VIH Aerospace Delivers Upgraded AS350 to Helimax Aviation

VIH Aerospace (VIHA), a leading provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, announces the delivery of an upgraded Airbus AS350 to Helimax Aviation Limited on June 3, 2015.

“The upgrade to Helimax Aviation’s AS350 was comprised two elements. The first was the installation of a wire strike kit; which is a routine installation for the VIH Aerospace team,” explains Arne Arneson, general manager of VIH Aerospace.

Arneson continues, expanding on the more complex nature of the second half of the upgrade to equip the aircraft for United States Forestry Services (USFS) contracts. “Upgrades include a new audio system for the pilot and passengers comprised of two AEM AMS-43 ICS units, a DZMX satcom/flight-following system; two TDFM136 digital FM radios; a USFS Aux FM radio interface, USB power hubs and a new Radar Altimeter unit interfaced into a Garmin G500H display. Integration of this equipment and accompanying antennas, etc,” he explains.

Arneson brings specific attention to the calculated approach necessary to determining how and where the new equipment and antennas were to be positioned and installed for proper operation. Additionally, CAD modeling; detailed engineering wiring diagrams and mechanical drawings were developed for submission to obtain the various levels of required Federal Aviation Administration approvals.

The end result of the project is that Helimax’s AS350 is now a modernized version that offers enhanced levels of safety and capability. The aircraft is fully-compliant to perform rigorous contract work on behalf of the USFS, as well as a variety of other ‘on demand’ operations.

For more information, visit www.vihaerospace.com.