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RSG receives FAA STC for RoadRunner EFI on Bell helicopters

Rotorcraft Services Group received a Supplemental Type Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration for Astronautics’ AFI4700 RoadRunner Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) on Bell 412/412EP/412HP/412SP/212 helicopters. STC validations from European Aviation Safety Agency, Transport Canada Civil Aviation, and Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil are expected in the near future.

Rotorcraft Services Group (RSG) is the 412/212 STC holder and Parts Manufacturing Approval installation kit provider for the RoadRunner EFI on these Bell platforms, as well as an Astronautics authorized dealer and installer. Astronautics describes the RoadRunner EFI, combined with the installation kit, as an easy-to-install and cost-effective direct replacement for existing attitude director and horizontal situation indicator functionality, creating a more modern and capable cockpit.

Approved for single-pilot instrument flight rules, the RoadRunner EFI retrofit is designed to decrease operator workload and increase operational/safety capability, explains Astronautics, by enabling localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches and RNAV with capable GPS while interfacing to multiple aircraft sensors.

Astronautics states the EFI provides operators readability in all lighting conditions (including NVIS compatible), familiar and easy-to-use controls, reduced operating and maintenance costs and minimal downtime for installation. The unit is upgradeable with field-loadable software. Synthetic vision and helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS) are the next planned enhancements to the instrument.

“STC approval provides Bell 412/212 operators access to the cost, ease, and safety benefits of Astronautics’ RoadRunner EFI, enabling them to modernize and future proof their cockpits while eliminating pricey repairs,” said Greg Plantz, VP of sales and business development, Astronautics. Plantz continues to explain the company designed the RoadRunner EFI as an easy-to-install upgrade solution. “Operators can quickly replace aging electromechanical instruments with a modern, more capable system in the time it takes for a regularly scheduled maintenance visit.”

The RoadRunner EFI also has an FAA STC for Leonardo A109/119 helicopters with EASA and Brazil Agência Nacional de Aviação validations, along with India Directorate General of Civil Aviation validation for A109E helicopters.