October 11, 2016 – Stavanger, Norway – Heli-One, a leading global provider of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, has received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for its Universal Avionics EFI-890H Advanced Flight Display upgrade from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada (TCCA). This STC is a part of the AS332L and L1 modernisation program currently underway with the Bundespolizei German Police (BPOL) and contracted by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The program includes a new Universal Avionics Flight Management System (FMS) to integrate with the displays. This STC covers the flight information display upgrade, replacing analogue systems with two 8.9” digital ‘smart’ displays, increasing operational capability, reducing issues with aging instruments, and eliminating the costs of replacing or maintaining older analogue displays.
The EFI-890H Advanced Displays are capable of customization to show all primary flight information in a pilot-friendly, intuitive interface, enhancing safety, improving situational awareness and reducing pilot workload. The dual screen installation allows for special mission equipment integration, such as synthetic vision with 3D terrain awareness. Combined with the upgraded FMS, this cutting-edge and mission-specific navigation and control panel upgrade gives BPOL added long-term value to their AS332 fleet.
The modification consists of pilot and co-pilot EFI-890H Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and Course / Heading Control panels. The dual UNS-1Fw Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS)-FMS is also included, along with a multi-mission option for SAR variants. A single Universal Avionics Radio Control Unit (RCU) provides control of both legacy and new radios.
“Our long-term relationship with Bundespolizei German Police was key in making this modification a success,” said Anthony DiNota, President, Heli-One. “We are privileged to work with such a key law enforcement operator who is unafraid of adapting to and maximising the latest rotorcraft technology. This upgrade will greatly extend their operational capability and aircraft longevity – at a great value.”
“It has been a real pleasure to work together with Heli-One’s extremely competent and knowledgeable engineers to develop the integration and display software changes needed to support this program,” said Grady Dees, Universal Avionics Director of Technical Sales. “The Heli-One team is second to none in the rotorcraft modification business.”
Heli-One has over 100 major and minor modifications available for the AS332 series. The Design teams’ mastery of the platform was key to the project’s brisk development time and detailed customization. Flight information system upgrades with Universal Avionics equipment have also been adapted for other platforms, including the Sikorsky S-61 and S-76.
More about the Electronic Flight Information System Upgrade.
More on Heli-One's AS332 maintenance, repair & overhaul capabilities.
About Heli-One
Heli-One is based in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. Heli-One has MRO operations in: Delta, Canada; Stavanger, Norway; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Rzeszow, Poland. Heli-One is the world’s largest independent helicopter MRO and holds certifications and expertise on a broad range of airframes and components from major helicopter and engine manufacturers, including Airbus, Sikorsky, Leonardo (AgustaWestland), Bell, Safran Helicopter Engines (Turbomeca), Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.
Heli-One is a segment of CHC Helicopter, the operating company of CHC Group Ltd. (OTC Pink Sheets: HELIQ)
About Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics is a leading manufacturer of innovative avionics systems offered as retrofit and forward-fit solutions for the largest diversification of aircraft types in the industry. Markets served include Business, Airline (regional/commercial), Government/Military, Special Missions, Helicopter and OEM. To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit www.uasc.com/company/about.aspx.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and other statements that we may make, contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and include statements about our service offerings and value proposition. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management, but are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and/or the timing of events to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: the operation of our business, adequacy of financial resources and commitments and operating expectations during the pendency of our court proceedings. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.
Media Contact Information
Helitech 2016:
Heli-One – Booth 10B45 & Universal Avionics – Booth 10C10
Heli-One:
Susan Gordon, Senior Director, Global Communications
+ 1.214.262.7384 or Susan.Gordon@chc.ca
Jesse Goranson, Manager Business Development & Strategy
+1 604.952.7843 or Jesse.Goranson@heli-one.ca
Universal Avionics:
Stacy Honda, Marketing Manager
+1 520.295.2300 or Shonda@uasc.com