Page 47 - World Airnews September 2020 Edition

HELICOPTERS HELICOPTERS

AVIONICS MANUFACTURERS transponders, the GDL 82 low-cost ADS-B Out solution, the GDL 84, craft are able to utilise supplemental type certificates to retrofit

the GDL 88, and, for operators who already have a GTX 330, they

existing fleets with the Garmin GTX-335R for EC120B, AS350,

can easily add an ES [extended squitter] upgrade to their existing

EC130, AS355, and some EC135s.
ANTICIPATE LATE SURGE IN transponder,” Koss said. can also use STCs to retrofit their fleets with the Texas-based Free
Helicopter operators with Airbus AS350s, EC130s, and AS355s
“Because so many of these helicopters are considered ‘working

helicopters,’ having product in stock and ready to ship is essential
ADS-B DEMAND to helping these operators equip when they’re ready,” she said. Flight Systems’ FDL-978 series ADS-B Out transponders.
For its part, Bell said it has a head start on ADS-B Out, as it ad-
“Depending on what helicopter operators want to get out of their

ADS-B installation, Garmin has a variety of solutions available - opted such technology early on and participates in the FAA’s Equip

those that integrate with existing avionics and portables/tablets on 2020 initiative.
By Frank Wolfe board and those that are ADS-B Out-only.” “Bell put measures into place back in 2015 to assure that all com-

The FAA's Equip 2020 working group, established in 2014 by mercial models coming off the assembly line were equipped with
then-deputy FAA administrator Mike Whitaker, provides quarterly the mandated ADS-B Out capability as standard factory equipment
updates on ADS-B equipped aircraft. well before the mandate,” according to the company.

“HAI continues to work closely with operators and manufactur- “This includes the Bell 505, 407GX/GXi, 429, 412EPI, and 525 models.

ers to fully support industry efforts to achieve ADS-B system com- Bell elected to equip its models with 1090ES (extended squitter) ADS-B

pliance by the 2020 deadline,” said Chris Martino, vice president of Out which makes these installations acceptable all over the world.”

operations at HAI. The long pole in the tent, yet again, is how to retrofit ADS-B Out

“Although the U.S. helicopter fleet compliance rate is just under equipment on existing fleets of busy helicopters.

40 percent at this time, it must be recognized that many helicop- “Bell recognizes that due to the wide variety of equipment in-

ters will not be required to install ADS-B equipment, depending on stalled, the best path to ADS-B is often dependent on other equip-
the intended operating areas for the aircraft.” ment already installed, and whether a GPS is installed,” according

“The key to success for full implementation remains the robust to Bell. “For models such as the Bell 407 and 206 which were

cooperative interactions between the operators, manufacturers customized with Garmin navigation systems, Bell has developed

and installers,” he said. and certified ADS-B kits that are available through Bell Aeronauti-
cal Accessories and its Bell Piney Flats, Tennessee, facility.”
“Important government/industry teams, including the Equip
2020 Working Group, are doing a noteworthy job keeping industry Is it possible that, had helicopter operators understood the FAA

focused on the issues as well as providing recommendations to mandate better, more helicopter fleets needing ADS-B Out would

mitigate problems. have it today?

The bottom line is that the tools are available to enable opera- While hindsight is 20/20, Jens Hennig, the vice president of oper-

tors to succeed.” ations at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA),

Airbus said that all new H125 helicopters sold in the United has said “we would have simplified the discussion around ADS-B
States already have an ADS-B Out compliant GTX-335R transpon- a great deal if we had simply called the equipment and associated
mandate what it is: a 21st century digital transponder that just
der supplied by Garmin. That transponder is a type certificated happens to augment the transponder interrogation with a more

approved standard for H125, H130, H135 and H145 helicopters
around the world, Airbus said. accurate GPS position and some related data.” Q

In addition, Airbus said that helicopter operators with its rotor- Article courtesy: https://www.aviationtoday.com
NEWS
Helicopter operators are stepping
up to meet the deadline
respond to the ADS-B mandate,” Oglesbee said. ATR 72 - ELIX ASSETS

“I have been told a variety of reasons for waiting, including
hile misconceptions about the Federal Aviation they have it scheduled during their annual or other maintenance,

WAdministrati on’s Jan. 1, 2020 mandate to install or they intend to sell the aircraft prior to the mandate becoming The Maltese civil aviation

digital transponders have slowed helicopter operators’ adoption effective, or they want to finish up their busy season before taking directorate, has launched an

of Automatic Dependence Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) out the aircraft down or some other reason. Everyone I’ve spoken to is innovative tailor-made solution for

technologies, equipment suppliers, helicopter manufacturers and aware of the mandate and has a method to comply in their mind.” lessors which register their aircraft
helicopter operators appear to be stepping up their game to meet “As a manufacturer, we have prepared with adequate stock and here in-between leases. One of the

the deadline. supply chain to meet those who have delayed meeting that compli- first companies to come on board is

“The interest level and inquiry level has increased dramatically ance,” Oglesbee said. well-known Irish lessor Elix, which

in the last six months,” said David Oglesbee, director of sales and Becker Avionics is marketing its BXT-6500 transponder series as a has a very interesting porfolio of

marketing at Florida-based Becker Avionics. “robust” and “cost-effective” ADS-B compliant solution that “com- regional aircraft on its books. This

“Many operators have begun an earnest search for the right bines unique customer benefits, such as reduced size and weight, ex flyValan ATR 72 is seen on the

solution.” durable housing without ventilation slots or forced cooling, anten- Medavia ramp, after receiving some

attention and proudly wearing its

The ADS-B Out equipage rate for helicopters in the United States na diversity or single antenna configurations, digital interfaces and new registration 9H-AHM. This

is about 40 percent - a lag due to a number of factors, including TCAS [traffic alert and collision avoidance system] compatibility.” new initiative received a warm

industry inertia, misperceptions that ADS-B Out is only required for Kansas-based Garmin International said that it, too, has stocked welcome from the lessor community

Instrument Flight Rules operations, a relatively low number of civil up on company-produced equipment to help busy helicopter oper- at large and is likely to attract

helicopters operating in Class B/C airspace above 10,000 feet that ators get ADS-B Out solutions on their fleets rapidly. more aircraft to the Transport

requires ADS-B Out and the delayed availability of FAA-certificated “In anticipation of a large demand, Garmin has product in stock Malta - Civil Aviation Directorate

ADS-B Out helicopter solutions until the last few years. and is ready to ship ADS-B solutions for helicopters today,” said list. Photo by Andre Abela

“I don’t believe there is a ‘group think’ type answer as to why Jessica Koss, a spokeswoman for Garmin International.

the helicopter industry might be a little bit slower statistically to “These ADS-B solutions include the GTX 345/GTX 335 ADS-B

World Airnews | September 2019 World Airnews | September 2019
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