Louisville, KY (February 28, 2016) –– Genesys Aerosystems announced today that it has applied for an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of its Helicopter Stability Augmentation System (HeliSAS) and two-axis autopilot aboard Airbus EC120 Colibri (hummingbird) light turbine helicopters.
“We are extremely excited about this STC program. We have been approached by a number of EC120 operators around the world who want to add the unparalleled safety benefits found in our full-authority autopilot and HeliSAS systems,” stated Jamie Luster, Director of Sales and Marketing for Genesys Aerosystems. “As primarily a single-pilot aircraft, EC120 operators will be able to enjoy the immediate safety-enhancing features of the HeliSAS including its ability to automatically recovery a helicopter to near-level flight should the pilot become disoriented.”
Ms. Luster explained that the HeliSAS and autopilot has been created to reduce pilot workload, especially in light- to mid-size piston and turbine helicopters.
“The lightweight HeliSAS system weighs less than 15 pounds so it’s ideal for Part 27 Category helicopters,” she said. “These aircraft are typically flown single-pilot and are not equipped for IFR conditions. The system’s attitude stabilization and force feel feature enhances the helicopter’s handling characteristics, while mitigating cyclic control inputs. Loss of control due to over-controlling is the unfortunate scenario you often see when VFR helicopter pilots encounter instrument conditions.”
Applying for the FAA STC to install the HeliSAS and autopilot system on the EC120 series of helicopters is part of Genesys Aerosystems’ active and ongoing expansion of certifications for the HeliSAS system. HeliSAS is currently approved for installation on the Airbus (Eurocopter) EC130 and A350 series, the Bell 206B, 206L and 407 models, and the Robinson R44 and R66.
Ms. Luster said that the HeliSAS and two-axis autopilot system for the EC120 helicopters is priced at $100,000 (not including installation) and that the company is currently accepting orders.
See Genesys Aerosystems at Heli-Expo Booth #806.
About Genesys Aerosystems
Genesys Aerosystems is a leading provider of integrated avionics systems for military and civil customers. Genesys Aerosystems’ avionics systems can be offered individually or integrated to provide an entire cockpit. Its synthetic vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) revolutionized safety in low-level flight operations and is now approved on more than 700 aircraft and helicopter models. Genesys Aerosystems’ Helicopter Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot (HeliSAS) adds to its extensive range of S-TEC autopilot solutions and brings added safety within the reach of a host of operators for whom such systems were previously too expensive or heavy. For more information, visit: www.genesys-aerosystems.com.
