CHC S-92 helicopter taps Universal Avionics FMS to complete first EGNOS LPV rotorcraft approach

TUCSON, Ariz., 3 June 2015. A Sikorsky S-92 helicopter operated by CHC Helikopter Service and equipped with dual Universal Avionics SBAS-Flight Management Systems (FMS) carried out the first Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) approach -- to Runway 07 in Florø, Norway -- in support of the oil and gas market.

Aircraft LN-OQM was on transit flight HKS 56T, under the command of John Olav Ofstad and instructor Morten Kufaas, from Bergen to Florø, the first Norwegian airport to be equipped with LPV. The aircraft is fitted with dual Universal Avionics UNS-1Espw SBAS-FMSs, and uses four-axis, fully-coupled modes (in the Pseudo-ILS mode) down to circling minima (due to tailwind). The flight crew was very enthusiastic about the simplicity of setup within the FMS, auto-arming, and auto-activation, which reduced pilot workload compared to other approach types. Several LPV approaches have been carried out since the operations at Florø, officials explain.

“I found flying the RNAV (GNSS) approach and the use of the UNS-1Espw SBAS-FMS to be safe, simple and efficient,” says Jørgen Staffeldt, CHC chief technical pilot, S-92.

LPV capability for both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft is one of the future navigation concepts embraced by Europe’s SESAR and the United States’ NextGen roadmap. Use of these procedures alleviates airspace congestion, saves fuel and improves safety, says a spokesperson. Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS supports LPV approaches, meeting stringent internal monitoring requirements to provide guidance to any of the MDA levels available for Area Navigation (RNAV) (GPS) approach guidance. For access to new destinations served by LPV, operators should equip today.

“We’re seeing that EGNOS navigation services are opening up more business opportunities for our FMS operators,” says Norm Matheis, regional sales manager – Canada for Universal Avionics. “The need for helicopters to perform vital, safe crew changes continues for CHC and we’re delighted to play a part in that, with them.”

Throughout 2015, Universal Avionics is offering an upgrade incentive program for non-Universal Avionics operators to trade in their legacy FMS or GPS system for a new, SBAS-capable Universal Avionics FMS.

Universal Avionics is a manufacturer of avionics systems offered as retrofit and forward-fit solutions for a large diversification of aircraft types in the industry. Markets served include Helicopter, Business, Special Missions, Government / Military, Airline (regional / commercial), and OEM.

CHC Helikopter Service, a regional business of CHC Helicopter and provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul services through the Heli-One segment, operates more than 230 aircraft in about 30 countries around the world.