Partners With CHC Helicopter On iPad Software

Appareo Systems says it has undertaken a significant software development project with CHC Helicopter, providing the world’s largest helicopter services company with an innovative and robust electronic flight bag (EFB) application. The CHC EFB software will run on the Apple iPad, continuing CHC’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to achieve a completely paperless cockpit environment. CHC is deploying more than 500 iPads globally to be used for various flight-related activities including crew training and flight operations.

Implemented across its fleet, the EFB will serve as a vehicle for standardizing CHC’s flying operations at bases around the world. This increased efficiency will pay dividends in the form of shortened accounts receivable cycles, more complete information for crew scheduling and maintenance activities, and the elimination of in-flight paperwork duties. The CHC EFB will also provide flight crews with powerful tools for routing, fuel planning and weight and balance calculations.

“CHC holds safety in the highest regard, and we view partnering with Appareo as yet another way to standardize our safety procedures in the day to day operation of our aircraft,” said Paul King, CHC’s CIO. “Our business is increasingly driven by data so introducing the CHC EFB is a natural step forward for us to improve and streamline our operation. By automating the flow of information in and out of our aircraft, the logistics of flight planning, in-flight operations, accurate customer billing, and planning maintenance activities are greatly simplified – something that’s of great value in today’s competitive marketplace.”

The development of the CHC EFB is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed fall 2012. Capitalizing on Appareo’s experience in mobile computing and custom software development for aviation, the CHC EFB will be deeply integrated with CHC’s administrative, maintenance and financial management processes.

“Although Appareo is known primarily for our flight data monitoring solutions, the CHC EFB project taps into our considerable software development expertise, leveraging our experience in mobile development and cloud computing,” said Barry Batcheller, president and CEO of Appareo. “We have been fortunate to work with a number of world-class organizations in the past, and we’re honored to be partnered with CHC. We look forward to delivering a truly exceptional product.”

CHC Helicopter is the world's largest helicopter services company specializing in transport to offshore oil and gas platforms, civilian search-and-rescue, and helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, BC.

Appareo Systems, LLC describes itself as a recognized leader in the custom development and manufacture of low-cost innovative avionic solutions for original equipment manufacturers. The company is based in Fargo, ND.

FMI: www.appareo.com ; www.chc.ca