Helitech International focuses on the future

Helitech International focuses on the future

25-Sep-2013 Source: Helitech

“Future perspectives are excellent for the rotorcraft sector but they have to be managed”. This was Dr Norbert Lohl’s main message during yesterday’s keynote address at the Helitech International 2013 Conference. Helitech International 2013 is being held in association with the European Helicopter Association and is taking place at ExCeL London from 24-26 September.

Dr Lohl, Certification Director for the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), was introduced by Mr Vittorio Morassi, Chairman of the European Helicopter Association (EHA), after he had thanked Rolls-Royce for its involvement as the conference’s Gold Sponsor.

In a session which focused upon future opportunities and challenges within the rotorcraft sector, Dr Lohl told an international audience that rotorcraft’s growing position within the aviation industry required a responsible approach to certification. He highlighted a series of recent innovations – such as tiltrotor, compound helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), fly-by-wire operating systems and touchscreen interfaces – that necessitate a new certification basis whilst simultaneously reevaluating certification for existing procedures.

Technological developments aside, Dr Lohl also stressed the huge impact that environmental protection policies would have on the rotorcraft sector in forthcoming years. He applauded the achievements of the Clean Sky initiative – which has reduced Carbon Dioxide emissions from 25 percent to 40 percent and cut noise pollution by 50 percent compared to baseline figures from 2000 -since its introduction in 2008, and welcomed the ambitious targets of Clean Sky 2, which will be launched in January 2014.

“Dr Lohl yesterday epitomised the topical and engaging nature of this year’s conference”, said Exhibition Director John Hyde. “Today’s highlights will include sessions on Night-time Helicopter Emergency Operations and Rulemaking –proving our commitment, as organisers, to provide a comprehensive programme that engages fully with contemporary issues”.

Meanwhile on an exciting opening day, a busy show floor hosted a number of successful contract signings. Highlights included: Bell Helicopter’s announcement of an agreement with Avincis Group for the sale of up to 20 helicopters comprised of the Bell 429, Bell 412 and Bell 412EPI aircraft; whilst MD Helicopters stated that the Kurdistan Regional Government placed an order for 12 new MD 530F platforms.

John Hyde said: “The success which exhibitors enjoyed on the opening day underlines the importance which the industry attaches to the show and indicates that Helitech International 2013 is set to be the most successful edition to date”.

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