News
Universal Avionics-Equipped CHC S-92 makes history
June 3, 2015 By Universal Avionics
A CHC Helicopter Service Sikorsky S-92 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. The flight, HKS 56T, under the command of John Olav Ofstad and instructor Morten Kufaas, was on a transit flight from Bergen to Florø in aircraft LN-OQM. Florø is the first Norwegian airport (in support of oil and gas) 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.
“We’re seeing that EGNOS navigation services are opening up more business opportunities for our FMS operators,” said 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.”
“I found flying the RNAV (GNSS) approach and the use of the UNS-1Espw SBAS-FMS to be safe, simple and efficient,” said Jørgen Staffeldt, CHC Chief Technical Pilot S-92.
LPV capability for both rotorcraft and fixed wing aircraft is one of the future navigation concepts fully embraced by Europe’s SESAR and the United States’ NextGen roadmap. Use of these procedures alleviates airspace congestion, saves fuel and improves safety. 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.
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.
