HAI Convention News 03-09-17

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MARCH 9, 2017

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Safety push is working; heli accidents down 17%

by Curt Epstein

Continued on page 4 u

Year after year, Heli-Expo has proven to be the premier event for the rotorcraft industry. Besides numerous educational seminars and exhibit booths, attendees can also explore a plethora of helicopters.

MARIANO ROSALES

The number of helicopter accidents and fatal helicopter accidents in 2016 declined by 17 percent year-over-year, according to raw data from 50 countries compiled by the International Helicopter Safety Team and released yesterday at Heli-Expo. Last year, the industry experienced 254 accidents, including 52 fatal. This was down from 306 accidents, 63 of them resulting in fatalities in 2015.

“Of course some of this decrease is because in some places they aren’t flying as much,” noted Tony Molinaro, a public affairs officer with the FAA, who has been with the program for much of its 12-year existence. “We realize that, so we don’t want to say everything’s down because everything is much more safer.” Yet comparing the data from previous years, between 2016 and 2013, total accidents decreased by 29 percent, and fatal occurrences declined by 31 percent among those countries. “We think there truly is an outstanding culture of safety within the helicopter community,” Molinaro told the audience. “Over the last five years or so, there has been a great push forward around the world in the safety of helicopter operations, and we’re seeing more increased cooperation between the government and industry.”

More refined data from the United States Helicopter Safety Team shows that the U.S. civil helicopter accident rate declined from

Palu intros ADS-B-based helicopter landing system

by Mark Huber Italy’s Palu (Booth 6518) is partnering with FreeFlight Systems to bring the Advanced NextGen Landing System (Angels) to the U.S. Angels is a ground-based approach system that uses ADS-B technology to provide precision reduced-visibility VFR approaches tailored to helicopter operations in critical situations when weather conditions

cause visibility to be compromised, even when the baseline conditions are VMC (visual meteorological conditions). Angels can also be used to give pilots advisory guidance for flying customized curved approach paths. Angels uses helideck-based ground stations to provide lateral and vertical guidance. The advisory

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China Operator Inks 50-ship Bell 505 Deal China’s Reignwood Aviation is set to become the world’s largest fleet operator of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X lightsingle helicopter after the airframer announced a 50-ship deal yesterday at Heli-Expo. The order, to be delivered over the next three years, is in addition to a previous 10-unit deal.

“We are thrilled to have Reignwood as one of our largest operators of this aircraft in China,” said Patrick Moulay, the airframer’s executive v-p for commercial sales and marketing. The operator will add the new helicopters to its fleet, which currently includes the Bell 206, 407GX and 429, in use in a variety of missions.

“We are excited to be celebrating this milestone with Bell Helicopter and are eager to begin operating our fleet of Bell 505s,” said Reignwood chairman Galba Zheng. —C.E.

Noise

Air Medical

Engines

Safety

UAVs

Fly Neighborly Session Surprises

Air Methods Eyes Growth

P&WC Reaches Milestones

Collaboration Drives HeliOffshore

HEMS Reaches Out To Drone Pilots

Yesterday’s session on the Fly Neighborly program featured a video showing an experimental system that provides pilots with a real-time noise signature. page 22

Air medical helicopter operator Air Methods is looking for opportunities to expand. It is also open to making acquisitions. page 10

Pratt & Whitney Canada will soon deliver the 2,000th PT6C-76C engine, and its PW200 family has amassed 10 million flight hours. page 19

HeliOffshore combines the safety efforts of leading helicopter operators. It is now working to develop safety management systems. page 9

Virginia HEMS operator Carilion has started a local drone pilot outreach program to reduce the likelihood of UAShelicopter traffic conflicts. page 14

MARIANO ROSALES

New Zealand air-tour CEO Louisa Patterson (left) has developed an in-cockpit video recorder and started Eye in the Sky to market the device.

On a mission for cockpit video

by R. Randall Padfield Louisa Patterson, chief pilot, standards pilot and CEO of Over the Top, a New Zealand-based an air tour operator flying three Eurocopter helicopters, is on a mission. Although some consider her

a pioneer of the air tour industry in her country, she is here at Heli-Expo 2017 promoting her new business, Eye in the Sky (Booth 6026), a maker of aircraft video, audio and data recording devices.

South Korean Coast Guard to take second Sikorsky S-92

by Charles Alcock South Korea’s Coast Guard service is set to take delivery of its second Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. The aircraft is on display at the Heli-Expo show in Dallas, and on Wednesday the manufacturer honored the Korean flight crew with its Winged-S Rescue Award for lifesaving achievement and search and rescue response.

On February 27 the Coast Guard’s first S-92 rescued a worker from a fishing boat who was severely injured with a head trauma in a crane accident five miles off the Korean coast. Two security patrol boats, a marine rescue team and the helicopter were dispatched. The rescuers quickly decided that the patient should

Her motivation is personal. Her son was killed on February 19, 2015 in the crash of a Robinson Helicopter R44, on which he was a passenger. The 3,000-hour pilot was a former military pilot and had a reputation as a careful pilot.

The helicopter broke apart in the air while they were flying at 1,400 ft agl (3,000 ft msl) over level ground, and pieces of it were spread over a wide area. The New Zealand accident investigation board was unable to determine a primary cause of the accident.

Patterson knew a video recorder in the cockpit could have given the investigators more clues. So in remembrance of her son, she made it her mission to design a cockpit recording device (video, voice and data) that would be small, crash-resistant (metal), tamper-proof and cost less than half the price of similar devices on the market at that time. She found a manufacturer in the U.S., Rugged Video, in Mequon, Wisconsin.

So now she has a device that fits in the palm of your hand and costs $4,500. She believes that every aircraft should be flying with such a device, for both safety and business reasons.

Patterson says she is not in it for the money. She funded the development of the recorder and plans to donate all profits from the sale of the device to a charity in New Zealand. o

be hoisted onto the S-92 and rushed to the hospital, where he is now recovering.

The South Korean Coast Guard has operated the S-92 since March 2014 and has now logged more than 850 flight hours. The aircraft has been used to rescue other fishermen, as well as the survivors from the capsized MV Sewol ferry.

In the latter incident in April 2014 the aircraft flew 220 missions. o

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Correction: In the Van Horn Aviation story on page 3 of the March 8 edition of HAI Convention News, the price of the 206L rotor blade was incorrect. Van Horn has not yet released the price for the 206L blade, but it should be slightly more than the $80,000 for the 206B blade.

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Grzegorz Rzekos

PHOTOGRAPHER Mariano Rosales

Rogerson Kratos flies Black Hawk upgrade

by R. Randall Padfield Rogerson Kratos (Booth 8310) is at Heli-Expo giving demonstration flights in its in-development UH-60A Black Hawk (N683DN), the first fully digital cockpit modernization upgrade of a UH-60A to fly. The aircraft made its first flight on January 27 from Fort Worth Meacham field for two hours.

“We have attempted to look where Sikorsky is going in the future and taken some features that Sikorsky has recommended and gone from there,” explained

Michael Rogerson, founder and CEO of Rogerson Aircraft. “The equipment itself is a heritage of equipment we certified on the Bell 412EPI, which is used in a number of missions, and prior to that the Bell 429.” The ultimate lineage is a program started in the early 2000s for the Saudis and the Turkish coast guard.

According to the company, more than 2,000 Black Hawks and variants with analog cockpits are still flying in all U.S. military services, many U.S.

AVIALL, ROLLS-ROYCE EXTEND AND EXPAND PARTS SUPPORT DEAL FOR M250, RR300 ENGINES Boeing subsidiary Aviall has extended its worldwide distribution agreement with Rolls-Royce to provide spare parts product support for the M250 and RR300 engines, the company announced yesterday. The deal, which extends through 2026, continues Aviall’s distribution of spare parts, rotable material and modules and electronic publications, and adds approval to sell used engines. Aviall will also retain responsibility for parts sales and marketing, forecasting, inventory, order fulfillment and supply chain administration.

“The extension of this agreement builds upon our strong relationship with Rolls-Royce to provide unparalleled support to customers utilizing M250 and RR300 platforms,” noted Sheena Mitchell, Aviall’s vice president for commercial engine and rotor-wing programs. “Through our partnership, we will continue to utilize our

integrated global distribution network to deliver significant low-cost solutions via our new, surplus and exchange material.”

Dallas-based Aviall (Booth 9952) is the world’s largest provider of new aviation parts and related aftermarket services. It markets and distributes products for more than 240 manufacturers and offers approximately two million catalog items from 40 distribution centers globally.

“Rolls-Royce and Aviall have been working together for years and share a commitment to providing the best possible support for operators,” said Jason Propes, the engine maker’s senior v-p for helicopters and light turboprops. “Our innovative approach will ensure customers are getting dependable, affordable and authorized parts and services worldwide for years to come for their Rolls-Royce M250 and RR300 engines.” —C.E.

Aviall senior manager of helicopter programs Ty Genteman (left) and Rolls-Royce helicopter services exec Jerry Sheldon shake hands on an agreement that extends Aviall’s role to supply spare parts product support for M250 and RR300 engines.

government agencies and more than 25 foreign countries, a huge potential market by any measure. “We’re looking for military and para-military applications,” Rogerson said.

The Rogerson Kratos openarchitecture cockpit replicates the UH-60M cockpit to help facilitate training and interoperability. Current operators of the UH-60A and L can upgrade in their own country, or obtain reset UH-60 Model A helicopters with digital cockpit modernization already installed. The company’s integrated upgrade replaces factory analog gauges with electronic instrument flat panel displays and promises greater situational awareness, reduced pilot workload and increased mission safety.

The Rogerson Kratos engine electronics unit operates with GE 700, 701C and 701D engines, contributing to operator flexibility. Replacing obsolete and limited warfighter mission capabilities with a digital cockpit system is cost effective and also meets future Black Hawk mission requirements.

“We’ve made it [the cockpit modernization] our next generation offering, in that it has an interface with a lot of potential improvements, such as systems for degraded-visibility environments, being able to get a 360-degree of the environment of the helicopter,” CEO Rogerson added. “Our many years and flight hours of providing avionics for the twin-engine helicopter industry includes a significant number of important industry firsts, such as certifying the industry’s first flat panel primary flight display EFIS and EICAS in a helicopter. This Black Hawk application is the culmination of all that experience.”

Operating through a wide temperature environment, possessing superior optical performance and designed with an extra wide range viewing angle for cross-cockpit viewing, the Rogerson Kratos “smart” multifunction displays are compliant with current night vision imaging system standards and other critical information and navigation requirements. Features include 3-D digital map, advanced hover symbology, integrated FLIR and embedded maintenance pages.

There are four Black Hawks in the cockpit modernization development program.

Delivery of customer cockpit upgrades is expected to begin this year. The system will compliant with future air traffic management requirements. o

NEWS CLIPS z Spectrum Celebrates 25 Years with Contest Spectrum Aeromed (Booth 6104) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a contest at its Heli-Expo booth. To enter the contest, visitors are encouraged to stop by the booth and take a selfie. After liking Spectrum Aeromed’s profile on Facebook and following the company on Twitter, contestants are asked to post on social media with the hashtag #SPECAERO25. The grand prize is a $250 Amazon gift card but 10 $25 Amazon gift cards are also up for grabs.

z AeroBrigham Campaign Touts Capabilities Texas-based MRO provider AeroBrigham (Booth 9240) launched a campaign focused on the capabilities of the company, coining the new maxim: “From High Class to Classic, Our Standards Remain the Same.” Part of the campaign involves AeroBrigham holding drawings for items that represent its high-class and classic aviation services.

To highlight its luxury offerings such as VIP and corporate aircraft completions, AeroBrigham will hold a drawing at its Heli-Expo booth for a pair of women’s Christian Louboutin shoes and clutch bag. AeroBrigham will also hold a drawing for Lucchese handmade boots to highlight its utility aircraft completions at another trade show later this year.

David Brigham, AeroBrigham co-owner and maintenance professional, said, “We have experience with not just basic configurations but also with the most sophisticated helicopter or airplane configuration and can provide support to a range of aircraft owners and operators. The luxury items we are offering in our drawings are reflective of our level of service and attention to detail, which are also showcased in our completions.”

z Columbia Picks Skytrac for Flight Data Tracking Columbia Helicopters has selected Skytrac (Booth 5912) for flight data monitoring for its Chinooks. Skytrac features real-time analysis of engine exceedances and operational deviations using the system’s satellite download data feature to offload full flight logs on landing, minimizing FDM data retrieval effort and speeding analysis times. A cockpit camera assembly provides additional FDM analysis capabilities with optional flight deck console recording. Skytrac also supports Columbia with real-time voice and text, automated flight following and cockpit Wi-Fi.

z Pall Selects AeroProducts as Dry Filter Dealer Pall Aerospace (Booth 4920) has selected South Carolina-based aviation parts supplier AeroProducts as the distributor for its line of PUREair engine inlet dry barrier filters. The dry filters eliminate all the problems associated with the traditional oilwetted filter, which generally entail a long drying period after washing and require re-oiling, according to the manufacturer.

The dry barrier media filters can be cleaned with a garden hose or by pressurized air and reinstalled almost immediately, with no oily hazardous waste water to dispose. Pall noted its dry filters are up to 40 percent lighter than their oil counterparts.

The product is available for use with an FAA-PMA on the Bell 206L/407 and Airbus AS350 helicopters, as well as UH-1H Huey fire-fighting helicopters.

z Avpro Secures Deals to Remarket Helicopters Aircraft sales broker Avpro signed contracts to remarket eight helicopters on the second day of this week’s HeliExpo show. The exclusive contracts cover the remarketing of four Airbus EC135P2/T2+ helicopters configured for emergency medical service (owned by undisclosed clients), one utility version of the Leonardo A109E Power (Japan’s ITC-AeroLeasing), a Sikorsky S76C+ and an S-92 (financial institutions), plus an AgustaWestland Grand (undisclosed Middle Eastern client).

Since the start of 2017, U.S.-based Avpro has completed three helicopter transactions. ITC-AeroLeasing specializes in sale and leaseback transactions.

www.ainonline.com • March 9, 2017 • HAI Convention News 3

z Dart To Develop B505 Emergency Float System Dart Aerospace (Booth 8540) and Bell Helicopter signed a partnership agreement to collaborate on developing an emergency flotation system (EFS) STC for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. The factory-offered EFS for the Bell 505 will be comarketed by both Dart and Bell Helicopter. Once the Transport Canada certification of the EFS is completed in the first quarter of 2018, FAA and EASA applications will be submitted.

Dart has developed and certified more than 30 flotation systems but this EFS STC will be the first flotation solution available for the Bell 505. According to Dart, this EFS adds safety in overwater operations and offers longer maintenance intervals than other EFSs.

z Sikorsky Recognizes Helijet for Safe S-76 Ops Sikorsky (Booth 8114) recognized Helijet for 30 years of safe operations in Sikorsky S-76s. Helijet currently operates a fleet of 11 S-76s, primarily in scheduled passenger service, charter and EMS, the latter through its British Columbia Ambulance Services (BCAS) division. BCAS flies 7,000 patients annually in all-weather, day/night operations.

“Since 1998, we’ve flown over 25,000 flight hours and facilitated more than 50,000 patient transfers with BCAS using the Sikorsky S-76,” said Helijet CEO Daniel Sitnam. “The reliability of the S-76 has been a key part of our success and our excellent safety record.”

Over the last three decades, Helijet has flown more than two million passengers. Sikorsky will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the S-76’s first flight on March 13th. More than 850 have been delivered worldwide since 1979.

z Kyzen Exec Highlights Earth-friendly Solvents Joe McChesney, global technology manager at Kyzen, stressed the importance of using enviromentally friendly solvents during a presentation given yesterday at Heli-Expo. The presentation, “Parts Cleaning & Environmental Concerns! Choosing a Green Solvent,” covered the guidelines and benefits of using governmental-approved solvents for cleaning.

McChesney stressed that environmental, health and safety concerns are some of the most important aspects when choosing a solvent for cleaning. The solvents must be safe for the user and the environment.

With more than 39 years of experience with solvent and aqueous cleaning processes, McChesney understands each step of the process from conceptual design to field operation.

He previously served on the State of Kentucky International Trade Association Advisory board and the EPA/Clean Air Advisory board.

z Concorde Battery Celebrates 40th Anniversary Concorde Battery, which supplies more than 100 models of OEM and direct replacement valve-regulated, sealed lead-acid batteries, is celebrating its 40th anniversary as well as new approvals for battery installations.

Responding to customer concerns, Rotorcraft Support received FAA STC approval for installation of the 34-Ah Concorde RG-427 in the Bell 407 and 427. According to Concorde, the original equipment 28-Ah battery was not getting fully recharged during short-duration flight operations, which affected subsequent starting performance and shortened battery life. “The decrease in power also causes unnecessary wear on engine components,” the company said.

Covina, California-based Concorde last year opened a new factory in Austell, Georgia. Earlier this year, the Georgia facility received FAA-PMA approval.

One of Concorde’s specialties is designing batteries as drop-in replacements, so that no airframe modifications are required. Next on the techology roadmap for Concorde is a new line of lithium-ion batteries, according to the company, “that will provide the same record of reliability and safety that is expected of a Concorde battery.”

Outerlink Iris geotags helo health status

by Mark Huber Outlerink’s (Booth 9342) new Iris system gives customers a webbased tool that displays all the tracking data with complete aircraft system visibility. The new Iris console presents a virtual copy of the aircraft engine and airframe subsystem status by monitoring every caution and warning in the panel along with monitoring the geospatial movements of the aircraft.

The global tracking map lets customers see each aircraft’s position and condition at a glance with simple color hues that indicate general tracking, phase of flight and aircraft condition. Due to constant monitoring and pre-programmed event triggers, the console immediately notifies customers and can optionally notify key management via e-mail or SMS messages.

“Having the ability to monitor all the aircraft systems live, coupled with the capability to push a button and talk to your entire fleet, gives an operator that extra level of safety and efficiency that has not been available until now,” said Jeff Warner, Outerlink director of sales and marketing. o

Palu ADS-B landing system uContinued from page 1

guidance is displayed for pilots on the Angels iPad app.

The system is initially targeted at the offshore market including wind farms, the company said, noting that “visual aids on the helideck are often useless because of the very bright illumination of the platform itself.”

Thirty-three percent of all helicopter accidents occur on either approach or landing and a fully 43 percent are due to reduced

Rotorcraft accidents on the decline uContinued from page 1

3.67 accidents per 100,000 flight hours in 2016, to 3.19 accidents per 100,000 flight hours the previous year. Yet, the number of fatal accidents in the U.S. remained nearly static at 17 in both years, or approximately .51 accidents per 100,000 flight hours. This has led the organization to concentrate its efforts on examining those incidents.

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Able Aerospace (Booth 11542) signed a service agreement with Eagle Copters, appointing the helicopter services company as an exclusive provider for repair, overhaul and exchange services for helicopter installations in Chile and Australasia. This agreement will aid in expanding Eagle Copter’s existing Bell Helicopter certified service facility (CSF) status.

Eagle Copters has a Bell Helicopter CSF designation in both Canada and Chile. Earlier this month, the company received a Bell Helicopter CSF designation for field maintenance services in the Australasia market. Able Aerospace will help Eagle Copters expand its CSF designation to include an overhaul rating.

“Our customer programs in Chile and Australasia represented the perfect opportunity to begin our working relationship with Able Aerospace Services,” Eagle Copters president Barry Kohler said.

“Our satellite locations have grown and changed considerably from their inception, and we felt we owed it to our team to supplement our capability with a highly experienced organization to ensure we end up with the most effective solution for both our current customers and ourselves.”

—S.C.

MARIANO ROSALES

NEWS CLIPS

ABLE TAPS EAGLE AS MRO IN CHILE, ASIA

LITTERING ALLOWED HERE Metro Aviation’s Nathan Morreale demonstrates some of the features its air medical Bell 407 to Heli-Expo attendees.

visibility or poor weather, Palu director Luca Branca added.

Angels was developed with funding from the European Union as part of its Horizon 2020 technology initiative. The system consists of a portable ground station that can be optionally fitted with a Palu weather station or linked to an existing weather station on the offshore platform or base location. The cost of the basic ground station is around $50,000, Branca said.

Customers can then download the Angels app for iPads at no cost. The app enables users to access charts and local weather

for flight planning and then later provides information on the initial and final approach displays. The initial approach display shows the selected approach path, distance to the deck, bearing and wind on deck. The final approach display shows alignment information, distance to deck, bearing and wind on deck. Compared to a full ILS installation, Angels is very economical, Branca said, pointing out that it increases safety and reduces pilot workload without requiring any special installations on the actual aircraft. He said future versions may include voice and aural cues. o

“They’ve noticed the causes of fatal accidents are different than the causes of every type of accident,” noted Molinaro.

“When you look at total accidents, a lot of them happen in the training area, a lot of that drops away when you talk about fatal accidents, because a lot of fatalities aren’t happening in the training area.”

Based on its prior analysis of accidents, the group has categorized a large part of them into three areas: in-flight loss of control, unintended flight into

instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and low-altitude operations. The group is currently examining each accident over the past year to determine the root causes. Currently prevailing themes are: issues with performance planning, issues with weight and balance, pilot instrument proficiency, need for improved weather reporting and fatigue management. Once the group finishes its analysis later this spring, it will begin developing safety enhancements aimed at mitigating those accidents. o

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Helicopters | Aeronautics | Electronics, Defence & Security Systems | Space

Harris to leverage ADS-B in UAS beyond-visual-line-of-sight trials

by Chad Trautvetter According to Harris Electronic Systems vice president and general manager of commercial UAS solutions George Kirov, this infrastructure will leverage the existing FAA ADS-B ground station network, which the company manages, and use strategically located, Harris-built ADS-B Xtend units to fill in coverage gaps below 400 feet. With six ADS-B Xtend units already in place, “the majority” of North Dakota now has full coverage, he said. Both the 1090-MHz and universal access transceiver (UAT) ADS-B frequencies will be used in the trials.

BNSF Railway is already using Harris Xtend units placed along its lines and

ADS-B-equipped UASs to inspect its tracks, so Harris is confident that this technology can be used on a broader scale.

“This is a scalable system,” Kirov said. And compared with heavier and higher-cost “see and avoid” systems that can be used only on larger UAS platforms, Harris believes that the availability of low-cost, small and lightweight ADS-B units makes this technology more suitable and economical to safely separate unmanned aircraft—regardless of size—from other traffic throughout the NAS. Meanwhile, the company is now working to finalize its command-and-control system that it will use for the tests in North Dakota. Harris had explored using the 4G/LTE network to transmit commands to UASs flying beyond visual line of sight, but it has decided to use a more secure, aviationprotected spectrum outlined in RTCA SC-228, “Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” which outlines L-Band

On February 28, Harris Corp. demonstrated ADS-B tracking of a UAS at its Melbourne, Florida, headquarters. The ADS-B out receiver on the UAS is light weight, lowcost and compact, as well as low power.

Harris believes ADS-B is the key for safely integrating UASs into U.S. airspace.

PHOTOS: CHAD TRAVETTER

Harris Corp. has received a twoyear, $500,000 grant from the North Dakota Centers of Excellence Commission to enable and test beyond-visual-line-ofsight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft systems using an augmented ADS-B network for traffic separation of UASs with other aircraft in the Northern Plains state. The Melbourne, Florida, aerospace company is partnering with the University of North Dakota and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to develop a network infrastructure scalable to the state of North Dakota and eventually to the entire U.S. that would allow UASs to be safely integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS).

and C-Band solutions. It expects to have its command-and-control system in place by year-end.

In case of loss or interruption in either control or ADS-B signals, Harris engineers are integrating onboard “last ditch” functions. If the ADS-B network signal is lost, the onboard command-and-control computer can still receive ADS-B broadcasts from nearby aircraft and automatically maintain a onemile separation. And if the control signal is lost, the UAS will

land automatically. For normal air traffic separation, UAS operators in the North Dakota trials will communicate by voice to air traffic controllers.

Harris and its partners plan to begin testing of UAS BVLOS flights using ADS-B for traffic separation and its commandand-control system in North Dakota early next year. A wide variety of UAS vehicles will be used during the trials, some of which could possibly fly into the flight levels, said Kirov. o

Bell executive v-p of commercial sales Patrick Moulay and Masani Aamino of Nakanihon Air Service sealed a deal for two Bell 429s here at Heli-Expo on Tuesday.

Nakanihon Air orders pair of Bell 429 twins Japanese operator Nakanihon Air Service (NNK) ordered two Bell 429s for use in its helicopter emergency medical services, Bell Helicopter announced during Heli-Expo. The helicopters are slated for delivery later this year.

The order continues a relationship between Bell and NNK that spans six decades. NNK ordered its first Bell, a Bell 47G-2, in April 1960. Since then, the operator has purchased 77 Bells and currently owns 13, including 206, 430, 204, 412 and 429 models.

“It is remarkable that our loyal customer, Nakanihon, has purchased its 78th and 79th Bell helicopters over a period

of nearly 60 years, emphasizing the trust in the Bell product and support provided by Bell in Japan,” said Richard Thornley, Bell Helicopters, managing director, Japan. The new order, he added “is a huge endorsement for the 429” in the HEMS role.

In addition to owning the helicopters, NKK manages eight Bell 412EPs and 412EPIs for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

And, NNK has been an authorized customer service facility for Bell since 1994 and customizes a number of the helicopters that enter Japan. o

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MARIANO ROSALES

by Kerry Lynch

BIG CROWDS, BIG EXPECTATIONS A horde of Heli-Expo attendees rushed onto the floor here at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center right after the ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning. In general, attendees seem more upbeat about the industry at this year’s show, and exhibitors are hoping that this translates into more sales for their products and services in the near future.

Father-son duo to circle globe in Bell 429 for Canada’s 150th

by Samantha Cartaino Father-son duo Bob and Steven Dengler are celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary in a big way. Along with veteran pilot Dugal MacDuff, the team will embark on C150GO, the world’s first Canadian helicopter circumnavigation flight, and, according

to Steven, the first ever fatherson global flight. The men will start their record-breaking trip in Ottawa, Canada, on July 1 and fly a Bell 429 more than 37,000 km (20,000 nm) in a little more than one month while making approximately 100 stops in 14 countries.

The Bell 429 circumnavigation flight will start on July 1. It will span more than 20,000 nm, with approximately 100 stops in 14 countries. Notably, the helicopter will land at Marconi Center in Poldhu, Cornwall, where the first transatlantic radio signal was sent.

The father-son duo has always been interested in circumnavigating the globe together.

Bob Dengler is the founder of Dynatec Mining and was one of the first to take delivery of a privately owned Bell 429 in Canada. He previously completed a trip around the Canadian arctic in August 2015. Steven Dengler, the co-founder of XE.com, primarily flies fixed-wing aircraft, but is excited to fly the Bell 429, a helicopter he calls, “the Ferrari of rotorcraft.”

The pair were introduced to Dugal MacDuff after the first pilot they chose, Bruce Larin, passed away. MacDuff was one of the original test pilots of the Bell 429 and has more than 12,000 hours of flight experience.

This will be his first time circumnavigating the globe.

While on this trip, Steven told AIN, the rotorcraft will make stops in every Canadian territory as well as sites that hold historical significance for Canada and the aviation industry. For example, the Bell 429 will stop at Marconi Center in Poldhu, Cornwall, where the first transatlantic radio signal in history was sent, as well as Signal Hill,

8 HAI Convention News • March 9, 2017 • www.ainonline.com

Steven Dengler and his father, Bob Dengler, along with Dugal MacDuff (right), will fly a Bell 429 on a circumnavigation flight this year to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The focus of the trip is not to break records but for the pilots to be ambassadors of good will around the world.

in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where that signal was received.

They will also stop at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France because 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I. Ultimately, this trip is not intended to become a speed record for Steven. He told AIN that the focus of the trip is for the pilots to be ambassadors of good will around the world. Bell Helicopter, IAMGOLD Corporation, Collins Barrow, Denison

Mines and more are sponsoring the trip. However, all proceeds raised will go to the True Patriot Love Foundation, which assists Canadian veterans and families, and the Southlake Regional Health Center Foundation.

Those interested in following the Denglers on their trek can find live updates on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, which are all under the handle “C150GO.” Steven even plans on livestreaming parts of the trip so people can check in with them in real-time. o

Collaboration drives safety leadership at HeliOffshore

by Charles Alcock In October 2014, five of the world’s leading helicopter operators combined forces to form HeliOffshore in a bid to put competitive issues to one side to collectively enhance safety in the global offshore transport industry through collaboration. In less than three years, membership of the group has rapidly increased to almost 100 organizations from across Europe, North America, Africa, Russia and Asia.

Last year, London-based HeliOffshore conducted a review of safety issues to establish priorities in leading and supporting the efforts of operators, manufacturers, training organizations, academics, and oil and gas companies to implement best practices and safety standards throughout the industry. Among the outcomes from this process are a newly launched strategy and safety performance model, aircraft-specific flight operations manuals and increased use of data to more objectively assess and improve the safety of operations.

“The model focuses on practical steps that can be taken to ensure system reliability and resilience,” explained HeliOffshore CEO Gretchen Haskins. “It also

BLR FASTFIN A NO-BRAINER FOR BRAINERD BLR Aerospace President Mike Carpenter and Airbus Helicopters v-p of civil programs Lindsay Cunningham flank Bart Brainerd, president of Brainerd Helicopters, following a special ceremony Tuesday at Heli-Expo. The ceremony recognized Brainerd as the first operator of BLR’s new FastFin System for the H125 helicopter.

HeliOffshore’s work to create best practices for health and usage monitoring systems (HUMs) helped pave the way for a PHI-operated Sikorsky S-92 to become the first aircraft to use a new real-time HUMS system last week.

deals with operational effectiveness, covering goals such as avoiding obstacles and loss of control.”

The core elements of HeliOffshore’s collaborative approach involve information sharing, training and joint work on safety management systems, including best practices guidelines—all culminating in tangible action items that can be applied to day-to-day rotorcraft operations. Its safety review involved a thorough examination of a wide range of available accident data with analysis by subject experts drawn from the exceptional pool of experienced personnel from the member companies.

Through the conduit of HeliOffshore, the world’s four leading helicopter manufacturers have committed to the development of flight crew operating manuals for all their aircraft. Airbus and Sikorsky have already published manuals, and more are in the works.

Automation is another major focus of HeliOffshore’s outreach work. The group

recently produced a series of training videos on the subject, each of which illustrates key do’s and don’ts for cockpit procedures, in recognition that automation poses both opportunities and challenges in modern helicopter operations.

“Effectively, we need to think of automation as being another crew member, and we need to know what it is doing and what it is good at,” Haskins commented.

Some 40 experts in health and usage monitoring systems have been engaged in HeliOffshore’s development of best practice for this key safety tool. The group hailed this week’s announcement that Sikorsky S-92s operated by the PHI group have become the first to use a new real-time HUMS system jointly developed by the operator, the manufacturer and Metro Aviation.

Other engagement with equipment makers has seen HeliOffshore pressing avionics manufacturers to introduce necessary software updates for helicopter terrain awareness systems (H-TAWS). This

effort has been backed by research work on human factors aspects of H-TAWS conducted by the UK’s Cranfield University and Royal Holloway.

This week at the Heli-Expo show in Dallas, HeliOffshore and GE Aviation signed an agreement to develop and implement digital solutions for a new global safety data management system for offshore helicopter operators. The new system will be rolled out later this year, tapping GE’s Predix data and analytics tools. HeliOffshore’s existing InfoShare platform will allow members to share available data.

“The ability for multiple stakeholders to share safety data that helps target actions faster to enhance safety in the frontline is a huge step forward. GE’s track record of delivery in the fixed-wing sector will help us to make this a practical reality for our industry,” said Haskins.

HeliOffshore will hold its annual conference and general meeting in the Hungarian capital Budapest from May 12-15. o

N.Y. firm ramps up B505 seat production

by Curt Epstein Having just completed the move of its headquarters and manufacturing facility into a structure nearly twice the size of its previous home, Ronkonkoma, New York-based aviation seating manufacturer East/West Industries is expanding, while other companies in the industry are scaling back. In operation for nearly five decades, the company also plans to increase its workforce of 75 by 40 percent over the next three years to meet demand. Its new facility features a 3-D printing lab, high-speed machining and other innovations that will reduce product development lead time.

In addition to many military support programs, the family-owned business produces passenger seats for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, delivering more than 250 to the airframer since the program began. The seats come in two varieties, VIP and utility, and are designed to be changed in less than 30 seconds each, according to Joe Spinosa, the

company’s vice president for business development, leading some customers to order two ship sets per helicopter.

Both are on display at the company’s booth (10337) and examples of the VIP versions are installed in the Bell 505s on the exhibit hall floor at Heli-Expo.

While this year’s production rates for the seats will depend on Bell’s output, Spinosa expects to deliver at least 75 shipsets of the lightweight, energy-attenuating seats in 2017, for Bell’s replacement of the 206 model.

“Today’s modern helicopters are capable of flying missions that can last six to eight hours, and helicopter flight can be fatiguing,” noted Spinosa. “Superior seating is more important than ever for commercial and military missions.”

Also on display this year at the company’s booth is its portable ground service “Master Crane,” which is becoming popular among maintenance provides and operators. o

East/West Industries v-p for business development Joe Spinosa and president Teresa Ferraro are busy with Bell 505 seat manufacturing at their Ronkonkoma, New York, facility.

www.ainonline.com • March 9, 2017 • HAI Convention News 9

Aeromedical operations remains a changing landscape, but Air Methods is focused on future growth.

Air Methods stands firm on fleet size, eyes growth

by Mark Huber The U.S. helicopter air ambulance market may be topping out, but Air Methods (whose United Rotorcraft division is here at Booth 5310) has no plans to reduce the size of its fleet. The company remains open to expansion and acquisitions, according to CEO Aaron Todd.

“There continues to be a need for air medical services, especially as rural hospitals continue to close,” he said, “leaving Americans needing to access tertiary care in a timely manner. While we don’t have a plan to reduce the size of our fleet, we do think strategically about where we position our aircraft, and that can and has led to base consolidations in certain

markets. We remain inquisitive and open to acquiring more programs that can enhance our value proposition.”

While Air Methods is reducing planned deliveries of Bell 407GXPs this year under a 10-year contract, Todd said, “We remain committed to Bell Helicopter as our preferred single-engine aircraft provider and to the 407GXP as our preferred single-engine aircraft. We rely heavily on our aircraft to support our promise of giving more tomorrows, and given the capabilities and performance of the Bell 407GXP, it continues to be the right fit for our needs.

We have scaled back our deliveries for 2017; however, we look forward to continuing our long-term

partnership with Bell for the duration of our 10-year commitment.”

Although flights are getting marginally longer, he said, in the main, single-engine helicopters remain the correct air ambulance platform in most situations. “Of course fixed-wing operations are more appropriate for longer-leg flights, and we have fixed-wing aircraft in our air medical fleet.

That said, the average trip length

Era SAR takes Airbus Golden Hour Award Era Group’s search-and-rescue (SAR) program will receive the 2017 Airbus Helicopters Golden Hour Award at Heli-Expo this year. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has made notable advancements in helicopter use during SAR missions. Era representatives will receive the award at the Salute to Excellence Awards dinner at the Hilton Anatole Dallas on March 8.

Era, in partnership with Priority 1 Air Rescue (P1AR), started the first commercial SAR program in the U.S. and has responded to more than 1,050 emergency calls from over 70 companies based near the Gulf of Mexico. The company was the first emergency flight services provider to update the Leonardo AW139 for SAR mission capabilities and currently operates three SAR-equipped AW139s from Houma, La., and Galveston, Texas. In fact, Era is the only SAR provider medically licensed in these two locations.

The SAR program offers 24-hour offshore life support medical care on the U.S. Gulf of Mexico outer continental shelf. Supported by four certified emergency medical dispatchers, the program boasts 38 medically qualified P1AR rescue specialists, 18 trained pilots, night-vision goggles, hoist rescues and air-ambulance services. With all this, the SAR program can support federal, state and local crisis emergency response efforts for numerous emergency situations.

The three AW139 helicopters are able to complete deep-water maritime SAR and emergency medical services, and the helicopters feature satellite tracking, EGPWS, night-vision imaging systems, forward-looking infrared systems, search pattern autopilot modes, dual hoists and fully integrated auto-hover.

Because Era SAR is able to conduct emergency response in extreme environments, it can successfully handle the most challenging SAR operations. As a result, Era helped identify the benefits of manned and unmanned aerial system integration in SAR missions for the Coast Guard’s Arctic Technology Evaluation in 2015. In this

Era Group SAR exercise, Era’s AW139 pilots worked together with P1AR crews in order to promote the combined use of marine and aviation assets during SAR missions.

Chris Bradshaw, Era’s president and CEO, said, “We are honored by the recognition for the excellence of Era’s SAR program, which offers the highest level of lifesaving support for those in need. Era’s SAR program is the premier search-and-rescue provider in the U.S., and this award is a testament to the dedicated teams at Era and our partner Priority 1 Air Rescue, who have worked so hard to position our SAR program at the forefront of the industry.”

—S.C.

10 HAI Convention News • March 9, 2017 • www.ainonline.com

is up very slightly over the last five years, but nothing that we would characterize as significant or game changing.”

Under-reimbursement from government and third-party providers continues to be an area of concern for the company, and Air Methods has joined industry efforts to improve this situation. “There continues to be an opportunity to improve the political climate when it comes to Medicare reimbursement,” Todd said. “The drastically low reimbursements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services must be fixed, and we continue to support the proposed federal legislation that would resolve the Medicare reimbursement shortfall by updating reimbursement rates. The Save Our Air Medical Resources campaign recently announced that 40 healthcare, consumer and business organizations, local providers and industry leaders joined the campaign.”

Todd said the company continues to study the international HEMS market as a venue for future growth, and this includes China. “The Chinese HEMS market represents a large expansion opportunity for HEMS, but is still in its infancy with many hurdles to overcome in key areas including regulatory, infrastructure and reimbursement,” he said. “Regarding the question of broader HEMS expansion opportunities outside of the U.S., we see the opportunity and are studying markets where the regulatory, infrastructure and reimbursement environments can support longterm investment returns.”

Air Methods remains focused on enhancing safety and is working closely with FlightSafety International and its new Denver learning center. Todd expects the center to conduct 10,000 hours of training per year, once all of its Level-D simulators are up and running. “There are maneuvers that our pilots can better train for in the simulator; for example, inadvertent IMC, distractions and low-altitude emergencies

to name a few,” he said.

Air Methods “made a significant investment in the learning center,” according to Todd, including a commitment to the Level-D EC130, EC135, AS350 and Bell 407 simulators even before they were manufactured.

“We provided the aircraft and team for data-gathering support,” he added. “Once all four simulators are installed, we will be able to train for 75 percent of our fleet, and 75 percent of our pilots will pass through Denver for the four-day training. We will consume about 60 percent of the available hours on the simulators.”

Todd said Air Methods is committed to retrofitting its entire fleet with crash-resistant fuel systems, regardless of FAA mandate, and is working with Vector Aerospace, which is certifying a crash-resistant fuel system for the entire Airbus Helicopters line. “For us, it’s about doing the right thing,” he said.

“We are looking to retrofit 100 aircraft over the next two years.

We have an obligation to set the trends in safety, and we demonstrated our commitment over the years, in our early adoption of night-vision-goggle technology, and our operational control center and HTAWS, which are now part of the new FAA HAA rule.”

The company is also deeply involved in the growing debate over drone deconfliction and is devoting resources to it. He explained, “Our director of operations is on the HAI UAS committee, which supports the government’s UAS committee.

We are currently the only HAA operator on the committee, and we’ve been participating since the beginning.”

Air Methods also is looking at updating its analytics. “At this point we are not using predictive modeling to forecast weather, but we have gotten more precise in forecasting demand, maintenance and staffing irregularities,” Todd said. “Our systems in safety are also advancing.” o

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CHC has equipped four of its CH-46 Chinooks with Lifeport’s armor floor (above). Meanwhile, Lifeport revealed a new medical interior for the Airbus H130 (left) here at Heli-Expo.

LifePort ships floor armor, unveils medical interior

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12 HAI Convention News • March 9, 2017 • www.ainonline.com

LifePort (Booth 229) has delivered four shipsets of floor armor for the cockpit and cabin to Columbia Helicopters for the operator’s 107-II twin-rotor helicopter, which is the equivalent of the Boeing CH-46, the company announced at Heli-Expo. LifePort also unveiled a new, lightweight medical interior for the Airbus H130.

The four sets of floor armor for Columbia Helicopters are encapsulated with LifePort’s LifeGuard protective coating to provide greater durability when cargo is transported in the Columbia 107-11.

“By working together with Columbia Helicopters to better understand the mission profile, we were able to field the latest technology in ballistic protection materials while decreasing the total system weight by about 20 percent, compared to current ballistic systems,” said Dwayne Starnes, LifePort armor general manager.

In a separate announcement, LifePort, a Sikorsky company, explained that the lightweight medical interior for the Airbus H130 helicopter was the result of collaboration with Air Medical Resources Group (AMRG) and Airbus Helicopters.

“LifePort has been a great partner in supporting our fleet with medical interiors,” said Nathan Word, AMRG vice president of maintenance. “We are excited for the new H130 medical interior that was developed to meet our weight requirements, as well as ease of installation and continued maintenance.”

System enhancements include a modular installation that can be modified or

removed in two hours; stowage in the baggage compartment of oxygen, vacuum and compressed air for life support; a rotating stretcher that facilitates loading and positioning of the patient from the outside; multiple charging ports and a USB interface; and a factory-installed seat track that facilitates installing a copilot seat when the stretcher is removed. o

ITT ENIDINE HIGHLIGHTS ENERGY ABSORPTION PRODUCTS ITT (11052) and its Enidine brand are showing its portfolio of energy absorption and vibration products at Heli-Expo 2017 in Dallas. The company is highlighting the following: pylon insulation systems; multi-modulus laminate bearings; cabin interior vibration isolators; spherical elastomeric bearings; main engine and APU isolators; and elastomeric rod ends. ITT Enidine works with manufacturers to develop customized solutions for rotorcraft vibration and energy absorption, to maximize passenger comfort and extend the life of aircraft components.

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Carilion Clinic’s Lifeguard helicopter EMS operator in Virginia knew it had a drone problem and had to do something.

Several drone encounters, on scene and near its hospital helipads during both day and night, had delayed patient transports as early as 2015, and with the explosive growth of both recreational and commercial unmanned aircraft into the national airspace, the problem was only going to get worse. Federal regulations to deal with drones were still in their developmental stage, and any meaningful enforcement could be years out.

Carilion operates Virginia’s oldest helicopter EMS program, beginning with a single Bell 206 in 1981 and today operating three EC135 twins in partnership with Med-Trans, it flies from six hospitals with headquarters in Roanoke. Susan Smith is the program director, and the drone problem “became really personal” for her one evening in 2015 when three helicopters were inbound to the rooftop hospital pad.

Someone was flying a recreational drone from a soccer field dangerously near the hospital. Smith had no way of contacting the operator to advise that helicopters were inbound. That was the catalyst for the program to begin to take local action.

“My initial reaction was that it is never going to be okay to share airspace with these UAVs, but then reality set in and I realized that it was going to happen,” Smith said. “So we might as well figure out how to make it happen as safely as we possibly can, because we know that drone usage is just in its infancy and is going to continue to expand.”

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“The big concern is delay,” said Carilion pilot Tyson Le Roy. “Those few minutes can make a difference. Ten minutes when you are waiting to get in touch with the drone operator before you can take off or land is really the life and death scenario that we are dealing with. Unfortunately that has become pretty common.”

“In the back of our minds, unfortunately, we thought nothing is going to really happen until [there is a fatal accident],” said Smith.

“With 10-minute delays there’re already dead bodies, but there is no way to quantify how many of those 10-minute delays killed patients that would have otherwise made it to the trauma bays,” said Le Roy. He emphasized that not all drones are equipped with running lights, and those that are typically have LEDs that are not visible when flight crews are wearing night vision goggles (NVG). “There isn’t a broad IR [infrared] spectrum to LEDs,” he noted, adding that since 2007 the FAA has published an advisory for certain red LED tower lights that, according to the FAA, “fall outside the…visible and nearinfrared spectrum of NVGs.”

Carilion’s approach was two-pronged: reach out to both the drone community and to landing zone (LZ) commanders to make them aware of the drone threat. In December 2015, in the weeks before the Christmas gift-giving rush and with the help of the local television news channel, Carilion began to run a series of public service announcements to help educate the public on safe operation of recreational drones. It also hosted a series of open public forums for LZ commanders and drone operators to discuss the challenges and risks presented by drones and how to handle encounters with the program’s helicopters.

Sharing Airspace Safely

“We encouraged drone operators to use the DJI drone app that includes boundaries and ATC contact advisories,” explained Nick Mathiesen, Carilion’s business development manager. Mathiesen said other useful apps, such as the FAA’s “B4UFly,” were also discussed, as well as the importance of consulting TFRs, monitoring winds during flights and using observers. LZ commanders were reminded of the need to clear an area for drones and the need for looking higher than 400 feet, especially at scenes such as car accidents and fires that tend to attract attention.

LeRoy said that the current FAA rules do not require recreational drone operators to obtain permission when flying within five miles of an airport, they just need to notify the airport operator. For the purpose of the rules, helipads and EMS scenes are considered airports. However, not all helipads are listed in FAA facilities directories or on VFR sectionals or on the various apps used by drone operators, and of course scene locations are highly variable. Through no fault of their own, the drone operators don’t know whom to contact in many cases.

“We’re just trying to get them to notify us, and this is difficult,” he said. “We need a means by which operators can find our contact information, so part of the public outreach has been to fill that void.”

LeRoy said it is essential for local HEMS programs to conduct public drone outreach, as the FAA has few resources for that beyond registration of drone operators and after-the-fact enforcement.

Mathiesen said that the local drone community has been receptive of Carilion’s efforts.

“In our experience, most drone operators are very receptive to landing the drone because we have an air-medical helicopter coming in.”

The issues of de-conflicting drones and helicopters is going to become a much bigger problem, LeRoy said.

“It’s just difficult to share that area so close to the ground with helicopters and not interfere. They’re a lot smaller and more maneuverable.” o

NEW FRASCA R44 FTD GIVES FLIGHT SCHOOLS A LEG UP Central Oregon Community College and Leading Edge Aviation have acquired a Frasca International (Booth 4917) level 5 flight training device (FTD) for the Robinson R44 helicopter, making their Part 141 flight training program the first in the U.S. to offer training in the R44 FTD. The R44 FTD gives pilots a way to practice maneuvers that include landing on offshore oil rigs, implementing IFR during low-visibility flight, responding to emergencies and reacting to low-g pushovers.

“The technology [of this FTD] gives students a leg up as they train to become better pilots, and it helps them to prepare for real-world situations in a safe and controlled environment,” said Billy Ringer, chief helicopter pilot, Leading Edge Aviation.

Brad Fraley, president of Leading Edge, added, “We never compromise on the quality of our flight training program while maintaining affordability. Together with the college, this simulator is a testament to our dedication to our students.”

—R.R.P.

ONLINE HELITOUR BOOKER EXPANDS INTO U.S. France-based Helipass (Booth 10759), an online booking platform based in Europe, has opened a Los Angeles office, effectively extending its footprint to the U.S. Designed three years ago primarily for helicopter tour operators, the company’s website enables users to book and view upcoming aerial tour reservations, manage bookings and for operators to get paid immediately.

The Helipass website provides real-time booking, complete passenger listing online, realtime weather rescheduling, international invoicing and payments, interactive dashboard and international distribution networks. Tour operators can sign up for the service online for no charge, create a profile and get reservations in minutes, according to Helipass. Operators pay for the service only after completing passenger flights booked through Helipass.

—R.R.P.

Ghana pilot Swatson wins Abingdon aviation scholarship

by Samantha Cartaino Audrey Swatson recently received the about female empowerment in French sixth annual “It’s About Time” schol- and English, the two languages in which arship from watch manufacshe is fluent. She also sent turer Abingdon Co. (Booth in a video and an essay that 6125). Swatson, a 20-yeardisplayed her creativity. old Ghanaian, is working on “I was moved by the her commercial pilot certifipoems and message they cate in Africa. As part of the displayed,” said Abingdon scholarship, she was flown CEO Abingdon Welch. “As from Ghana to attend the the crew and I were going Women in Aviation Conferthrough applications, we ence at Disney’s Coronado all stopped when we read Springs Resort at the beginAudrey’s poems. They resning of March. onated deeply within us as For the “It’s About words that spoke to buildTime” scholarship, appliing up one another. They Scholarship winner Audrey cants get to choose the for- Swatson is a pilot from Ghana. were inspiring, meaningful mat for their application and beautiful. We have seen and are allowed to submit more than many applications through the year, and one application. Some hopefuls have this one stood out immediately. Then we sent in sticker designs, essays, videos read Audrey’s essay and watched her and music showing their passion for video and knew she was a clear choice aviation. Swatson sent in two poems for this year’s scholarship.” o

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VISIT US AT HELI-EXPO EXHIBIT #10353 Copyright © 2017 StandardAero. All Rights Reserved.

www.ainonline.com • March 9, 2017 • HAI Convention News 15

Waypoint enters China, adds more clients Waypoint Leasing announced new helicopter leasing deals in China, South Africa and Indonesia. The company now has more than 28 lessees in 30 countries,

operating a fleet of more than 140 aircraft.

In China, Waypoint (Booth 9836) entered a lease agreement with Shanghai Skyway General Aviation for a new

Airbus H135. Shanghai Skyway plans to use the H135 for emergency medical services. Waypoint also has leased an Airbus AS350B3 to another China operator, but this helicopter is from the leasing company’s existing fleet. “Waypoint’s speed of execution, deep understanding of our operating needs and ability to structure an attractive lease agreement will allow us to focus on the growth of our fleet and fulfill our missions across the country,” said Mrs. Wang Bei, Skyway chairman.

Charter operator P.T. Air Born Indonesia is taking a long-term lease for a Leonardo AW139 previously operated

by Canada’s CHC group. It will use the aircraft in support of mining operations.

“We are pleased to partner with Waypoint on this transaction and are impressed by their creativity and resourcefulness in

finding the perfect aircraft to meet our operational needs,” said Air Born president and CEO Pak Ruel de Leon Nacachi.

“Waypoint helped us weigh a variety of factors to ultimately choose a helicopter and a financing plan that was bespoke for Air Born and allows us to complete our missions efficiently and cost-effectively.”

In South Africa, Acher Aviation has signed an agreement to lease an Airbus H145. This will be used for the company’s offshore oil and gas producer (OGP) support work.

“We anticipate the new H145 will enhance Acher’s operational capabilities and fulfill our customers’ demand for a fully OGP compliant modern light/ medium twin helicopter,” commented Acher Aviation CEO Vaughan Peacock.

“We have found Waypoint to be flexible and responsive to our needs and look forward to growing our relationship with them under this lease.” —C.A.

Conklin & de Decker hosting aircraft operating costs event

by Samantha Cartaino

Excellence in Helicopter Maintenance Services Excellence in Helicopter

Maintenance Services

Airframes Design

Components Engines PBH Part Sales

HAI Heli-Expo Booth 2608

Heli-One.com

Conklin & de Decker (Booth 8207) opened registration for its Exploring Aircraft Operating Costs seminar scheduled from April 12-13 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. The company is also offering a 10 percent discount on four of its data products—Aircraft Cost Evaluator, Life Cycle Cost, Aircraft Performance Comparator and the 2017 State Tax Guide for General Aviation—for Heli-Expo attendees who stop by its booth.

The Exploring Aircraft Operating Costs seminar in April is designed for attendees such as managers from

accounting, maintenance, operations, inventory and others who manage operational costs. The goal is to help attendees understand operating costs and identify systems and methods of converting existing data into useful information.

Heli-Expo attendees can stop by Conklin & de Decker’s booth to receive the discount on the data programs. The Aircraft Cost Evaluator offers side-by-side operating costs and performance comparisons for aircraft operators, owners, brokers and dealers. Life Cycle Cost details costs for aircraft acquisition, operations and maintenance, as well as taxes, final residual values and revenues. The Aircraft Performance Comparator is designed for those looking to acquire a business jet, turboprop, helicopter or piston airplane. Lastly, the 2017 State Tax Guide for General Aviation offers U.S. state tax information to help aircraft owners and operators understand applicability of various taxes. o

Aviall Grows Parts Business Aviall reached a new global distribution agreement with Canada–based Tempest Aviation Group. The multi-year partnership with Tempest is designed to expand its rotarywing parts availability for its customers and is part of an effort to grow the number of its stocking locations over the next three years.

Aviall, which is a Boeing company, currently has parts in six stocking locations.

In addition to the new agreement, Aviall (Booth 9952) is offering exchange and sales of instruments, accessories and major rotables. Aviall plans to invest in support of additional platforms, as well as in its product offerings in its exchange and sales business, the company said. —K.L.

16 HAI Convention News • March 9, 2017 • www.ainonline.com

Oregon-based Hillsboro Aviation opened its new FBO and maintenance facility at Portland-Hillsboro Airport. On the rotary-wing side, Hillsboro is an authorized service center for DART, Bell and Robinson.

Meridian selects Quantum software for inventory control

by Curt Epstein

Hillsboro focuses on growth despite industry challenges

by Samantha Cartaino Hillsboro Aviation (Booth 7540) is expanding its five core divisions, including contract and charter, aircraft sales and management, service center, FBO and parts sales divisions. The service provider, which was approved as a DART maintenance center and is a Bell Helicopter and Robinson Helicopter factoryauthorized service center, will focus on increasing fleet numbers and developing OEM partnerships, the company said.

“We understand the challenging landscape that the helicopter industry is facing and appreciate the necessity for calculated risk during such times,” Hillsboro Aviation

general manager Ryan McCartney said.

“However, we are also confident that challenging times present great opportunities, and have adopted that mindset when strategizing about how best to prepare for industry growth. We’re energized by the challenge and excited to see forward momentum.”

Most recently, Hillsboro purchased two Bell 205s that will be used to support forest fire-fighting missions. The company now has four Bell 205s in it’s fleet of 15 turbine helicopters and airplanes. Last year Hillsboro Aviation opened its new FBO and maintenance facility at Portland-Hillsboro Airport in Oregon. o

Rotorcraft services provider Meridian Helicopters has selected Component Control’s Quantum Control software package to enhance its inventory tracking, planning capabilities and customer service, Component Control (Booth 4221) announced.

“We expect 2017 to be a record year for us in helicopter leasing and brokerage services,” said Michael Bashlor, Meridian’s managing partner and director of Bell programs, adding that the Quantum program will help his company in future planning.

“Most importantly, Quantum fills a void for us in tracking work orders, exchanges, POs and ROs in a much more efficient way.”

Louisiana-based Meridian provides helicopter brokerage services in North and South America for oil and gas, corporate, geological, firefighting, and government operators. It also offers leasing for corporate, tourism and flight training customers, as well as MRO capabilities for the Bell Helicopter line.

“Quantum gives us that extra little edge in planning, tracking and accuracy of inventory,” noted Bashlor. “Our parent company Cadorath (Booth 7106) has been impressed with the system and is moving towards switching one of its division’s software to Quantum.” o

BBA SUBSIDIARIES OFFER MRO DISCOUNTS AT HELI-EXPO BBA Aviation subsidiaries Dallas Airmotive and H+S Aviation (Booth 7608) are offering show bonuses on qualified maintenance, repair and overhaul services booked during Heli-Expo 2017. The discounts were created to honor their relationships to their customers, said the companies, which have more than 40 years of experience in turbine-engine service and support to the rotorcraft industry.

“Our renewed focus on our customers’ experience has driven us to find new ways to service engines better and quicker, and deliver consistent value to our rotorcraft customers,” stated Mark Stubbs, chief commercial officer for BBA Aviation global engine services. “We’re excited to offer exclusive deals for customers at HAI’s Heli-Expo, including flat-rate pricing for overhauls on the PT6T-3/3B-series engines and specials

for fuel pumps, fuel controls and fuel nozzles for PT6C, PT6T and M250 models.”

The companies also announced that the H+S Aviation facility in Abu Dhabi, which holds certifications from EASA and the UAE’s general civil aviation authority, is now certified for engine repair and overhaul services for customers from Oman and India.

“We are proud to see our Abu Dhabi facility continue to grow its reputation in the rotorcraft industry as trusted location for our customers to send their engines for expert maintenance,” said Stubbs, adding the location is strategically located to serve PT6C and PW200-powered helicopters throughout the region. “The growing rotorcraft market in the Middle East requires a certified maintenance facility that will be there for our customers whenever they need us and wherever they need us.”

—C.E.

PhilJets adds Bell 407

by Samantha Cartaino

MARIANO ROSALES

Aviation service provider PhilJets Group recently acquired a Bell 407 for its fleet. The rotorcraft, which features a Rolls-Royce 250C47B/8 Fadec engine, is expected to be delivered to PhilJets shortly. It is the first aircraft of the company’s fleet to feature club-seating configuration, a feature that will be ideal for corporate clients, the company said.

AIRBUS CELEBRATES A MILESTONE DEAL Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury and Milestone Aviation president and CEO Daniel Rosenthal celebrated a $211 million deal on Tuesday. The lessor, which already has 60 Airbus helicopters in its fleet, placed an order for Airbus H135s, H145s and H175s.

18 HAI Convention News • March 9, 2017 • www.ainonline.com

“PhilJets has been stepping up regularly in the Philippines aviation industry in terms of service and experience,” said Thierry Tea, PhilJets CEO and chairman.

“Our teams are doing a great job at keeping customer satisfaction high.”

With the addition of the Bell 407 along with a new Airbus H145T2, the PhilJets fleet will grow to a total of nine helicopters and two business jets this year.

The fleet will be available to both local and international customers.

“It is not easy to meet all the expectation from the market, but we ought to aim at surpassing the standards,” said Geoffroy Cahen, head of sales and Philippines-based PhilJets recently acquired a Bell 407 and will soon add an Airbus H145T2, bringing its fleet up to nine helicopters. marketing for PhilJets. o

JetNet demos its new airport/operator feature Utica, New York-based JetNet (Booth 8556) is presenting a range of software products and services at its booth during this week’s Heli-Expo, including demonstrations of a new operator/airport utilization feature on its database.

JetNet’s helicopter database is comprised of approximately 31,600 in-service airframes around the world, as well as information on more than 49,000 retail helicopter sales from the past 20 years. According to the company, JetNet researchers document an average of 500 major database event changes each day and 900 to 1,000 retail aircraft transactions each month.

Subscribers to this database

have access to specific aircraft details as well as the new operator/airport utilization feature.

This provides information on more than 15,000 flights registered over the last 24 months.

The database is updated in realtime so subscribers will immediately have the most recent information.

“We have really been advancing the leading edge of intelligence in the helicopter market,” said Paul Cardarelli, JetNet vice president of sales. “All the data we gather directly is checked for accuracy and completeness, so our subscribers around the globe have a distinct advantage in working with timely, authentic information.” o

The 2,000th P&WC PT6C-67C turboshaft will soon be delivered to Leonardo for use on an AW139.

MARIANO ROSALES

by Samantha Cartaino

P&WC to deliver 2,000th PT6C-67C; PW200 logs 10 million flight hours

by Curt Epstein

GUARDIAN OFFERS SINGLE-UNIT TRACKING AND MESSAGING Guardian Mobility (Booth 6723) is introducing the Iridium-based G4ME, which offers real-time tracking and messaging in a single device. The device builds on the company’s successful G4 tracking device. Connected to inputs from the aircraft, the G4ME captures flight data and events and reports them in real time.

Complete OOOI data—out of the gate, off the ground, on the ground and into the gate—is delivered directly to SilverEye Aviation, Guardian Mobility’s web-based situational awareness and management tool.

The G4ME uses the Iridium 9603N modem, is compatible with current and future satellite systems and is DO-160 tested and Iridium-certified and proven for AFF (automated flight following). It also features text messages that can be sent in real time and viewed via any smartphone or tablet when using the Guardian Connect App. —M.H.

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) will recognize its long association with the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 when it delivers its 2,000th PT6C-67C engine to the program shortly.

The intermediate-twin, which entered service in 2003 and can accommodate two pilots and up to 15 passengers, is used for a wide variety of missions. “As we celebrate the amazing milestone of over 1,000 AW139s sold to customers worldwide, we’re equally excited to do it together with Pratt & Whitney Canada, a long-established partner to us,”

said Daniele Romiti, Leonardo’s managing director.

In another milestone, the powerplant maker’s PW200 engine family, which powers many of the industry’s light-twin helicopters, such as the Leonardo AW109E Power and AW109 Grand, Airbus H135, Bell 427 and 429 and MD 900/902, has achieved 10 million hours of flight operations.

In December, the company celebrated the 25th anniversary of the first engine in the series, the PW206A, which was selected to power the MD 900.

P&WC (Booth 7117) also

announced at Heli-Expo that German aviation authority Luftfahrt Bundesampt has approved the extension of TBO for the PW206B2 engines powering EMS provider DRF Luftrettung’s fleet of 17 Airbus H135P2 light twins.

The permission, granted because the engines fly a common mission under common operating and environmental conditions, lengthens the TBO interval to 4,500 hours from 4,000 hours, and according to P&WC, will allow the operator to fly its engine fleet for another 16,000 hours before incurring overhaul costs. o

CASTINGS CALL

MARIANO ROSALES

Magnesium and aluminum castings form the backbone for the many components that work in extremely tight formation to make helicopters do their magic. To find out more about how they are made, showgoers can visit Mike Clancy of Lite Metals at Booth 10437.

www.ainonline.com • March 9, 2017 • HAI Convention News 19

SPIDERTRACKS OFFERS DISCOUNTS TO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS

MARIANO ROSALES

Spidertracks (Booth 2012) is celebrating 10 years in business by slashing the price on its Spider 6 and 7 aircraft-tracking units by almost 50 percent, to $1,000 until the end of March. The New Zealand company was founded in 2007 after a helicopter went missing in the country, and a subsequent search involving 31 helicopters consumed almost 1,000 hours and took 15 days before the wreckage was found. The event inspired the company’s founders to create Spidertracks and the technology that is now used in 101 countries and 700 flights a day.

Spidertracks CEO Dave Blackwell said the company is upgrading its product line with a virtual flight data recorder (Virtual-FDR), supporting software that integrates enhanced planning, reporting and data analytics. “At the end of the day we are delivering the information that operators need to make better decisions without the barrier of cost that only the big operators can afford,” he said.

—M.H.

CAE TEAMS WITH LIDER TO OPEN AW139 TRAINING CENTER IN BRAZIL 2016, supporting initial, recurrent and offshore oil and gas training for pilots in Brazil and throughout South America.

CAE-Lider receives support for courseware and training standards from Leonardo’s A. Marchetti Training Academy in Italy, which will also assist the approval process for the new training center in São Paulo. Leonardo’s Brazilian subsidiary will also support the new venture, which teams CAE with Brazilian business aviation services group Lider Aviação.

—C.A.

by Charles Alcock Aviation technology and services group Cobham (Booth 5124) has launched a new rotorcraft training academy in the UK. The Cobham Helicopter Academy will provide multiple levels

MARIANO ROSALES

CAE-Lider and Leonardo Helicopters launched a new training partnership in South America this week at the Heli-Expo show. The agreement signed on Wednesday designates CAE-Lider’s facility in São Paulo, Brazil, as the recognized flight simulation center for training in the Italian manufacturer’s AW139 helicopter.

The recently delivered AW139 full-flight simulator (FFS), jointly developed by CAE and Leonardo, has been qualified to Level D standards by Brazilian civil aviation agency ANAC. The CAE 3000 Series FFS for the AW139 has been in use since the fall of

Cobham launches helicopter academy just outside of London

WHAT A SWEET SUITE! Leonardo’s AW169 has one of the most modern avionics suites of any helicopter currently in production. Up front, it sports a Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion system with three 8- by 10-inch LCD displays and two touchcreen controllers. The flight deck also features Collins’s helicopter synthetic vision system (H-SVS) and helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (H-TAWS).

20 HAI Convention News • March 9, 2017 • www.ainonline.com

of training from ab initio level upwards and will include specialist skills for search and rescue missions, as well as tactical and commercial operations. It expects to serve operators in the following sectors: government agencies, military, emergency services, coast guard, manufacturers and oil and gas companies.

“Cobham has been providing ab initio training, specialist flight training and engineer and support training to helicopter pilots, crew and engineers since 1997,” explained Duncan Milne, Cobham Helicopter Services vice president. “Our instructors are among the best in the world—they are all British ex-military—with considerable operational experience gained from the same demanding conditions that students may one day find themselves operating in.

So whether they’re effecting a rescue in an urban conflict zone, or delivering essential maintenance equipment and crew to a remote wind turbine site, our training makes sure they have the outstanding airmanship, captaincy, judgment and risk analysis they need to get the job done safely.”

Cobham is approved by both the UK Royal Air Force Central Flying School and the European Aviation Safety Agency. The new academy will give it scope to provide training for a wider variety of operators. o

TODAY AT HAI HELI-EXPO 2017 THURSDAY, MARCH 9

Please visit HAI at:

FAA: Face to Face 8:30 am – 10:30 am

Ballroom D

Exhibit Hall Open – Final Day

ABACE April 11–13 • Shanghai Booth #P408

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

HFI Online Silent Auction Ends at 4:00 pm. Until then, bid 24/7 at biddingforgood.com/HFI

Lobby D, Exhibit Level

Please visit our first time exhibitors!

Pavilion Hall C • Booths #6017– 6526

SAVE THE DATE! heliexpo.rotor.org

AUVSI May 8–11 • Dallas Booth #2853

BOLD IDEAS, BRIGHT FUTURE

Las Vegas • Feb. 26 – Mar. 1 • Exhibits Open Feb. 27 – Mar. 1 • Las Vegas Convention Center, North & Central Halls

New This Year! HAI Connect • Booth #4504 Enjoy free demonstrations, presentations, and meetings on a range of subjects important to you — all right on the show floor. Times are listed in the schedule to the right.

Meetups: Meet informally with peers in the Utility, Patrol, and Construction (UPAC) sector; no agenda, just show up!

Vendor Demonstrations: Do a deeper dive into the technology offered by Axnes, Inc. mo - Networking Area

HELI-EXPO 2017

FAA Update on Flight Services: Join Steve Villanueva, director, FAA Flight Service, to learn the latest trends in flight services, including updates on flight plan format changes, PIREPS, NOTAMs, and the use of automation for pilot briefings.

Thursday, March 9 U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) Update

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Utilities, Patrol, and Construction (UPAC) Meetup

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

FAA Update on Flight Services

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Vendor Product Demonstrations Axnes, Inc.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm 1:00 pm – 1:15 pm

HAI Accreditation Program of Safety Operators from around the world are signing up to become mission accredited!

• Helicopter specific • Includes IS-BAO at a reduced cost • Scalable • IS-BAO and APS audits for one low fee

U.S. Helicopter Safety Team Update: The USHST will discuss its goal of reducing fatal helicopter accidents by 20 percent

by FY2020 and its strategies for expanded outreach to the personal/private, helicopter air ambulance, commercial operations, and aerial application sectors.

Visit hai-aps.rotor.org or call 703-683-4646.

/HelicopterAssoc

/HelicopterAssoc

#HAI_EXPO17

/heliexpo @HELIEXPO

#HAI_EXPO17

GET SPECIAL OFFERS ON OFFICIAL HOTELS FOR HAI HELI-EXPO 2018 WITH ONPEAK. REQUEST YOUR 2018 HOTEL HERE: onpeak.com/HAI2018-Requests

A video showing an experimental system that provides the real-time noise signature pattern for helicopters was played at the Fly Neighborly session yesterday here at Heli-Expo.

Heli-Expo’s Fly Neighborly session brings some surprises

by R. Randall Padfield Noise produced by helicopters flying overhead not only continues to be a concern, but it is becoming a greater irritant as communities expand and more helicopters take to the air.

While noise reduction remains an important goal of rotorcraft manufacturers and there are many cooperative efforts

extensive research, these scientifically demonstrated techniques are rarely, if ever, taught in flight school, but they are now becoming more commonly used, and some flight departments have begun to incorporate such techniques into their standard operating procedures.

At Heli-Expo 2017, Scott Burgess, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and David Bjellos, aviation manager, Agro Industrial Management, presented a session on “Fly Neighborly: Techniques for Noise Abatement” yesterday. This course qualified for FAA Wings Basic credit. Bjellos told AIN the intent is to continue this course at Heli-Expo 2018 and 2019 with FAA Wings Advanced and final Master-level credits. “As far as I know,” he explained, “this is the first time this type of presentation has been made using data from NASA and DOT/Volpe, both of whom contributed heavily to the

presentation and vetted for accuracy.”

The well-attended presentation included real-world examples of standard operating procedures that can help mitigate noise. The information was extensive and well presented. Burgess and Bjellos even invited the audience to participate via texting in an electronic survey, the results of which appeared on the big screen in front of the room. Among the questions: “If you are aware of noise-mitigation techniques, do you incorporate them in daily flight ops?” Seventeen percent answered less than 25 percent of the time; another 17 percent answered 25-50 percent of the time; and 67 percent answered more than 50 percent of the time.

Finally, and perhaps most impressively, Burgess and Bjellos presented a video of an experimental device that provides pilots with immediate and graphical information about the “Fly Neighborly” status of their route.

Burgess concluded, “This [noise abatement] is a big tree to chop down. We’re only taking a few swings at a time.” o

among helicopter operators, the FAA and communities about helicopter routing and altitudes, concerns and complaints about helicopter noise continue to increase.

What is perhaps not well known among some pilots are ways they can mitigate their helicopter’s noise footprint by the way they fly. Based on

So What Can Pilots Do about Flying Neighborly Right Now? Safe operations remain primary, of course, and Scott Burgess, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and David Bjellos, aviation manager, Agro Industrial Management, suggest that noise-reduction techniques can often be incorporated into flying procedures without compromising safety, but when they do conflict, safety takes priority. One thing some pilots (and passengers) may not know is that the noise they hear inside the helicopter is not representative of the noise that’s heard by people on the ground or recorded by noise sensors. The biggest factor of rotorcraft noise is blade-vortex interaction, which itself is affected by temperature and altitude.

All other things considered equal, flying at a higher altitude en route has noise-reduction benefits.

• Higher altitude and slower forward speed are the quietest combination.

• Suggested en route altitudes are: small helicopters—1,000 feet agl; medium helicopters—2,000 feet agl; large helicopters—4,000 feet agl.

• On an approach to landing, steep descents create the least noise and moderate descents create the most noise. Shallow descents are in the middle of these two.

• Avoid decelerating over a noisesensitive area.

• Every time the aircraft is maneuvered, it makes more noise. Smooth control inputs reduce the noise footprint.

• I n general, a single steady-state maneuver—turning, descending or increasing or decreasing airspeed—creates more noise than straight-and-level flight at a constant airspeed.

• Deceleration in level flight creates noise.

• The descent and decelerating phases of flight produce the highest levels of blade vortex interaction.

•D oing multiple maneuvers simultaneously—turning while descending, reducing airspeed while turning or worst of all turning, descending and reducing airspeed at the same time—creates even more noise.

•H owever, climbing turns are quieter than level/descending turns.

•A ccelerating climbs are quieter than steady-state decelerating climbs.

•A nd probably the most counter-intuitive: turning away from the advancing blade in a turn is quieter than turning into it.

•D escending, decelerating left turns are quieter than descending, decelerating right turns for left-turning rotors. It is the opposite for right-turning rotors.

• Route planning to avoid noise-sensitive areas requires comprehensive evaluation of these areas.

• Noise-abatement procedures should be pursued by helicopter pilots (and operators) and ATC.

22 HAI Convention News • March 9, 2017 • www.ainonline.com

Leonardo Helicopters senior v-p of worldwide customer support and training Vittorio Della Bella (second from right) explains the company’s initiative to combine support and training under one umbrella. He is flanked by (l-r) Leonardo Helicopters v-p of capability development and governance Giovanni Cecchelli, BelAir CEO Susanne Hessellund and Era Group CEO Chris Bradshaw.

Leonardo TeamUp brings support and training together

by Matt Thurber Leonardo has brought its customer support and training offerings together under a new brand called TeamUp. Although many of the initiatives that now fall under TeamUp have already been implemented, the company explained, new services will be added, including refined online support and training portals and further efforts to lower direct maintenance costs and expand Leonardo’s service capabilities around the globe.

Leonardo’s customer support programs have delivered improved AOG support, including 90 percent delivery schedule adherence for spare parts deliveries as well as guarantees for logistic support in all contracts and “attention to maintenance

scheduling to simplify and reduce tasks.”

According to Daniele Romiti, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters, “Our customer support and training organization, under new leadership that has evolved alongside the requirements and demands of our customers, has launched a new image under the TeamUp brand that conveys our highest dedication and understanding of our customers needs.” o

Join thousands of top business aviation leaders, entrepreneurs, and other purchase decision-makers for the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2017). This is the perfect venue for investors considering aviation as a business opportunity; companies thinking of using an aircraft for business; and flight departments who have long used aircraft as a valuable business tool. Visit the website to learn more and register today.

REGISTER TODAY www.abace.aero/ain