North Flight Data Systems, LLC (“NFDS”) is pleased to announce Transport Canada has validated their FAA STC approval for their flight data system installation in the Airbus EC135 helicopter. The first Canadian installations will be performed on two (2) EC135’s owned and operated by Phoenix Heli-Flight in Ft.McMurray.

The flight data system is comprised of a Voice and Video Recorder (CV2R), Multi-Function Data Acquisition Unit (MFDAU) and Quick Access Recorder (QAR). The North system is the first affordable Lightweight Aircraft Recorder System (LARS) that is fully integrated into the Airbus EC135. The system provides a crash-protected
CVR/FDR that far exceeds the recent ED155 data capture guidelines and enables the operator to record well over 250 engine and airframe parameters, as well as six (6) individual audio channels with the video recording. The initial STC was completed on a PHI Air Medical EC135 and is now installed on over 100 EC135’s throughout North America. The system includes the ability to record all autopilot data streams, as well as analog or digital radar altimeter data. The recorded airframe and engine data is supplemented by an internal Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) data stream. The addition of hook load or other accessory equipment data can easily be accommodated by the North system.

Paul Spring, President of Phoenix Heli-Flight commented, “Since Phoenix first installed HFDM & CVVR equipment in our fleet in 2008, I have been looking for the next meaningful advancement in light and affordable recorders that would provide airframe and engine parametric data to complete the knowledge we gain from basic
geospatial data. I know the maintenance and safety benefits first-hand and I won’t operate a helicopter without data recorders. I am extremely grateful that North Flight Data Systems has acquired a Canadian STC to allow us to install this vital equipment in our new EC135 T2e that will be used in the demanding HEMS and SAR roles”.

“This Transport Canada STC represents the first of many FAA STC’s we will have validated in Canada,” said North Flight Data Systems President Jeff Warner. “I have had a long relationship with Paul Spring. He is setting the standard with fully integrated recorders, and it is just another example of the forward thinking he brings to the Canadian market. We have designed our system so that it is adaptable to all the different light single and twin engine aircraft on the market. We are continuing to reach our goal of being able to provide helicopter operators with affordable voice, video and flight data recording equipment that provides the detailed data that has, to this point, only been available on the larger aircraft. We couple our hardware with software that is very user friendly and designed to enable our customers to get useful FOQA and MOQA data.”

About NORTH Flight Data Systems – With operations in Shreveport, LA, NORTH Flight Data Systems, LLC is a world class technology company dedicated to the design, manufacture, and distribution of the most advanced safety product line and services in the general aviation industry. North provides the most comprehensive LARS technology and a suite of software for the fixed and rotor wing community. North currently holds STC’s for most of the Airbus single and light twins as well as the Bell 407 and 407GX helicopters.

About Phoenix Heli-Flight – Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc. is a privately owned charter helicopter company operating since 1991 with its main base adjacent to Fort McMurray International Airport (CYMM), Alberta, Canada. Phoenix Heli-Flight operates a fleet of ten single and twin turbine engine light helicopters and prides itself in offering newer, well equipped aircraft. Phoenix Heli-Flight services a wide variety of industries including; environmental monitoring, resource exploration, wildlife surveys, utilities, oil and gas, forestry, construction, infrastructure maintenance, corporate transport, general transportation of personnel and freight and wildfire suppression. Phoenix also provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Ft. McMurray and surrounding area. Phoenix is audited to OGP standards and utilizes an SMS, HFDM, CVR, Video and satellite tracking as tools for quality assurance. As a founding member of the Global Helicopter Flight Data Monitoring Steering Group, Phoenix Heli-Flight knows firsthand the maintenance, training, and safety benefits of collecting operational flight data.