Grand Prairie, TX – Today, American Eurocopter’s FAA Organization Delegation Authorization (ODA) issued Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) for both the EC135 and EC145. These STC’s have upgraded the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) single- or dual-pilot configuration and are predicated on the use of either the Garmin GNS 430W or 530W in conjunction with a type-certified MEGHAS display system.
“This achievement further demonstrates American Eurocopter’s commitment to advancing safety and bringing technology to its operators and the rotorcraft industry” said Marc Paganini, President and CEO. “We will continue to invest in innovation and state-of-the-art capabilities for our helicopters to meet the ever evolving requirements and needs of our customers.”
With WAAS, EC135 and EC145 operators will now have the ability to utilize previously unavailable landing sites during inclement weather on IFR flights. Hospitals, metropolitan heliports, remotely located heliports and offshore oil rigs are now more accessible in IFR conditions. With the addition of vertical coupled guidance information, pilots can execute steep-angle approaches at published runway GPS approaches and point-in-space heliports.
The EC135 and EC145 helicopters have become the aircraft of choice for a variety of missions throughout the United States, especially the air medical industry which has undergone a number of changes within the last few years. The regulations and requirements governing the industry have expanded to include more advanced technologies to help support the pilots and operators. The EC135 and EC145 continue to meet and exceed current proposed regulations, and both will continue their leadership position as the preferred platforms.
About American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer that produces, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer in the United States. The company is a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services, and is an affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world. American Eurocopter’s product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facilities are located in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS, that produces the UH-72A for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program.
