a true multi-role helicopter, serving rescue and transport activities that include public safety, counter-terrorism, drug enforcement operations and border control, in addition to corporate transport, firefighting, military duties and — perhaps most significant of late — emergency medical services (EMS).

The first AW169 in EMS configuration in the United States entered service in 2019, but the model has a longer history of serving patients’ needs all over the world and can be found as part of emergency systems in New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Great Britain, Korea, Japan, Norway, Sweden and elsewhere.

In the United States, Travis County in south-central Texas, a heavily populated area that includes Austin, was the first to utilize the AW169 for rescue efforts, signing a contract for three AW169 EMS helicopters in 2019. Travis County is a 24/7 EMS provider, offering services that include  emergency medical transport, water rescue, search-and-rescue, fire suppression and law enforcement assistance. Travis County’s AW169s transport neonatal, pediatric ICU and other high-risk patients and their medical teams, and are equipped with a rescue hoist and 300-US gallon (1,135-liter) Simplex belly tank. To put it simply, the AW169 is a multi-tasker serving an area that direly needs one.

In April 2020, Leonardo announced that the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, Florida, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified air carrier also known by the moniker “Trauma Hawk,” purchased two light-intermediate AW169 helicopters. Palm Beach County is the largest by area in Florida, covering more than 2,300 square miles (595,000 hectares). The county maintains a well-organized instrument flight rules (IFR) infrastructure combining special instrument approaches and transition routing, along with an extensive FAA-approved IFR pilot training program to train for service during inclement weather. A stellar system such as Trauma Hawk’s needed equally exceptional helicopters able to keep up with its robust service to the Palm Beach County community.

But what makes the AW169 such a standout?

Leonardo’s AW169 EMS helicopter provides more power and range than competing light-intermediate twin-engine models. The AW169 features superior cabin size and can transport two patients and five medical personnel, in addition to critical care equipment. Its design allows for flexible interior layouts that provide smooth 360-degree patient access. Wide doors offer easy access with a baggage compartment large enough for extra equipment and stretchers. Large windows support speedy emergency egress and one-engine inoperative capability offers outstanding safety. What makes it even more appealing is the forthcoming availability of a full ice prevention system, which is of need to emergency providers who serve vast and varied terrains during wintry conditions. Challenging weather does not stop the AW169.

The AW169 can make an immediate and measurable impact on EMS services for communities, allowing for a greater number of patients served, more quickly and efficiently, in the most treacherous of weather, over difficult and varied terrain. Its elevated services meet the demanding expectations for quality, service and technology required by world-renowned health care systems and their patients. The type is soon to be provided with a performance increase which is going to make it even more capable. In the coming months and years, watch for more announcements on the growing size of the AW169 fleet used for EMS activities in the United States.

What are the specific capabilities of the AW169?

• The AW169 includes a myriad of technology as part of its base price, technologies that are in some cases unique in the AW169 or in many cases optional on competitors’ aircraft. This includes synthetic vision, helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS), ADSB-Out, TCAS II, HUMS and CVR/FDR. 
• The AW169 comes standard-equipped with an APU mode capability that allows for all hydraulic, electrical and environmental systems to remain operational while the rotors are stopped. This is a significant advantage when comparing any model against the AW169 as it allows the medical crew to safely have access to all required medical devices while simultaneously keeping the cabin cool or hot depending upon location and time of year. When the patient is ready to be transported, the aircraft is ready for flight in less than 120 seconds. 
• The AW169 has been certified to the latest FAR 29 certification requirements which includes a crashworthy fuselage, fuel system and seats, bird strike resistance, 33-minute run dry transmission, and ground safety with high tail rotors and main rotor clearances.
• The AW169 has a larger usable cabin space when compared to competing types along with a larger usable baggage compartment. This allows for the storage of more medical gear and a second stretcher when needed.

What about the specific medical capabilities of the AW169?

• The AW169 has the capability for litter, manual stretcher or power-load stretcher in either transverse or longitudinal orientation.
• The AW169’s loading height is ergonomic without having to bend over to avoid the tail boom. The availability of power-loading technology helps prevent injuries, specifically back injuries when loading heavier patients.
• The medical crew of the AW169 has full patient access along with multiple locations for additional providers and specialty medical equipment, specifically cardiac assistive devices and high-risk OB. This allows for the cabin to be quickly reconfigured as required by the operator. 
• The AW169 has a cruising speed of 145 knots, making it the fastest aircraft in its class. 
• The AW169’s standard tank allows for more than three hours of endurance, providing longer range and reducing the need for refueling with a patient on-board.

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