Genesys Aerosystems announced that it has begun the supplemental type certification (STC) process for its visual flight rules (VFR) version of the Helicopter Stability Augmentation System (HeliSAS) autopilot for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.
“Genesys Aerosystems has already worked with the previous models of Bell Helicopters such as the 206B, 206L, and 407 to offer the benefits of HeliSAS as a retrofit option and we want to extend the enhanced capabilities to owners currently enjoying the versatility of the 505,” said Jamie Luster, Genesys Aerosystems director of sales. “The stability augmentation is ideal for the light-weight Bell platform, and decreases the workload significantly.”
Weighing less than 15 pounds, the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS has set the standard for improving the safety and enhancing the capabilities of helicopters. The system’s advanced abilities reduce single-pilot workload, while providing precise “hands-off” control of the aircraft during all modes of flight – regardless of wind conditions or shifts in the aircraft’s weight.
Key features of the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System include:
- Automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude at all airspeeds;
- System engagement throughout all phases of flight from startup to shut down;
- Complete 2-axis autopilot functionality; and
- Lightweight and lower cost compared to other systems.
Current pricing for the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS autopilot and stability augmentation is $70,259. Pricing includes all equipment required including the installation kit; pricing does not include installation, however. The company expects to receive the Federal Aviation Administration STC in the third quarter of 2019, with EASA certification to follow. Orders are currently being accepted through authorized dealers.
“We’ve had a number of 505 owners, many of which had our HeliSAS on their previous helicopter, show considerable interest in adding HeliSAS,” said Luster. “Once a pilot experiences flying with HeliSAS, it is easy to understand the value the system brings”
When complete, the Bell 505 will add to the growing list of approvals the company already has for HeliSAS installations on other popular helicopters including the Airbus EC130T2, EC130B4, EC120 and AS350 series, the Bell 206B, 206L, and 407 models, Robinson R44, R66. The instrument flight rules (IFR) version of the HeliSAS gained approval on the Airbus EC-145e in February 2019.
