Rockwell Collins launches Pro Line Fusion for commercial helicopter platforms
February 26, 2015
New demonstrator will debut March 3 at HAI HELI-EXPO 2015
ORLANDO, Florida (Feb. 26, 2015) – The flexible and modular Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system has been selected for 17 aircraft, including business jet, air transport, tilt-rotor and military flight decks. It’s even been flight tested as an unmanned aerial system ground station.
Now, at HAI HELI-EXPO 2015 in Orlando, the award-winning system is making its entrance into the commercial helicopter market. A brand new Pro Line Fusion demonstrator will debut in the Rockwell Collins exhibit (Booth 3262) where visitors can “fly” the rotary wing avionics solution.
“We have extensive experience in developing mission-specific avionics for helicopters and now we’re adapting that expertise to create a new helicopter cockpit concept based on the innovative design of Pro Line Fusion,” said Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “We believe Pro Line Fusion will evolve into a premier avionics solution for civil helicopters by delivering a whole new level of efficiency to the rotary wing cockpit.”
Featuring advanced graphical interfaces, intuitive icons and easily configurable multi-function display windows, Pro Line Fusion makes it easy for pilots to keep their eyes forward, with the right information in the right place. Now, pilots can more naturally and effectively stay focused on the mission during all phases of flight and in all flying conditions.
With an intuitive layout that can be preconfigured to match specific operational scenarios, the system offers a variety of innovative technologies designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness.
The mission-specific operational profiles include offshore platform approaches; hover in place; extended search and rescue patterns; and other critical mission capabilities. Combining large, high-resolution displays with the ease of touch-screen operations (complemented by intuitive keypad and cursor controls); Pro Line Fusion can meet the demands of any helicopter mission today and for the future.
In addition to Pro Line Fusion, Rockwell Collins will also showcase the following technologies for commercial helicopters:
HeliSureTM Flight Situational Awareness
HeliSure delivers sensor data in real time through an intuitive user interface that features 3D visualization for information that pilots can easily, quickly and effectively process. The first two products of the HeliSure family are Helicopter Synthetic Vision System (H-SVS) and Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (H-TAWS), which have been selected by AgustaWestland for the AW149, AW189, AW101 and AW169 platforms.
RTA-4100 MultiScan™ Weather Radar
The RTA-4114 MultiScan Weather Radar represents a major step forward in automation for helicopter flight crews. The system automatically scans ahead of the aircraft and combines the returns through advanced digital processing and analysis algorithms to display not just precipitation rates, but the actual weather threats.
Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II)
TCAS II works by interrogating the air traffic control transponders of other nearby aircraft to determine and display their altitudes, ranges and relative positions. The TCAS II computer uses sophisticated algorithms and interrogation techniques to calculate the speed, direction and conflict potential of these targets and if necessary, computes and displays a recommended vertical avoidance maneuver to ensure safe separation.
AJW GROUP BRINGS TOTAL AIRCRAFT PURCHASES TO FOUR IN LESS THAN 60 DAYS
February 26, 2015
The completion of Airbus A320-200 airframe acquisition from
SMBC Aviation Capital Netherlands B.V. is the latest deal to be signed.
London, February 23rd 2015: AJW Aviation, part of the AJW Group of companies, has concluded a targeted Group purchasing initiative with the closing of a deal to secure an Airbus A320-200 (MSN 1730) from SMBC Aviation Capital Netherlands B.V. This brings the total number of aircraft purchased for tear-down to four: including an A319 and B737-700, and a B757(PW). Components from all four aircraft will support AJW’s global fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft operating under power-by-the-hour contracts, and supplement AJW Aviation’s award-winning component support service for more than 1,000 airlines in 115 countries.
Christopher Whiteside, President, AJW Group commented on the Group’s strong purchasing drive: “The AJW Group’s ability to convert aircraft airframes into revenue is recognised by our growing private investor base. We have been extremely successful in the development of a range of innovative aircraft support programmes for airlines and operators of all sizes worldwide. These are underpinned by our inventory of Airbus and Boeing spares that is located in strategic hubs across the globe and we constantly need to monitor our stock levels to maintain service guarantees. AJW Technique, our component MRO division in Montreal has also developed pro-active repair programmes designed to reduce direct maintenance costs and boost on-wing time.”
“We are fortunate that our ready access to significant finance” he added, “combined with our reputation for flexibility and fast decision making, makes AJW the ‘go to’ partner for those operators and lessors seeking to sell airframes and engines.”
AJW Capital is the AJW Group’s principal investing division and is responsible for the purchase, sale and lease of large aviation-related capital assets, including whole aircraft and engines. It successfully managed the purchase of the A317, B737-700NG and the A320-200.
AJW companies are based out of London, Singapore, Shanghai, Dubai, Miami and Montreal with strategic aircraft spares stock held in these locations; across the UK, Europe and North America.
“Airbus Helicopters unveils its latest helicopter and introduces a new era of rotorcraft excellence at Heli-Expo 2015”
February 26, 2015
Reveal of the highly-anticipated X4 medium-sized aircraft
Rollout of a new and improved Customer Service offer and enhanced warranty conditions
Strong focus on customer satisfaction at the heart of business
Orlando, Florida, 26 February, 2015 – The high-profile presence of Airbus Helicopters at Heli-Expo 2015 will confirm the company’s leadership role, with its unveiling of the all-new X4 rotorcraft and a rollout of the industry’s most comprehensive customer services coverage.
These developments are aligned with the company’s transformation plan, which has been implemented to provide highly efficient helicopter solutions for customers around the world.
“This year’s Heli-Expo will demonstrate Airbus Helicopters’ unwavering commitment to our priorities of customer satisfaction, quality, safety and competiveness,” said President Guillaume Faury. “It reflects our transformation to achieve these goals, and will highlight our development of next-generation aircraft and services that offer our customers the best solution for their needs.”
The X4 is to be unveiled March 3 at 11 a.m. EST on Airbus Helicopters’ Heli-Expo booth (#2437) in the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida. As the first next-generation rotorcraft rolled out under the Airbus Helicopters identity, the X4 embodies the company’s values of excellence, agility, unity and integrity.
Incorporating Airbus Helicopters’ expertise in aerodynamics, rotor blade design and avionics, the twin-engine X4 is an all-new medium-sized aircraft capable of a full range of civil and parapublic missions. “The X4’s public debut is one of the most anticipated events at Heli-Expo 2015, and we look forward to the excitement of sharing our vision for the future,” Faury added.
Also to be introduced at Heli-Expo is Airbus Helicopters’ redefined services offer with enhanced warranty conditions, along with a new approach for material management service and the supply of spare parts. This offer puts the priorities on customer satisfaction by committing to quality and performance, while ensuring safety and operational availability. The company’s transformation has yielded visible results, as exemplified by the recent ProPIlot survey results, where Airbus Helicopters moved up two spots in one year to take 3rd place.
The evolved Airbus Helicopters product line will be spotlighted on the company’s Heli-Expo exhibit stand, beginning with the EC175 in oil & gas configuration. Since its entry into service late December for North Sea operations for the oil and gas sector, the EC175 has been performing above expectations for a new aircraft with almost 90% availability, having transported 1500 passengers and accumulated more than 250 flight hours. This seven-ton-class rotorcraft has been certified to the latest airworthiness standards, and incorporates the Airbus Helicopters-designed Helionix® avionics suite.
An EC130 T2 in tourism configuration is also to be displayed at Heli-Expo, underscoring this light single-engine rotorcraft’s popularity with tourism and aerial sightseeing companies. Its Fenestron® tail rotor contributes to the helicopter’s very quiet operation, while the roomy modular cabin can accommodate up to seven passengers and the pilot.
The EC145 T2 exhibited at Heli-Expo will be operated in emergency medical services configuration by the U.S. launch customer. Enhancements of the “hot-and-high” evolution of the multi-purpose, twin-engine EC145 include new dual-Fadec Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, along with upgraded main and new tail rotor gear boxes, as well as the Helionix digital avionics suite featuring a 4-axis autopilot. The EC145 T2 is both EASA and FAA certified and saw its first delivery in July 2014. Some 140 aircraft have been ordered, including the military version EC645 T2.
Garmin® Introduces Helicopter-Specific ADS-B Solutions With Industry-First Features
February 26, 2015
New GDL® 84H and GDL 88H Offer On Scene Mode, TerminalTraffic™ and More
OLATHE, Kan. /February 26, 2015/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the GDL 84H and GDL 88H Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) datalink. Helicopter owners and operators are offered added safety benefits with the GDL 84H and GDL 88H, which meet equipage requirements for ADS-B Out while receiving ADS-B In traffic and weather on a mobile device or compatible display in the cockpit. Industry leading ADS-B In technology provided by the GDL 84H and GDL 88H offer safety enhancing features specifically for helicopters such as TerminalTraffic, On Scene mode, TargetTrend and more. These products meet the unique and stringent demands encountered by helicopter operators, while providing them with a timely solution to meet airspace modernization initiatives.
“We have leveraged our expertise in the helicopter industry to develop these optimized solutions that offer immediate benefits for helicopter operators today, while allowing them to meet the requirements of ADS-B Out by December 31, 2019,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “The universal adoption of ADS-B promises to bring widespread access to traffic and weather information that was previously out of reach for many helicopter operators due to cost, availability and installation concerns. Garmin continues to invest in innovative and forward-thinking technology by offering affordable and scalable ADS-B solutions that enhance safety and situational awareness for our customers.”
The GDL 84H and GDL 88H provide a rule-compliant ADS-B Out solution for helicopter operators in the U.S., while offering state-of-the-art traffic alerting capabilities tailored to these operators and their unique operations. Beneficial traffic and Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather allow pilots to easily access the safety benefits offered by ADS-B on an installed compatible display or mobile device in the cockpit using Garmin Pilot™. Enhancing the traffic display, TargetTrend relative motion technology helps pilots visualize the trend of the traffic threats as it relates to their aircraft, while innovative dual-link technology provides pilots with the most comprehensive ADS-B traffic picture available in the industry.
On Scene mode minimizes nuisance traffic alerts when intentionally operating in close proximity to other helicopters during hovering operations such as Electronic News Gathering. This pilot-activated sophisticated technology acknowledges nearby traffic by reducing alerts while still providing alerts for new traffic threats. Pilot action is not required when resuming normal flight operations. On Scene mode is available with the GTN™ 650/750 touchscreen avionics and GDL 88H.
As part of Garmin’s Terminal Safety Suite, TerminalTraffic provides pilots with the most comprehensive picture of ADS-B-equipped aircraft and ground vehicles in the airport environment. ADS-B-equipped aircraft in-flight are easily distinguished from ground vehicles and taxiing aircraft, which are displayed using distinct colors and symbols. All of this information is presented to the pilot on a simple, easy to understand SafeTaxi® diagram with reference to runways, taxiways hangar locations and more. Additionally, when configured for helicopter operations, TerminalTraffic helps pilots easily distinguish potential traffic conflicts while in the airport environment by minimizing nuisance alerts from fixed-wing aircraft and abbreviating select alerts while performing unique helicopter maneuvers such as hovering.
Flexibility and versatility provided by the GDL 84H and GDL 88H give operators a wide range of display choices to receive the safety and operational benefits offered by these products. The GDL 88H conveniently interfaces with the GTN touchscreen series or GNS WAAS navigators to display ADS-B traffic and weather in the cockpit. For operators without a compatible display, the GDL 84H wirelessly transmits weather and traffic information to a mobile device using Garmin Pilot when paired with the Flight Stream 110/210 Bluetooth® wireless gateway. Additionally, for helicopters that do not already have an approved WAAS position source on board, the GDL 84H and GDL 88H are optionally equipped with a built-in WAAS GPS receiver. These straightforward solutions give operators an easy path to meet airspace requirements, which provide innovative traffic alerting capabilities and give operators a variety of display configurations to receive the benefits of ADS-B traffic and weather.
Garmin is expecting to receive Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the installation of the GDL 84H and GDL 88H in several popular helicopter models in Q2 2015. The GDL 84H system with an internal WAAS receiver and Flight Stream 110 Bluetooth wireless gateway is expected to be available starting at $5,995*. Additionally, the GDL 88H is expected to be available starting at $4,795*.
LAN Peru announces nonstop flight between Lima and Orlando, strengthening LATAM Airlines Group’s connectivity to the United States
February 26, 2015
- Ticket sales will begin on February 27, 2015 for travel starting on June 20, 2015
- LATAM Airlines Group’s affiliate expects to transport more than 80,000 passengers from South America to Orlando each year.
Lima, February 24, 2015 – LAN Peru, an affiliate of LATAM Airlines Group, will be the first airline to offer daily nonstop flights between Lima, Peru and Orlando International Airport starting on June 20, 2015, subject to government approvals. The airline expects to transport more than 80,000 passengers each year from South America via Lima to Orlando, a family tourist destination known for its amusement parks and other attractions.
Ticket sales begin on February 27, 2015 and the airline intends to operate the route on a modern Airbus A319 aircraft, which seats 126 passengers in Economy class
LATAM Airlines Group passengers coming from Buenos Aires and Cordoba, Argentina; Santiago, Chile; La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia; and Asuncion, Paraguay, will be able to fly through Lima to Orlando with a connection time of under 1 hour and 40 minutes.
“We want to continue connecting Peru to the world, just as we have for the last 15 years; we want our passengers to reach more destinations while enjoying the service, quality and punctuality that they deserve,” said Félix Antelo, LAN Peru General Manager. “An estimated 41,000 passengers from Peru alone are expected to fly this route, with an overall projection of 80,000 passengers when adding those connecting through Lima from other LATAM Airlines Group destinations.”
“LATAM Airlines Group’s international operations have grown considerably over the last few years,” said Nicolas Goldstein, General Manager of LATAM Airlines Group Long Haul Business. “This flight adds one more choice for passengers in the region to visit one of the United States’ top tourist destinations. LAN Peru’s new route between Lima and Orlando is a reflection of the commitment made by LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates to connect South America to the rest of the world.”
LAN Peru and the US
Orlando is LAN Peru’s fourth gateway in the United States, joining New York, Miami and Los Angeles. Together with codeshare partner airlines, LAN Peru connects to over 100 destinations in the US. Additionally, beginning April 4, 2015 LAN Peru will add two additional flights a week from Lima to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Bell Helicopter’s McTurbine Affiliate Receives Approval as a Honeywell T53 Series Service Provider
February 16, 2015
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 16, 2015) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, (NYSE: TXT), announced its affiliate company McTurbine, Inc. (McTurbine) received authorization from Honeywell International, Inc. to serve as a Licensed Repair Facility for the Honeywell T53 series engine.
“We are pleased to work with Honeywell and to join the Honeywell T53 support network, “ said Chera Ellis, manager, McTurbine. “McTurbine is known for its quality products, value and customer service, and we are thrilled to offer our capabilities to helicopter owners and operators with aircraft powered by the Honeywell T53 engine.”
Under this agreement, McTurbine will provide customers with engine and module maintenance, repair and overhaul services as well as component and accessory exchange services, field support and warranty administration.
“Bell Helicopter is focused on providing integrated service options throughout an aircraft’s lifecycle,” said Phil Carpenito, director, Customer Support and Services Operations for Bell Helicopter. “The addition of the T53 engine offers another avenue from which to expand these comprehensive customer support and services offerings.”
McTurbine has more than 20 years experience in the overhaul and repair of turbine engines with a long and successful history of providing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) authorized support. It has serviced more than 1,400 engines across an existing customer base of more than 300 operators worldwide.
Enstrom TH180 First Flight
February 16, 2015
Enstrom Helicopter’s TH180 took its first flight February 6th! The ground and flight test took about an hour. Flight speed and maneuvers were remarkable. Details to be unveiled on the opening day of Heli-Expo in Orlando. Come to their booth #1828 at Heli-Expo to see the video and to check out the ship in person.
Piper Receives Approval of M500 from ANAC Brazil
February 16, 2015
VERO BEACH, Fla., Feb. 12, 2015 – Piper Aircraft, Inc. was awarded approval from the National Civil Aviation Agency in Brazil for its most recent product, the Meridian M500, with Phase III avionics and digital cabin pressure control system.
“We are eager to bring the Meridian M500 into Brazil,” said Simon Caldecott, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “The M500 offers the best value proposition of any aircraft in its class, and with its reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine, unpaved field approval, and added safety of the enhanced autopilot flight control system, the aircraft is well-suited for South American topography and the market’s requirements.”
The M500 features the latest advances in Garmin G1000 technology, with industry leading safety features unique to this class of aircraft. Electronic Stability Protection, Underspeed Protection, Coupled Go-Round, Synthetic Vision Technology, and Automatic Level Mode are some of such impressive features for consumers seeking the safest aircraft possible, without sacrificing speed and power. GFC 700 remains standard, as well.
Other major improvements for the Meridian M500 include the Aspen EFD-1000 standby instrument, electroluminescent placards in cockpit, GTX 33 Extended Squitter Transponder, a centrally located single audio panel, dual USB charging ports, and an optional GTS 825 Traffic Advisory System, which coupled with the GTX 33ES, gives the aircraft ADS-B In and Out functionality.
“Garmin remains the forerunner in revolutionary avionics advancements, and continues to be Piper’s preferred choice for our products,” continued Caldecott. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to serve Brazil, and quite confident the M500 with AFCS will exceed the expectations we have set forth for this aircraft.”
LATAM Airlines Group reports preliminary monthly statistics for January 2015
February 10, 2015
Santiago, Chile, February 9, 2015– LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiaries, (“LATAM Airlines Group” or “the Company”) (NYSE: LFL / IPSA: LAN / Bovespa: LATM33), the leading airline group in Latin America, today reported its preliminary monthly traffic statistics for January 2015 compared to January 2014.
System passenger traffic increased by 5.3% while capacity increased by 2.6%. As a result, the Company’s load factor for the month increased 2.2 points to 85.7%. International passenger traffic accounted for approximately 50% of the month’s total passenger traffic.
Domestic passenger traffic in LATAM Airlines Group’s Spanish speaking operations (Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia) rose 7.1%, while capacity increased by 5.5%. As a consequence, the domestic passenger load factor increased 1.2 points to 83.3%.
Domestic passenger traffic in Brazil increased by 5.4%, while capacity increased by 2.1%. As a consequence, the domestic Brazil passenger load factor increased 2.8 points to 86.6%.
International passenger traffic increased by 4.6%, while capacity increased by 2.1%. Accordingly, the international passenger load factor for the month increased 2.1 points to 85.8%. International traffic includes international operations of both LAN and TAM on regional and long haul routes.
Cargo traffic for LATAM Airlines Group decreased 8.1% as capacity decreased 3.0%. As a consequence, the cargo load factor decreased 2.9 points to 52.7%. The decrease in cargo capacity is a result of reduced freighter operation. Cargo traffic decrease was driven by weaker imports into Latin America.
Dassault Aviation’s New Falcon 8X Takes to the Air
February 6, 2015
Ultra-Long Range Trijet on Track for Second Half 2016 Service Entry
February 6, 2015 (Bordeaux, Merignac, France): Dassault Aviation today announced that the company’s new flagship, the ultra-long range Falcon 8X, successfully completed its first flight a little more than one month after rollout.
With test pilots Eric Gérard and Hervé Laverne at the controls, aircraft 8X s/n 01 lifted off from Dassault Aviation’s Mérignac plant near Bordeaux at 02:00 PM. The aircraft leveled off at 5,000 ft (1,500 m) and raised its landing gear before beginning flight handling maneuvers and system tests at 15,000 ft (4,500 m). It later climbed to FL400 (12,000 m) accelerating to Mach 0.80. The aircraft subsequently descended to 5,000 ft for approach and landing at 03:45 PM.
“Throughout the flight, the Falcon 8X demonstrated excellent handling qualities, the hallmark of all Dassault Aviation aircraft,” said Gérard. “We reached each of the performance objectives set for the first mission and, in a few cases, surpassed target goals. I am confident that the remainder of the flight test program will proceed just as smoothly and feel extremely honored to fly such a handsome and well-engineered aircraft.”
“Today we reached a key milestone in the Falcon 8X program, and are right on target for mid-2016 certification and second half 2016 deliveries,” said Dassault Aviation Chairman/CEO Eric Trappier. “The new Falcon has been well received in the market place and already shows every sign of being a commercial and technical success. This early achievement reflects Dassault Aviation’s half century of experience in the business aviation industry. Dassault Aviation’s state-of-the-art military aircraft know-how enables us to design and build business jets that combine exceptional reliability, flight handling and technical capabilities with unmatched cabin comfort and operating economics. I congratulate the pilots, engineers, technicians and line workers, both at Dassault Aviation and at our numerous industrial partners and subcontractors facilities for their contributions in getting the 8X off to such a great start.”
Falcon 8X s/n 02 and 03 are scheduled to take to the air in the coming months. Each will take part in the flight test program that is expected to last around 500 flight hours. Serial number three will leave midyear for the Dassault Aviation completion facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, where it will be fitted with a complete interior and undergo a stringent system test campaign.
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