Erickson announces enhanced aircrane modifications

Erickson Incorporated (EAC) announced newly designed and certified enhancements for the S-64 Aircrane to improve situational awareness for aircraft pilots. As part of a continuous improvement initiative, the company has installed and certified FAA mandated Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) OUT (transmit) systems, which are ADS-B IN (receive) systems combined with state of the art GPS units with Helicopter Terrain and Awareness System (HTAWS). The HTAWS system provides flight crews with real time visual and audible information for terrain and obstacles in and around the helicopter flight plan. Erickson, a global provider of aviation services, performed all system design, integration, testing and certification for the advanced avionics, and has selected Garmin Limited to supply the hardware for the new systems. The modification is FAA approved and certified to today’s regulatory requirements, but will also be compliant with the new mandated FAA requirements that will be required by December 31st, 2019. Erickson has released the first modified machine to service following successful flight testing.