LEONARDO AW 169 – EMS – MEDICAL OXYGEN SYSTEM GAINS STC
It has been an extremely busy period for Flight Structures and we are delighted that we gained a second AW169 STC in 2019.
Medical Oxygen STC achieved for Leonardo AW169
It has been an extremely busy period for Flight Structures and we are delighted that we gained a second AW169 STC in 2019. This system was developed in conjunction with Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT). The system stores the oxygen cylinder remote from the main cabin, with access from an external door. A contents monitor is in the main cabin which is visible by the medical crew from all seated positions. A low pressure alarm and shut off valve are provided for added safety. Two outlets in the ceiling can supply a ventilator and / or patient mask and are positioned perfectly to suit the patient on the Flight Structures RULS stretcher system.
LEONARDO AW 169 – EMS – STRETCHER LOADING SYSTEM GAINS STC
We are proud to announce that the RULS (Rotorcraft Utility Loading System) for the Leonardo AW169 has achieved a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
First STC achieved for Westpac Rescue Auckland
We are proud to announce that the RULS (Rotorcraft Utility Loading System) for the Leonardo AW169 has achieved a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The system has the stretcher in the longitudinal position for flight but is able to rotate to the transverse position for ground loading. The RULS may also be used in flight for loading during External Hoist Operations.
To see the RULS in action then you can view this TVNZ news clip
There will be more details to come about other role equipment developed for this aircraft, allowing clinical staff to treat patients in flight to provide best medical outcomes.
Flight Structures is coming to the end of a large project for Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT) with an EMS fitout of their two new AW169 rotorcraft.
HELICOPTER PERFORMANCE STC GAINED FOR NORTHLAND EMERGENCY SERVICES TRUST
Flight Structures has recently been successful in helping Northland Emergency Services Trust gain an STC for their new Sikorsky S76.
Flight Structures has recently been successful in helping Northland Emergency Services Trust gain an STC for their new Sikorsky S76.
We thank NEST for their support during this project as well as John King for the fantastic cover photo.
FSL IN THE NEWS: AIR AMBULANCE ON COVER OF NZ AVIATION NEWS
Flight Structures is proud to be one of the organisations involved with the refit of the Westpac Air Ambulance.
Flight Structures is proud to be one of the organisations involved with the refit of the Westpac Air Ambulance. Flight Structures, in conjunction with Philips Search and Rescue Trust has developed a stretcher loading system for the MU-2 Westpac Air Ambulance.
The key features of this product include the following :
There is no lifting required from paramedics or pilots.
The secure smooth loading system leads to reduced patient stress.
The system has the ability to handle bariatric patients.
Patient loading onto the aircraft is quick, less than two minutes from beginning to end.
STC Approved under the CAANZ.
In operation for over six months now, Philips Search and Rescue Trust are very happy with the performance of the system.
Click here to read the article about the Westpac Air Ambulance.
HELISIKA SUCCESSFUL WITH BIKE RACK STC
Flight Structures has been successful in gaining an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for Helisika.
Flight Structures has been successful in gaining an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for Helisika. The new bicycle racks fit onto AS350 helicopters for adventure tourism clients. This STC allows bicycle racks to be placed on the left hand or both skids of the rotorcraft, allowing up to six bikes to be carried by the helicopter.
Chris Raynes, Senior Certification Engineer commented “The bike rack design is very effective, using a simple method to secure the bicycles to individual troughs. The bicycles can be quickly loaded/unloaded from the helicopter clear of the cabin doors speeding up turnaround times.”
For more information about heli-biking or Helisika please refer to their website www.helisika.co.nz
FAA and CAANZ STC FOR R66 SPRAY SYSTEM
Flight Structures has worked with Airlift Technologies to successfully gain Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for a spray system for R66 Helicopters.
Flight Structures has worked with Airlift Technologies to successfully gain Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for a spray system for R66 Helicopters.
What is a STC? A Type Certificate (TC) is issued when an applicant has received FAA approval to modify an aeronautical product from its original design. The STC, which incorporates by reference the related TC, approves not only the modification but also how that modification affects the original design, (from FAA Website)
Flight Structures Ltd certified the re-design of the spray system for the Robinson R66 turbine rotorcraft.
Originally certified in 2012 for use in slurry delivery, the new system has been optimized for sale as conventional spray application equipment by Airlift Technologies Ltd
Due to the recently signed bilateral agreement between NZCAA and the FAA, this system is available for purchase by operators in the US and other FAA aligned countries.
For enquiries contact airlifttechnologies.nz@gmail.com
NOSE CONES FOR WESTPAC RESCUE-AUCKLAND
Flight Structures fitted two weatherproof nose cones to Westpac Rescue – Auckland for ZK-HLN & ZK-HKZ, their BK117-850 D2 Helicopters.
Flight Structures fitted two weatherproof nose cones to Westpac Rescue – Auckland for ZK-HLN & ZK-HKZ, their BK117-850 D2 Helicopters. Rescue aircraft have to work in a wide variety of conditions, and this modification ensures cockpit avionics remain dry. The modified profile accommodates the weather radar. Jon Kerr, CEO of Flight Structures commented, “We managed to supply the nose cones within a tight timeline, and worked effectively with the crew to ensure a successful installation. The end result was excellent, and the Trust are extremely happy with the performance of the nose cones."
The Auckland based Westpac Rescue Helicopter is staffed full-time by a highly experienced flight crew consisting of pilots, paramedics and crewmen, and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Here is a link to their website.
HELICOPTER MEDICAL REFIT COMPLETE
Flight Structures have completed the internal refit of a BK117 for emergency medical services (EMS).
Flight Structures have completed the internal refit of a BK117 for emergency medical services (EMS).
The refit consisted of the installation of a Stryker stretcher and two triple seats, medical oxygen system, and an avionics shelf. The Flight Structures cabin seats were designed to be comfortable and provide clear space under the seat base for stowage of equipment. Using space effectively is all important for EMS helicopters.
Other modifications installed include a new tail antenna mount, external LED lighting, a zoll monitor mount, a nose cone to accomodate radar and snow shoes.
Flight Structures CEO Jon Kerr states "This was a long and complex project; we had a restrictions in space, weight, timeframe and budget to juggle. The end result is a great aircraft for the operator, Philips Search and Rescue Trust, and for the Palmerston North and Whanganui region where it will be based."
Partnering organisations with the refit were The Clevedon Aeroplane Company, Pacific Aero Coatings, Rotorcraft, Matcraft, Hamilton Aero Avionics, and TechAir.
Please see our Products section for more details about the Flight Structures modifications.
Shown in the pictures is the Stryker Stretcher system, the 6 person Cabin seating, and Flight Structures Chief Draughtsman Clyde James with ZK IPT.
Here is a link to a Philips Search and Rescue Trust Article about IPT
Giving Back to the Industry
This summer Flight Structures employed three interns to provide work experience for Mechanical Engineering students who are about to enter their final year of study.
Intern programme
This summer Flight Structures employed three interns to provide work experience for Mechanical Engineering students who are about to enter their final year of study.
This is the fifth year Flight Structures has taken on summer interns. We had a very high calibre of applicant this summer and ended up employing three, two from Canterbury University, and one from Auckland University.
Our intern programme is mutually beneficial. It provides experience in both practical and professional work for the students, and it keeps Flight Structures management in touch with the needs of current graduates. We are able to utilise their skills working alongside our senior experienced staff.
As most of our staff attended university in New Zealand it is also an opportunity for us to give back to the profession.
GARDEN CITY HELICOPTERS HEAD TO VANUATU FOR RELIEF WORK
Garden City Helicopters, based in Christchurch, has sent two helicopters to Vanuatu for disaster relief, after Cyclone Pam caused widespread destruction on the islands.
Garden City Helicopters, based in Christchurch, has sent two helicopters to Vanuatu for disaster relief, after Cyclone Pam caused widespread destruction on the islands. These aircraft will be used to deliver aid, assist with medical evacuations and repairing telecommunications. Garden City already has a subsidiary company in Vanuatu, Vanuatu Helicopters, who operate an R44 and an R66.
Flight Structures was involved in the certification of the ferry fuel systems (a ferry fuel system involves an auxiliary tank being added to the aircraft to extend the range) to get the AS350 and BK117 to the islands. We had one senior engineer based in Christchurch to be on site for the install, and another being based in our office, both working with the CAA to ensure a very quick turnaround.
Click here for a link to the Garden City Helicopters website.