FAST™ Technology Offers a Single Solution for Managing all Engine Performance Data

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (MARKETWIRE – March 3, 2013 – HELI-EXPO) Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has launched Automatic Power Assurance Check (APAC) to run on its FAST™ (Flight data Acquisition Storage and Transmission System) engine diagnostic solution for P&WC-powered helicopters.  APAC will give operators an end-to-end application for managing all helicopter engine performance data. The announcement was made during the Helicopter Association International (HAI) HELI-EXPO in Las Vegas, Nev. P&WC is a United Technologies Corporation company (NYSE:UTX).

FAST™ measures the engine’s performance parameters, automatically calculates the power assurance check and makes the information available to the pilot. At the end of every mission, the diagnostic, trend and power assurance data is sent wirelessly to an appointed Designated Analysis Centre (DAC) that uses WebECTM™ for trending and notification of the engine’s performance. This will eliminate the need for manual power assurance checks and manual data downloads saving both time and money. Customers can also choose where and how they wish to be notified of their engine’s performance data.

“Because FAST™ integrates all performance metrics into a single hardware and software solution it has considerable appeal in the helicopter industry,” said Raffaele Virgili, Vice-President, Customer Service, P&WC.

“With FAST™, operators can predictively plan their maintenance sessions. Because the system provides early detection, preventive maintenance can be conducted without affecting dispatch availability.  It also provides timely post-flight event review, which enables determination of an aircraft’s immediate availability.”

The FAST™ system is optimized to work with WebECTM™, used by the designated analysis centres to provide a complete hands-off end-to-end solution, from acquisition to automated and data-analysis triggered event alerts, monthly reports or easy web access to the data and analysis. WebECTM™ is the only tool that uses P&WC-provided analytical equations and processes that are optimized for P&WC’s engines.    

FAST™ is unique in that it goes beyond traditional diagnostics, prognostics and trend monitoring; the product can also acquire, store and transmit data from the Flight Data Recorder thus allowing for customer review of full-flight helicopter flight data monitoring.  This represents a competitive advantage for operators of helicopters powered by P&WC engines.

Customer service

P&WC has built the largest, most comprehensive customer service network in the industry around its 10,000 customers who operate in 200 countries. 

Through its Customer First Centres in Montreal and Singapore, P&WC is always just a call or click away, providing unparalleled technical support.  The P&WC network includes 30-owned or designated repair and overhaul facilities, seven parts distribution centres, approximately 100 Field Support Representatives, 100 mobile repair team (MRT) technicians ready to be dispatched at a moment’s notice, and 800 rental/exchange engines.  P&WC offers customer training through FlightSafety International, which has 12 locations around the world.  P&WC offers comprehensive Pay-per-Hour service for fleet operators and business and general aviation customers, with more than 7,500 engines currently enrolled in P&WC-backed hourly cost programs, including the ESP® and FMP® programs.