Meanwhile, "having all of your manuals in an EFB can make a real weight differ- ence," Truelsen says. "The original paper- based manuals were heavy, and took up space as well."
CONSIDERATIONS AND CHALLENGES
When considering which avionics to
upgrade in an older helicopter, certain questions should be asked. How will the new equipment affect the pilot workload? Will it make the aircraft easier and less de- manding to fly? Will the new avionics in- tegrate easily into the older aircraft's legacy sensor systems, or will new sensors - and possibly even new electrical / data cable runs - be required? Can the aircraft support any additional power drain made by adding new electronics? And does the performance enhancement of the new equipment justify its cost; from both an operational and resale perspective? There are no 'one size fits all' answers
to these questions. Each older helicopter is unique, in terms of its remaining lifes-
pan, accumulated airframe fatigue, and op- timum capabilities after every conceivable upgrade has been done. Answering these questions accurately requires a thorough inspection of the helicopter's physical, me- chanical and electrical systems; an assess- ment of possible upgrades with their costs and benefits factored in over the aircraft's remaining lifespan, and the estimated playback of such upgrades, versus buying a new helicopter. "As well, you have to be careful about
the avionics you choose," says Elvis Mo- niz." It is wise to go with brand names that have solid reputations, and a history of being easily certified. Choosing 'bou- tique avionics' that have lots of bells-and- whistles may seem cool, but they aren't when you have trouble integrating them, and then getting them approved by regu- latory authorities."
STRIKING A BALANCE If there's a conclusion to be drawn here,
it is that upgrading older helicopters with new avionics is a good idea, as long as the
upgrades make good business and per- formance sense. Being able to extend the lifespan of an already paid-off rotorcraft can really help a cash-strapped company, especially if the new additions make it do more. The Carson Sikorsky S-61T is a good
example of such a balance. In concert with Sikorsky, Carson Helicopters has re- vived this veteran airframe by installing full glass cockpits, composite main and tail rotor blades, and many other upgrades. At the same time, the basic airframe and function of the S-61 has been maintained, albeit now delivering 1,200 of additional lift capability and improved airspeed. The resulting revived-and-upgraded S-
61T is so capable that the U.S. State De- partment is buying up to 110 S-61Ts under contract, with many having been deliv- ered. "There is a lot of highly-capable life left
in many older helicopters," concludes Elvis Moniz. Finding the right avionics upgrades can help you access that capa- bility, and enhance the value of your older aircraft at resale."
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