Page 50 - World Airnews Magazine June 2020 Edition

NEWS DIGITAL

ROBINSON’S IMPACT-RESISTANT

WINDSHIELDS

Robinson introduces optional
impact-resistant windshields for
R22, R44, and R66 helicopters
to provide protection from bird
strikes.
Due to the lack of requirements
governing small category
helicopters, Robinson based the
impact-resistant design on FAA
requirements governing large
transport category helicopters.
The new windshields are
constructed of tough, ener- The 2020 upgrade prices for the new windshields are (US) $6,600
gy-absorbing polycarbonate (standard windshields are made of for the R22 and (US) $6,800 for the R44 and R66. No special
acrylic) and installed with distinctive retention hardware. A special maintenance or inspections are required, although a cabin cover is
hard coating provides protection from scratching and weather recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure.
degradation. Robinson believes the new windshields will be particularly
Tests were conducted at the Southwest Research Institute in San beneficial to pilots flying at low altitudes or in other environments
Antonio, Texas where a 2.2 lb (1 kg) bird, the FAA’s standard test where the risk of a bird strike is greater.
weight, was used to simulate a bird strike. Video of an impact test is available at https://robinsonheli.com/
Tests demonstrate the R22’s windshield provides protection at wp-content/uploads/2020/05/impact-resistant-wt-press-release.
impact speeds up to 90 knots, while the R44 and R66 windshields pdf
provide protection at impact speeds up to 100 knots. For additional information go to www.robinsonheli.com. Q

DRONES

DRONE INSURANCE SEES

RECOVERY

experienced within the special events, to business and resume drone operations,”
entertainment and real-estate sector,” said said the company.
The current COVID-19 crisis response SkyWatch. “Since the start of the pandemic, our
has hit business across the globe, and the SkyWatch responded to the crisis by priority has been to adapt and continuously
drone industry has been no exception. establishing a free-of-charge 60-day provide our pilots with the right services
suspension policy on active monthly and
Insure-tech start-up SkyWatch.ai has been annual insurance plans, allowing pilots to and solutions.” said Tomer Kashi, CEO and
working with drone companies throughout save their existing plan until needed again. co-founder of SkyWatch.AI
the crisis – but now they can see the tide In March and April, more than 25% of “We have been able to assist numerous
turning for the industry. SkyWatch.AI pilots altered their insurance business owners by adjusting their plans in
Those operators who have been directly to meet changed demand - but there is order to reduce costs and alleviate added
involved in response efforts or who work good news. Since some quarantine re- burdens. Now, we are seeing a growing
in critical business have been able to strictions have been lifted at the beginning trend in which pilots are not only returning
continue operating, “many were forced to of the month, “20% of those suspended to their original business, but they are also
delay, and even put off their activity and policies have since been re-activated as adjusting their services to meet the current
business operations. A significant hit was more drone pilots are now able to return demand.” Q

World Airnews | June Extra 2020
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