Londonderry, NH, August 20, 2009 – Pro Star Aviation announced today that they have received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) number SR00287BO to install the Universal Avionics Systems Corp (UASC) UNS-1Fw or UNS-1Lw Flight Management System (FMS) with embedded Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) along with a UASC LP/LPV Monitor in the Sikorsky S-76B/C models transport category helicopters.
Due to the hard work by the Pro Star Aviation team, this STC has no limitations beyond the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual limitations and the limitations set forth by the installed Flight Control System (FCS). This allows for the operator of an S-76B model helicopter, equipped with a Honeywell SPZ7000 Digital FCS, to fly single pilot IFR and approaches up to a 7.5 degree Glide Path Angle (GPA) coupled or uncoupled. The operator of an S-76C model helicopter, equipped with a Honeywell SPZ7600 Digital FCS, is allowed to also fly single pilot IFR; but the approaches may only be coupled up to a 3.5 degree GPA and then uncoupled up to a 6.5 degree GPA. Be sure to check out the YouTube video taken during the test flight: www.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cYgA3picKE.Pro Star Aviation worked closely with Stephen Hickok of Hickok & Associates, Inc., a renowned industry leader in helicopter WAAS approved approaches, to design and implement a steep angle approach into a pseudo heliport at Portsmouth International Airport (KPSM) specifically for testing and certifying the UNS WAAS FMS LPV procedures in the S-76B and S-76C models.
WAAS approaches continue to grow across the United States, with more than 1,500 already in operation today. The FAA expects to add at least 500 more each year for the foreseeable future. There is an ever-increasing demand for helicopter specific WAAS high angle approaches. Busy and congested locations like Wall Street and 34th Street heliports in NYC, EMS hospital landing pads, and corporate headquarter helipads require the accuracy and safety that the WAAS LPV approach can offer.
The installation includes: the UASC 5” High Resolution Flat Panel Control Display Unit (FPCDU), UNS-1Fw or UNS-1Lw Navigation Computer Unit (NCU), LP/LPV Monitor, two TSO C190 WAAS antennas, Configuration Module for the NCU, standard FMS annunciators to include Message, Waypoint, Selected Crosstrack, Approach, GPS Integrity and FMS Heading in the center instrument panel, and dual FMS Level Of Service (FMS LOS) annunciators indicating LNAV, LNAV/VNAV or LPV level of service with one each mounted in the primary field of view of each pilot. The STC also includes the option of utilizing the new UASC portable Solid State Data Transfer Unit (SSDTU), which allows for fast and efficient updates of the WAAS/SBAS-FMS databases via a portable USB memory stick or SD card.
The WAAS/SBAS capable Flight Management Systems (designated UNS-1Fw and UNS-1Lw), when combined with the LP/LPV Monitor, features the ability to fly RNAV (GPS) approaches coded with LPV procedures. Approach procedures with LPV level of service offer minimum decision altitudes as low as 200 feet with ½-mile visibility.
The Navigation Computer Unit (NCU) contains an internal WAAS receiver that is compatible with Space Based Augmented Systems (SBAS) including WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, and GAGAN. The LP/LPV Monitor is used to augment a single WAAS capable FMS installation in which it acts as a second GPS sensor and monitor during LPV approach operations. The LP/LPV Monitor was developed for use in aircraft which have only one WAAS FMS but require LP/LPV capabilities.
Pro Star Aviation has extensive experience working on avionics for the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. Over the last 10 years, Pro Star Aviation has worked with numerous Fortune 100 companies that operate S-76 helicopters. Installations have included Honeywell EFIS and Primus 880 Radar, Collins Navigation and Communication suites including Radio Tuning Units, Aircell and TrueNorth Iridium phones, and Sky Connect and Skytrac Iridium based flight following systems. Pro Star Aviation also holds STC’s in the S-76 models for the Garmin GMX-200 MFD and GDL-69 XM Weather system, Universal Avionics System Corp. software upgrade on the Universal Cockpit Display (UCD) system, the L-3 Communications Avionics Systems GH3100 Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS), and a Tail Rotor Drive Shaft Cover Antenna Mount. Pro Star Aviation is currently working on the certification effort for the Kollsman GAViS™ Enhanced Vision System (EVS) on an S-76 which is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
Many of these projects have been accomplished at the customer’s location during annual inspections or heavy maintenance events. Depending on current FMS or GPS equipment installed, the WAAS STC can be installed in a 5-7 day window along with a short verification test flight.
www.prostaraviation.com.
