FLYING took the opportunity to see what’s on the horizon in terms of both traditional helicopters and the red-hot powered-lift and eVTOL categories ahead of the Helicopter Association International’s HeliExpo in February at Anaheim, California.

Bell 525

The Bell 525 (at right) proposes to bring the first fully digital, fly-by-wire rotorcraft to the civil market, and Bell Helicopter has been hard at work getting the program to the finish line down at its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

So what does that mean? The FBW design logic on the 525 is different from an aftermarket add-on autoflight system such as the GFC 600H. In this case, Bell’s partnership with Garmin has translated to the G5000H flight deck.

Tim Evans, business development manager on the 525 program, gave FLYING a special update ahead of Heli-Expo.

“Broadly speaking, flight testing is continuing very nicely, with the good relationship we have with the FAA,” said Evans. “Last year, we were able to complete nine TIAs towards certification, and by the end of February, we should have only five events left. Two of them we’re already into, and the other two [should be complete] by midyear.”

• READ MORE: Bell 360 Invictus Prototype Advances with T901 Engine Delivery

At that point, all of the delegated activities that Bell is responsible for will be finished—and the team will turn things over to the FAA. From there, functional and reliability testing is the last milestone to cross, with 150 hours of flying with the FAA, putting the 525 through its operational paces.

As with similar Textron Aviation aircraft programs, Bell engaged its Customer Advisory Board, which gave a clear message.

“The overwhelming response?” said Evans. “It’s automation that will bring a level of safety seen commensurately on the fixed wing side—the redundancy will be game-changing to how the civil market functions.”

According to Bell, the 525 will deliver what the customer feedback told it was needed: “When you pull it into a hover and get to 20 to 30 feet—with no pedals—it will hold that attitude, essentially hands off.”

Pilots can also turn into an angle of bank, with no pedal inputs, and the 525 will do a full 360 at the input bank angle.

“The control laws are able to anticipate and calculate the pilots’ inputs,” said Evans, noting that the 525 also benefits from a level of redundancy not seen before in this class of rotorcraft. “We’re shaping some of the requirements in Part 29, so the FAA required a triple redundancy—three computers, three hydraulic [systems]—so [it’s] a safer aircraft at a foundational level.”

Several markets that Bell shaped the 525 for include offshore, VIP/head of state, and SAR/parapublic/Coast Guard—so Bell built certain provisioning into the airframe itself, though kitting will take care of the details. Bell has multiple launch customers and is in active negotiations, though it can’t say yet who those first deliveries will go to.

In closing our briefing, Evans also wanted to highlight the green side of the design.

“If you compare the 525 to others in the medium space, it’s going to be 30 percent more efficient than a [Sikorsky] S-92. That’s one we’re pretty proud of. We’ve also flown it on SAF fuel, a 30 percent blend, but capable of up to 100 percent.”

Leonardo AW09 and AW609

Two projects from Leonardo Helicopters have also been winding their way through the certification process along the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) track—the modern-yet-standard AW09 helicopter and the AW609 tiltrotor design.

The single-engine AW09 was originally developed by Kopter Group, a company acquired by Leonardo in 2020. Proposed as a multimission solution for VIP transport, emergency medical services, utility operations, and security teams, the AW09 will carry up to eight passengers.

A five-blade, all-composite rotor system will translate into smooth flight characteristics and a high degree of maneuverability. Up front, the Garmin G3000H flight deck offers pilots next-generation glass. The Safran Arriel 2K powerplant has dual channel FADEC with an auxiliary backup system. Projected retail pricing begins at $3.9 million.

• READ MORE: Leonardo Tests AI-Enabled Visual Awareness System for Rotorcraft

A year ago, on March 16 and 17, Leonardo began familiarization flight testing with EASA on the tiltrotor AW609, following on to FAA testing in February. The company plans dual certification, so it is moving through the process with both agencies concurrently. Leonardo pursues this strategy in hopes of making up for some lost time, as the AW609 began life in the 1990s as a joint project between Bell and Agusta, called the BA609.

That’s probably why it bears some resemblance to the more commonly known Bell V-22 Osprey. The AW609 similarly enters the powered-lift category with its ability to take off vertically and fly at high cruise speeds with props tilted forward—up to twice the speed of normal helicopters, according to the company. The expected service ceiling will be 25,000 feet msl.

Its projected certification timeline remains in the distance, with a proposed retail price beginning at roughly $24 million.

Up Next for Robinson?

Robinson continues to set the pace on the light GA end of the market with its line of piston-powered R22s and R44s, and turbine R66 helicopters.

• READ MORE: Airworthiness Directive Issued for Robinson Helicopters

While the Lycoming O-320-powered R22 is well known in training, the R44—with its O-360 engine—crosses over into the recreational and light transportation markets with the Raven and Raven II variants. The R66 fulfills a variety of roles, with added cruise speed—up to 110 knots—extra passenger capacity, and turbine reliability from its Rolls-Royce RR300 engine.

As of press time, the company indicated news on the horizon that it would be sharing at Heli-Expo—including the updated empennage for the R44—so stay tuned into FLYING’s reporting from the event.

eVTOLs Next?

As we gear up for Heli-Expo, we know that the show floor will host an entire flight line of eVOTLs in various stages toward initial FAA certification. While we covered Joby Aviation’s prospects in detail in our “First Look: Joby’s eVTOL Future” piece in this issue, it is far from the only player in town.

Archer Aviation’s Midnight has recently passed its Phase 1 flight testing program, hot on Joby’s heels. The company announced in late January that it would be ready for the beginning of for-credit flight testing with the FAA later in 2024. The Midnight cuts a similar profile to the Joby aircraft—carrying one pilot plus four passengers—but with six fixed rotors in a forward flight position and six fixed for vertical flight. The test unit has yet to make the transition from vertical to forward flight as of press time, but we expect this to come soon.

Beta Technologies launched its program with a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft

called the Alia to test its electric propulsion system in a more traditional airframe before moving forward into the powered-lift space. As of late January, Beta had conducted multiple flights with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of Defense in both on-base and cross-country ops as part of the Agility Prime program. While it tests the applicability and cost reduction

possible—using electric aircraft in missions including casualty evacuation to go operational in 2025—Beta hopes to take what it learns and produce an eVTOL version by 2026.

Overair’s Butterfly eVTOL is also coming up quickly, as the Southern California-based company signs on several new customers in South Korea as well as Houston-based Bristow Group. Overair is now working through its G-1 Stage III means of compliance documentation with the FAA, with testing of the full-scale, six-seat prototype to begin later this year.

Meanwhile, south of the equator, Eve Air Mobility recently saw Brazilian aviation authority ANAC release the proposed airworthiness criteria for its design, along with bringing a list of key suppliers on board. Eve broke ground on its manufacturing facility in Taubaté, Brazil, earlier this year as well.

Many other players, including Volocopter, Lilium, and Jump Aero continue to chug along—and the race is really heating up as to who will make it to certification first. Oh, wait—that honor already belongs to EHang, which obtained CAAC’s blessing for its EH216-S in China in late 2023—and made the first commercial demonstration flights with it by December.

This feature first appeared in the March 2024/Issue 946 of FLYING’s print edition.

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This year’s event from February 26-29 included the announcement that the show’s producer, Helicopter Association International (HAI), was rebranding as Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

• READ MORE: HAI Rebrands as Vertical Aviation International

VAI is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry, which encompasses all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing.

According to James Viola, VAI president and CEO, during the four-day event you could feel the excitement and optimism.

“Both our attendees and exhibitors reported experiencing an outstanding show in Anaheim,” Viola said. “Every exhibiting company I spoke with reported high-quality traffic, and our attendees took advantage of the hundred-plus networking and education opportunities.”

The rebranding of the event plays into the growth in the industry, according to Nicole Battjes, chair of the VAI board of directors.

“We chose to announce our rebranding at the show because each year it becomes the center of the vertical aviation universe,” Battjes said. “Our theme for the 2024 show, ‘Building Tomorrow,’ perfectly aligned with our reasons for rebranding.”

Expo by the Numbers

Part trade show, part conference, Heli-Expo brought in 15,000 professionals from 87 countries. For four days, they had the opportunity to visit with some 625 exhibitors and get a close look at 63 aircraft.

The show also represents an opportunity to network and see and learn about the latest in technology and services for vertical aviation businesses.

Issues and Advancements in the Industry

Traditionally, Heli-Expo has been a good place to job hunt, and this year was no exception. VAI offered numerous opportunities for industry professionals, such as pilots, mechanics, and engineers, to network and connect with employers through its Industry Career Fair. In addition, there was a well-attended Mil2Civ Workshop, a program designed to assist military members transitioning into civil aviation.

In all there were 125 educational and training courses offered, ranging from the use of automation to aerial firefighting, that attracted more than 4,180 attendees. Plus, the annual Rotor Safety Zone featured presentations, demonstrations, and access to the regulators overseeing aviation safety. 

VAI Getting Cleaner

During the conference VAI promoted greater use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by providing it to all aircraft flying into this year’s show.

“Vertical aviation must do our part to reduce our carbon footprint by incorporating SAF,” Viola said. “We want to thank Hangar 21, HeliStream Inc., Fullerton Municipal Airport [KFUL], World Energy, and Titan Aviation Fuels, who were instrumental in bringing SAF to HAI Heli-Expo.” 

Next year’s show, which will be called VERTICON 2025, will be in Dallas from March 10-13, with exhibits open March 11-13.

More information about VAI can be found here.

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Board chair Nicole Battjes and president and CEO James Viola said in a letter to VAI members that the name change was made to reflect the “wave of expansion” being ushered in by new aircraft and technology. They said the new moniker is part of a “transformative journey” but promised members the group’s commitment to the industry wouldn’t change. 

• READ MORE: HAI Celebrates 75 Years

“While our name and appearance have evolved, the most important change is our expanded focus,” the executives’ letter read. “We support all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing—and yes, that absolutely includes helicopters. Those aircraft complete missions that no other aircraft can accomplish, and we are proud to represent them.”

The VAI leaders said the rebrand will better serve vertical aviation communities and enable the organization to better work with legislators and regulators. 

With the change also comes a new name for the organization’s annual conference and trade show, which will now be called VERTICON. 

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The award, sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, honors the person or persons who best demonstrate the value of rotorcraft to the communities in which they operate by providing aid to those in need.

The award will be presented on February 26 at HAI Heli-Expo 2024 in Anaheim, California.

The Fire, the Response

The week of August 7 much of Hawaii was under a red flag warning for fire risk because of dangerous high-wind conditions caused by Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm that was moving across the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles south of the Hawaiian Islands. Power lines downed by strong winds were blamed for starting several fires, including the roaring inferno that moved so fast that people were trapped in their cars when flames overtook them on the road, and others ran from their homes with nothing. At least 100 people were killed. Some are still missing and presumed dead. The town was destroyed.

When the employees of Oahu, Hawaii-based Rainbow Helicopters learned of the situation, they stepped up to help the residents of Lahaina, particularly the mothers and babies who didn’t have formula or diapers.

Nicole Battjes, Rainbow Helicopters’ owner and director of operations, had a 6-week-old child at home and knew other mothers and babies needed help. She sent her father-in-law and a Rainbow team member on a Costco run to buy as much formula, diapers, baby wipes, and other supplies that could fit in an AS350.

The Rainbow team volunteered its time to create an airlift that took $4,000 of supplies to Kapalua Airport (PHJH), as close to Lahaina as the helicopter could safely land.

• READ MORE: Flying a Rainbow in Hawaii

Ground-tour company volunteers met the helicopter with vans to unload and transport the supplies to families in need.

In addition to delivering much-needed supplies, Rainbow Helicopters established a GoFundMe account with the intention of raising $1,000 to purchase supplies for the Lahaina-area residents. The account raised more than $76,000, which was used to purchase supplies that Rainbow transported to the fire-ravaged area. Many of Rainbow’s employees volunteered their time, coming in off shift to help with the relief mission.

“It took on a life of its own, and I was overwhelmed with pride in our team, our community, and those making donations,” Battjes said. “At one point, through our partnerships, we were receiving photographs of specific supplies individual families needed, and our team members were volunteering their time to run to stores to get them and put them on the next flight. It took extra effort to drive around Oahu to find everything. It was really incredible to see people making this effort, and it was a feeling of hope during such a tragic time.”

• WATCH: We Fly: Rainbow Helicopters Airbus AS350 AStar

Relief by the Numbers

Rainbow Helicopters flew 13 missions to Maui, carrying more than 5,500 pounds of supplies, including 275 containers of formula, 175 boxes of diapers and baby wipes, and more than 19 gallons of breast milk.

Castle & Cooke Aviation donated all the jet fuel, and Rainbow covered the avgas and aircraft for all the flights flown in both R44s and AS350s.

To help with distribution, Rainbow partnered with multiple organizations, including Northwest Mothers Milk Bank in Tigard, Oregon, and local nonprofits Keiki O Ka ‘Aina and Na ‘Aikane o Maui, which provided Rainbow with specific requests from families.

Rainbow continued its efforts into the holiday season, working with Keiki O Ka ‘Aina to provide food, gifts, and other necessities to families and arranging for an aircraft to fly Santa Claus to Maui to spread Christmas cheer and deliver food and gifts to children.

More information on HAI Heli-Expo 2024 can be found here.

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According to Helicopter Association International (HAI), this award, presented by Hill Air Corp. acknowledges “superlative contributions by a helicopter flight instructor or UAS flight instructor in upholding high standards of professionalism.”

The award will be presented on February 26 at HAI Heli-Expo 2024 in Anaheim, California.

About Catherine Press

Press is described as a “pioneer in the Canadian helicopter industry.” She began flying as a child in her father’s floatplane and soloed at the age of 16. In 1983 her father purchased a Bell 47 helicopter and started Chinook Helicopters.

Press learned to fly the helicopter, in addition to airplanes, and earned her pilot certificates in both. She was one of the first female helicopter pilots in Canada. After she earned her commercial certificates, she joined the family business, flying charters, news gathering, and performing search and rescue and forestry missions.

At the age of 21 she earned her airplane flight instructor rating. At 27 she became Canada’s first female flight instructor for helicopters.

She was surprised to learn she was the first, recalling that at the end of her check ride she asked the examiner, who had come from Ottawa for the test, how many female flight instructors there were for helicopters in Canada.

“He said, ‘One,’ and I asked who she was,” Press said. “He said, ‘It’s you! Congratulations!’”

Press worked hard, teaching up to 1,200 hours a year while adding to her own ratings from the United States, China, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). She most recently acquired the ability to teach in Canada for EASA certification.

She helped the business grow from a three aircraft school to a professional flight academy training learners in 16 helicopters and 14 airplanes. She also pulled together a team for the school to develop and receive Transport Canada approval to build four in-house flight training devices, a move she says saved the company tens of thousands of dollars over purchasing the equipment.

Press boasts more than 10,000 hours of flight instruction time and is the only person in Canada to hold Transport Canada pilot examiner status in both airplanes and helicopters.

Press was nominated for the award by Chinook Helicopters chief pilot Bill Snedden.

• READ MORE: HAI Celebrates 75 Years

“Cathy’s willingness to take chances and support individuals to reach their potential is quite admirable,” said Snedden. “She exudes positivity and maintains connectivity with the Canadian aviation industry and regulatory bodies. Cathy drives the aviation industry forward with her incredible leadership and continual involvement within the community. The impact she has had on the pilots she has trained, employed, and networked with has been life-changing for them.”

Press serves as vice chair of the Helicopter Association of Canada’s board of directors and chair of the association’s Flight Training Committee. She also is a board member for the British Columbia Aviation Council and serves on the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Aviation Advisory Committee, where she excels in mentoring up-and-coming pilots.

“I always wanted to be a teacher, and I was surrounded by aviation, so becoming a flight instructor was the perfect combination of my two passions,” Press said. “That’s why I’ve not gone away and had a career longlining in large helicopters in other countries. I’ve stayed with the training because I really do enjoy people. I enjoy seeing …being a part of their successes.”

More information on HAI Heli-Expo 2024 can be found here.

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Founded by 16 individuals on December 13, 1948, HAI now represents more than 1,100 companies and more than 16,000 people. The organization’s mission is “to provide opportunities for current and future forms of vertical aviation to flourish through advocacy, connection, and collaboration while elevating safety throughout the global industry.” 

According to HAI, its members, which include operators, pilots, maintenance technicians, manufacturers, and suppliers in at least 65 countries, log approximately 2.9 million hours in more than 3,700 helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft annually.

“Seventy-five years ago, a small group of visionaries had the foresight to establish an organization that would become the beacon for the vertical aviation industry,” said HAI president and CEO James Viola. “Today, HAI stands as a testament to their vision and the collective efforts of our members, volunteers, and staff. We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to promote vertical aviation worldwide.”

Alongside its advocacy work, HAI offers educational programs and content, provides scholarship opportunities, and leads safety programs such as the Vertical Aviation Safety Team and U.S. Helicopter Safety Team. It also runs working groups to “facilitate collaboration and the exchange of ideas.”

In addition, HAI hosts an annual trade show, Heli-Expo, which it calls “the world’s largest trade show, conference, and education event for vertical aviation.” The 2023 event welcomed more than 12,400 industry professionals from 97 countries, featuring 639 exhibitors and 49 aircraft. Heli-Expo 2024 is scheduled for February 26-29 in Anaheim, California.

• READ MORE: HAI to Bring First Flights, Broad Range of Rotorcraft to Heli-Expo 2022

“Looking to the future, HAI remains committed to the industry while embracing the expansion and development of new aircraft, infrastructure, and uses for vertical flight,” said Viola. “Our core mission is and will remain: to support our members and promote vertical aviation’s critical role in creating safe, prosperous, and connected communities around the world.”

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Members of the Helicopter Association International (HAI), a trade group representing the global helicopter industry, gave testimony before Congress, asking lawmakers to encourage the FAA and National Park Service to reconsider rules that limit or forbid air tour operations over certain national parks.

“The rushed and misguided process limits and, in some cases, eliminates tours of our national parks by air without consideration of the operational, environmental, and access issues for the public and air tour operators,” said Mark A. Schlaefli, president of Rushmore Helicopters, Black Hills Aerial Adventures, and Badger Helicopters, and vice chair of the HAI board of directors.

• READ MORE: Helicopter Tour Operators Fight Proposed National Park Restrictions

Discussion of air tour management plans (ATMPs) has been going on for some time, with air tour operators concerned that new rules will restrict airspace over parks to the point where their businesses will suffer.

In June, the HAI asked its members and supporters to comment on the proposed ATMPs four parks in two states: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii, and Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Now the group is asking Congress to take action to reduce planned restrictions.

The NPS and FAA completed ATMPs for Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial that require air tour operators “to conduct all air tours beyond one-half mile from the park boundary or fly at 5,000 agl or higher when over the park. The agencies said the rules “are designed to protect the park’s natural and cultural resources, Tribal sacred sites and ceremonial areas, and visitor experience, within the ATMP boundary.”

• READ MORE: Aviation Associations Fight NY Legislation To Restrict Helicopter Flights

Tour operators seek more discussion, noting that plans for Badlands and Rushmore were made hastily and could make their operations uneconomical.

“Congress and stakeholders, working together, created the road map for the development of air tour management plans (ATMPs), which is now being ignored in the rush to complete all the plans within two years,” said Jake Tomlin, president of Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters and Grand Canyon Scenic

Airlines, who also testified during the Congressional hearing. “Not involving crucial stakeholders like air tour operators in this procedure led to plans for the initial parks that raise significant safety issues,” Tomlin added.

Among the safety issues tour operators have attributed to the ATMPs are tour routes that conflict with nearby airports and military installations, aircraft being permitted to fly within 500 feet of one another, no consideration for weather, and no coordinated radio communications in the areas.

So far, Congress appears sympathetic to the air tour operators. In a memo, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations discussed downsides to the latest ATMPs including potential adverse economic effects.

“ATMPs across the nation have either completely eliminated air tours over certain National Park units, or effectively eliminated them by drastically limiting the number of flights allocated, making air tour operations in these regions uneconomical. Such actions are short sighted, as they do not account for the numerous services that air tour companies, their pilots, and their vehicles provide for the surrounding communities. They also do not account for the economic impacts of ATMPs, resulting limitations on access to the National Park System, and their minimal impact to the environment,” the memo stated.

In its conclusion, the subcommittee said, “Further action is needed by Congress to correct the ATMP process.”

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The Helicopter Association International, or HAI, has called on its members and supporters to comment on the draft air traffic management plans published by the Nationals Park Service and the FAA, including “their reasons why the flights should continue.” The period for public feedback ends June 20.

“Both the NPS and the FAA are seeking public feedback on draft Air Tour Management Plans (ATMPs) and associated environmental assessments (EAs) proposed for four parks in two states: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii, and Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota,” the HAI said in a statement.

“The current draft ATMPs for the two South Dakota locations eliminate all air tours; those proposed for the Hawaii sites cut air tours by 50 percent or more.” HAI added.

The group said the proposed restrictions would prevent thousands of visitors from enjoying the parks’ natural beauty and would result in some tour operations shutting down. Limiting air tour access to the parks also is likely to harm local economies, HAI said. 

“The purpose of the ATMP is to ensure that park resource values, including natural sounds, visitor experiences, wildlife, and other natural and cultural resources, are protected,” the NPS and FAA said in their statement regarding proposed restrictions at Mount Rushmore. Separate statements for each additional park contained similar wording.

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HAI’s comments come days after the FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the impact of 5G C-band transmissions on helicopters equipped with radio altimeters, which are also sometimes called radar altimeters.

For years wireless communication companies have been pushing the need for 5G C-band transmissions to handle the increase in wireless communications. There has been concern that 5G transmissions can interfere with the operation of radio altimeters, a device on many aircraft that provides pilots with information about the proximity of the aircraft to the ground. Radio altimeters are critical in low-visibility situations.

On April 12, the FAA released the NPRM on a proposed airworthiness directive designed to protect some 1,100 helicopters in the United States from 5G interference. According to John Shea, director of government affairs for HAI, the association is carefully reading the NPRM, and looking for a way that supports both safety and the mission of helicopters.

• READ MORE: 5G Interference Potential Prompts FAA To Propose New Rule for Helicopters

“At HAI, we understand and appreciate the FAA’s responsibility to ensure safety of the national airspace system for all its users. We are committed to working with the FAA on maintaining aviation safety in a 5G environment,” Shea said.

“It is important to recognize that the degree of dependence on a radar altimeter for safe helicopter operation can vary significantly based on the type of operation,” he added. “The FAA acknowledged this fact when establishing flight restrictions in their initial [airworthiness directive] AD. The recently published NPRM further acknowledges this by presenting operators with the choice to retrofit or to continue operating under the flight restrictions.”

Shea added that HAI is in the process of reviewing the NPRM that would replace the 5G-related AD for rotorcraft, adding, “In the coming days, HAI will submit public comments on the NPRM in the federal register. At that time, we will also release a statement summarizing our positions.”

According to Shea, the NPRM “establishes an interference tolerance threshold for radio altimeters on rotorcraft. Operators who retrofit their equipment to meet the threshold will not be subject to the flight restrictions in the AD, whereas those who do not retrofit will be subject to restrictions throughout the contiguous United States.”

• READ MORE: 5G-Mitigating FreeFlight Radar Altimeters Gain Approval

The challenge, says Shea, is that there needs to be a balancing act between safety and operational impact of regulatory action, as helicopters are essential support in critical industries such as law enforcement, construction, and national security.

“Therefore, any revisions to the AD must be both effective and reasonable. Any undue financial or operational hardships imposed on the helicopter industry could have substantial downstream consequences for the vital industries and emergency response entities we serve.”

Per the FAA, the AD is for all helicopters equipped with a radar altimeter due to the potential for 5G C-band interference.

“This proposed AD would supersede a 2021 AD because the FAA determined additional limitations are needed due to the continued deployment of new 5G C-Band base stations.” the FAA states. “It requires revising the rotorcraft flight manual to prohibit certain operations that require radar altimeter data. The AD would require the rotorcraft flight manual revision on or before June 30, 2023.”

• READ MORE: Airlines Have Until 2024 To Make 5G Upgrades Under FAA AD

As previously reported in FLYING, multiple airports have Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) warning pilots about the potential impact of 5G transmission in their vicinity. In January 2022, the wireless companies voluntarily reduced the power of the 5G towers near airports to help protect air traffic while the industry focused on developing protections against interference.

The FAA noted that both AT&T and Verizon agreed to keep their voluntary mitigations in place until July 2023 to give the aviation industry an additional year to retrofit their airplanes with radio frequency filters.

The airlines have until 2024 to make upgrades to comply with 5G per an FAA AD. The proposed AD requires passenger and cargo aircraft in the U.S. to be equipped with 5G C-Band tolerant altimeters by next February.

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The 480B is the 1317th helicopter Enstrom has built and the 255th of its 480 series, the company said, noting that the recently flown aircraft was not a “left-over airframe” from the pre-bankruptcy assembly line but was built with components newly made and assembled onsite.

Cody Parkovich, Enstrom’s production test pilot, flew the first new 480B and reported, “No issues. We were able to complete all our flight test steps on schedule. The team did a great job putting this helicopter together.”

• READ MORE: Following Bankruptcy, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is Resurrected

Enstrom, based in Menominee, Michigan, received a production certificate from the FAA in December, allowing it to resume building helicopters. After 65 years in business, the company had shut down in January 2022, after declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Last May, Chuck Surack, the founder of Indiana-based Surack Enterprises, purchased Enstrom with plans to rebuild the brand.

“This was a critical milestone in our plan to not just bring back Enstrom, but to start to reinvent ourselves and the way we operate. It took all functions to focus on the objective. New supplier relationships, new machinists and fabricators and luckily many from prior years, better print definitions, a high standard of workmanship, and everyone onsite helping each other cross-functionally to bring us back online,” said Enstrom chief operating officer Adam Richardson.

Enstrom said it will display the new helicopter at next month’s Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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