Certification Clears Way For All-Weather Operations

EASA has certified the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) for the AW189, clearing the way for the aircraft to operate in full icing conditions.

The EASA certification comes after three years of flight trials in Northern Europe and North America, during the winter months, to gather data and test the effectiveness of the system which includes electrically heated main and tail rotor blades, heated windscreens and an ice detection system. The standard AW189 helicopter already includes an engine air intake heating system. The system is fully automatic once switched on by the pilot, allowing the pilot to concentrate on other flying activities.

The FIPS is critical for operators flying in Northern Europe, Canada, Russia and the northern United States where icing conditions are common during the winter months. Almost 30 AW189s are today in service in demanding operational conditions in Europe, USA, Middle East and South East Asia.

The FIPS system is now available as an option on the AW189 and follows certification of the Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) in September 2015. LIPS permits flight within a known and defined envelope of icing conditions provided that the capability to descend into a known band of positive temperature is available throughout the intended route.

Leonardo-Finmeccanica says the AW189 meets the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS) and is fully compliant with the latest requirements of the oil and gas producers’ helicopter operations guidelines.

The AW189 is unique in having a 50 minute ‘run-dry’ capable main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering unmatched safety and reliability for long range offshore operations.

(Source: Leonardo-Finmeccanica news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.leonardocompany.com