News & Insights

New Feature Provides More Opportunity for Hands-Free Operations 

DALLAS, TX – Successful integration and testing of the new Transition to Hover feature has now been completed in the AS332L/L1 Super Puma helicopter. As part of a new software change for the Universal Avionics Flight Management System (FMS), Transition to Hover is a must-have feature for any AS332L/L1 crew engaged in overwater SAR operations, where the helicopter must be brought to a position to allow for winch operations.

The Transition to Hover feature allows pilots to mark a target, and the FMS provides an automatic downwind leg with a course reversal. This positions the helicopter to a point where the CDV-155 can perform the transition down and deceleration to a stable hover downwind of the target. Transition to Hover allows a hands-free operation for the crew, allowing them to focus on other mission critical tactics.

“This is an important addition to the FMS/Multi-Missions Management System (MMMS) SAR capabilities,” said Grady Dees, Universal Avionics Director of Technical Sales. “The Mark-on-Target can be activated during any MMMS operation, including during automatic search patterns,” he added. “Just a single pilot action after Mark-On-Target allows the automatic procedure to be executed.”

The flight testing in Stavanger, Norway was accomplished on a military helicopter with Heli-One as part of a AS332L/L1 modernization program currently underway.

"The Transition to Hover feature is a valuable tool for crews and can heavily benefit search and rescue missions,” said Anthony DiNota, President, Heli-One. “This solution was developed by Universal Avionics as they continue to enhance their flight management systems, adding great mission value for operators. We are pleased to collaborate with them and to work with our customers to bring these solutions to operational capability."

To learn more, visit Universal Avionics booth number 9149 or Heli-One booth number 2608 during the Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) 2017 Heli-Expo.

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About Universal Avionics

Universal Avionics is a leading manufacturer of innovative avionics systems offered as retrofit and forward-fit solutions for the largest diversification of aircraft types in the industry. Markets served include Helicopter, Business, Airline (regional/commercial), Government/Military, Special Missions, and OEM. To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit www.uasc.com/company/about.aspx.

CONTACT:
Stacy Honda, Marketing Manager
Universal Avionics Systems Corporation
(520) 295-2300 · (800) 321-5253 
shonda@uasc.com  

About Heli-One

Heli-One is based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, and has MRO operations in Richmond, Canada; Delta, Canada; Stavanger, Norway; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Rzeszow, Poland. Heli-One is the world’s largest independent helicopter MRO and hold certifications and expertise on a broad range of airframes and components from major helicopter and engine manufacturers, including Airbus, Sikorsky, Leonardo (AgustaWestland), Bell, Safran, Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.

Heli-One is a segment of CHC Helicopter, the operating company of CHC Group Ltd. (OTC Pink Sheets: HELIQ)

Heli-One Contact Information

MEDIA
Cameron Meyer
Communications Specialist
+ 1.214.262.7391
Cameron.Meyer@chcheli.com