Gama Aviation Plc, the global business aviation services company, is pleased to announce an augmented Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) modification available through its global design team for the Airbus H135 / 145 and additional EASA CS-27 / 29 rotorcraft (subject to survey and contract)

The solution provides a ED-155 or ED-112A (H145) compliant Cockpit Audio Recording System (CARS) & Airborne Image Recording System (AIRS) that has been driven as a consequence of AAIB safety recommendations 2015-032, 033, 035 and CAA Safety Directive SD-2018/002 following the tragic EC135 T2+ crash at Clutha, Glasgow, 2013 in which ten people were killed.

Mark Shipp, Head of Design commented: “We’ve deployed this modification on an existing fleet of H135 / H145 aircraft to great effect in order to augment the FDM systems onboard the aircraft.  Given recent tragic incidents, we feel it is only a matter of time before the EASA and FAA mandate the use of CARS and AIRS within helicopters to bring them in-line with other aviation authorities.”

The modification is currently installed on the UK’s NPAS rotary fleet and is available as either a one or two camera system recording at 1080p HD providing excellent recording clarity day or night with a max additional weight of 11.5kg (two camera system).  The H145, ED-112A variant provides cockpit AIR to enhance the existing onboard CAR system.  Both systems feature an easy to operate control panel with a guarded ‘Bulk Erase’ switch to ensure crew privacy and a Press to Test (PTT) function to easily check system serviceability.

Shipp continues: “The CARS / AIRS system is ideal for deployment in law enforcement, HEMS, special mission and training operations, providing an enhanced flight data monitoring system.  I believe this modification is a vital component to any operation that seeks to enhance its safety standards in order to maximise the safety of flight crew, passengers and those on the ground.”

HeliHub.com editor note

The technical spec of the system for an H145 indicates that a single Camera System weighs 6.0kg, and a two Camera System is 11.5kg, while the H135 technical spec shows figures of 7.6kg and 11.5kg respectively.