Thu, Feb 25, 2010
PHI, Sikorsky Develop ADS-B Based System
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. gave props to PHI Inc. for taking the
lead on developing technology that improves air traffic control
safety and efficiency for S-92 helicopters serving PHI's Gulf of
Mexico oil customers. Sikorsky collaborated on developing the
technology and announced the advances Tuesday at the Heli-Expo
aerospace show in Houston, Texas.
The new S-92 helicopter Automatic Dependent Surveillance -
Broadcast (ADS-B) capability enables air traffic controllers to
maintain a consistent five-mile distance between helicopters
operating in the Gulf of Mexico, rather than the previous 20-mile
spacing, which forced some pilots to take circuitous routes. An
ADS-B equipped aircraft automatically transmits its position and
other pertinent information to land-based receivers, which then
relay the information to the FAA's air traffic control center in
Houston for tracking and directing air traffic. This increases the
FAA's capacity and can translate into improved on-time performance
and efficiency for helicopter operators and the oil workers they
shuttle to and from platforms in the Gulf.
PHI provided the ADS-B installation design and certification,
while Sikorsky provided the S-92 aircraft technical data and system
architecture capable of adapting to the ADS-B features. "PHI took
the lead and worked with Sikorsky to bring ADS-B capability to
offshore operations in the Gulf, and we are looking forward to
offering this ground-breaking technology on more S-92 helicopters
in the future," said Shane Eddy, Vice President of the Sikorsky
Global Helicopters business of Sikorsky Aircraft.
This joint effort allowed PHI to be the first helicopter
operator to field an ADS-B equipped aircraft in the Gulf of Mexico.
"Being the first to conduct ADS-B flights over the Gulf of Mexico
is a historic achievement and one in which we are proud to have
been able to work so closely with Sikorsky," explained Lance
Bospflug, Chief Operating Officer, PHI Inc.
PHI, which is based in Lafayette, LA, provides helicopter
transportation and related services to a broad range of customers
including the oil and gas industry and the air medical industry,
and also provides third-party maintenance services to select
customers.
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