Sally Kerr Sally Kerr

STC Approval for Super Air Cresco Air Conditioning System

Super Air STC for Air Conditioning System on Cresco

Flight Structures is extremely pleased to achieve a Supplemental Type Certificate approval for Super Air in 2020. STC 21/21E/1 allows for the installation air conditioning systems into Cresco aircraft. This design change improves pilot safety by enhancing the cockpit environment.

Duncan Wollen was the Design Delegation Holder and Flight Structures’ Project Manager who worked with the Civil Aviation Authority on this project. In addition, close collaboration with Robbie Williams, Maintenance Controller at Super Air ensured the project was completed prior to the upcoming summer. Hamilton is an excellent place for these types of certification and installation projects with Hamilton Aero Maintenance and Central Aero being close neighbours, enabling testing and installation to proceed smoothly.

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Sally Kerr Sally Kerr

Two STC for the FALCO XL

Flight Structures was delighted to receive confirmation of the upgraded Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for the FALCO XL from the Civil Aviation Authority of NZ.

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The FALCO XL was originally developed in 2011 when Andy Stevenson identified the need for an aircraft with a hopper with greater capacity, larger opening and greater endurance to suit the Farmers Air terrain around Gisborne and the East Coast.  Since the development and issue of the original STC, several Falcos have been in operation up and down NZ. But up until now, the FALCO upgrade was only embodied on older aircraft that were converted to agricultural use.  The 2020 STC allow for embodiment in brand new aircraft with the partnership with the OEM, Pacific Aerospace Ltd.

The STC are both owned by Andy Stevenson Aviation. Partners on this significant project include Flight Structures Ltd, Andy Stevenson Aviation, Pacific Aerospace Ltd, and Hamilton Aero Maintenance. Flight Structures role was to lead the design, certification and liaison with the CAANZ.

The FALCO XL has a 3000L Hopper with a  hydraulically actuated hopper lid, hydraulic gatebox, and a wire strike kit.  The payload is 2200 kg and the aircraft has full factory airframe support.

If you are interested in more information about the FALCO XL please contact Andy Stevenson on +64 212 463 355 or andy@asal.co.nz

Thank you to David Roberts from Pacific Aerospace Ltd for the photos.

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Sally Kerr Sally Kerr

LEONARDO AW 169 – EMS – MEDICAL OXYGEN SYSTEM GAINS STC

It has been an extremely busy period for Flight Structures  and we are delighted that we gained a second AW169 STC in 2019. 

Medical Oxygen STC achieved for Leonardo AW169

It has been an extremely busy period for Flight Structures  and we are delighted that we gained a second AW169 STC in 2019.  This system was developed in conjunction with Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT).  The system stores the oxygen cylinder remote from the main cabin, with access from an external door.  A contents monitor is in the main cabin which is visible by the medical crew from all seated positions.  A low pressure alarm and shut off valve are provided for added safety.  Two outlets in the ceiling can supply a ventilator and / or patient mask and are positioned perfectly to suit the patient on the Flight Structures RULS stretcher system.    

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Sally Kerr Sally Kerr

LEONARDO AW 169 – EMS – STRETCHER LOADING SYSTEM GAINS STC

We are proud to announce that the RULS (Rotorcraft Utility Loading System) for the Leonardo AW169 has achieved a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).

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First STC achieved for Westpac Rescue Auckland

We are proud to announce that the RULS (Rotorcraft Utility Loading System) for the Leonardo AW169 has achieved a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).  The system has the stretcher in the longitudinal position for flight but is able to rotate to the transverse position for ground loading.  The RULS may also be used in flight for loading during External Hoist Operations.

To see the RULS in action then you can view this TVNZ news clip

 https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/new-15-million-auckland-rescue-chopper-give-paramedics-edge-in-life-and-death-situations

There will be more details to come about other role equipment developed for this aircraft, allowing clinical staff to treat patients in flight to provide best medical outcomes.

Flight Structures is coming to the end of a large project for Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT) with an EMS fitout of their two new AW169 rotorcraft. 

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Sally Kerr Sally Kerr

HELICOPTER PERFORMANCE STC GAINED FOR NORTHLAND EMERGENCY SERVICES TRUST

Flight Structures has recently been successful in helping Northland Emergency Services Trust gain an STC for their new Sikorsky S76.

Flight Structures has recently been successful in helping Northland Emergency Services Trust gain an STC for their new Sikorsky S76.

We thank NEST for their support during this project as well as John King for the fantastic cover photo.

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Sally Kerr Sally Kerr

EASA STC AWARDED TO AIRWORK BK117-850D-2

We are proud to announce that EASA has awarded Airwork (NZ) Ltd STC approval for the BK117-850D2. The remarkable new engine upgrade that is proving hugely popular with operators throughout Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding countries will now be available for use in European countries, and countries which recognise EASA STC approval.

We are proud to announce that EASA has awarded Airwork (NZ) Ltd STC approval for the BK117-850D2. The remarkable new engine upgrade that is proving hugely popular with operators throughout Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding countries will now be available for use in European countries, and countries which recognise EASA STC approval.

The award concludes a thorough certification program, run by Flight Structures Ltd in conjunction with Airwork (NZ), Honeywell, and AeroDAC.

Flight Structures Engineer Henry Dumbleton remarks "The project has been punctuated by some really spectacular moments. We 've flown to some amazing places and worked with very talented people. The project has really come together and we're ecstatic with the result for our client".

The project is technically very satisfying from an engineering perspective, with the development of a specific BK117 performance modeling program and culminating in dramatic demonstrations of the helicopters new capabilities.

Flight Structures has enjoyed working with EASA on this project and looks forward to bringing more New Zealand and Australian aeronautical products into the international market

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Sally Kerr Sally Kerr

FALCO 3000XL AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT SET TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, CREW COMFORT, AND SAFETY.

Flight Structures, working with Farmers Air Ltd, have designed and approved a major modification to the PAL 750XL airframe, christened the FALCO 3000XL

Flight Structures, working with Farmers Air Ltd, have designed and approved a major modification to the PAL 750XL airframe, christened the FALCO 3000XL. The main design features are a lightweight 3000 litre carbon fibre hopper, 2000 kg payload and a new streamlined light weight cowling with improved air filtration.

The FALCO 3000XL builds upon the proven ability of the Pacific Aerospace aircraft, including the Fletcher, Cresco, and 750XL to offer a replacement aircraft for those no longer in production. The 750XL cockpit has been further improved and offers excellent leg room, a quieter environment and better ergonomics for a less fatigued pilot.

The aircraft also features a large hopper lid to minimise spillage, Agricultural GPS and GPS Tracking equipment, and a substantially revised fuselage structure which integrates the hopper as load bearing structure.

The Supplementary Type Certificate for the Farmers Air Ag Conversion of the 750 XL has been issued.   Flight Structures completed all the design, project management, flight testing and CAA requirements, working closely with Farmers Air pilots and engineers.  Partnering companies were Aeromotive, Pacific Aerospace Limited, Av Parts and Composites International.

The 750XL was modified by removing unnecessary weight, installing a light weight high strength carbon fibre hopper, and incorporating a barrier air filter into the streamlined cowl.  Farmers Air pilots were heavily involved in the design and their input influenced modifications to increase the rudder power for improved cross wind performance and reducing the elevator forces to reduce pilot fatigue.   The aircraft has a 2200 litre hopper capacity with a 2200kg payload.  Crunch the numbers and you will find the Falco3000 is the least expensive platform to spread fertilizer by air.   

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AIRWORK (NZ)’S BK117-850D2 TAKES TO THE SKIES OVER AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Airwork (NZ)’s BK117-850D2 has taken to the skies over Australia and New Zealand, with approval in Europe and America set to follow.

Airwork (NZ)’s BK117-850D2 has taken to the skies over Australia and New Zealand, with approval in Europe and America set to follow.

Flight Structures has led a highly successful certification program for the BK-117B-2, which concluded May 2010 with the issue of a NZCAA Supplementary Type Certificate. Flight Structures has worked closely with Airwork (NZ) and Honeywell on the development of the BK117-850D2, which incorporates the latest technology 850 hp engines from Honeywell, with spectacular performance results that have exceeded expectations.
One of the most challenging aspects of the program was the determination and validation of improved performance. For this Flight Structures Ltd designed and developed a computer based performance model to map the engine installation, rotor performance, and airframe aerodynamics to predict all aspects of the performance envelope.

Flight Structures flight test engineers validated the calculated performance over several month of testing, culminating in flawless demonstrations of Category A vertical take-off simulated engine failures at maximum certified weight on a hot summers day.

The successful management of this project has shown that Flight Structures has the knowledge, experience, and capacity to deal with large-scale international projects, and deliver quality results on time with excellent value for money.

Flight Structures continues to work with Airwork (NZ) on EASA and FAA approval of the BK117-850D2 expected late 2010/early 2011.

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