Phoenix Heliparts and Aspen Avionics, manufacturer of the innovative Evolution Flight Display System, are preparing to receive an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of Aspen’s H-series Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and Multi-function Flight Displays (MFD) in the international fleet of MD500 helicopters.

Aspen’s H-series PFD and MFD systems are designed and manufactured to meet the unique rigors of helicopter operations. The PFD is a lightweight, compact, all solid-state digital replacement for legacy electro-mechanical flight instruments.

The PFD system contains reliable solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHARS), electronic HSI with moving map that displays GPS flight plan legs, waypoints, navaids and airports, an electronic Attitude Direction Indicator (ADI) with easy to read airspeed and altitude tapes. It also includes emergency GPS with a backup battery for 30 minutes of backup time. The MFDs add features like high resolution moving maps, relative terrain and obstacle awareness, and traffic displays.

“The level of safety and situational awareness that the Aspen system brings to the helicopter market is phenomenal,” says Anson Gray, Aspen’s helicopter program manager. He continues, “The MD500 is a hard-working platform that serves many operational roles. The Aspen puts all your flight critical information in one place which reduces pilot workload significantly.”

“Having the best quality for unparalleled safety does not have to break the bank,” says Tina Cannon, president of Phoenix Heliparts. “Aspen’s system is the most affordable AHARS unit in the helicopter market today, providing more reliability than the older electro-mechanical instruments that often fail.”

Phoenix Heliparts offers its Total Support Team to a worldwide MD500 helicopter customer base, which includes offering a significant parts inventory for immediate shipment. Capabilities include engineering, avionics, interiors, sheet metal, AP & IA mechanics, field support, component overhaul, and now, for Rolls Royce gas turbine engines, removal and reinstallation services in partnership with StandardAero.