Airbus Helicopters Expands Deployment of Cockpit Image and Flight Data Recorders as Standard Equipment
ANAHEIM, CA (02/26/14) – Today at the annual HAI HELI-EXPO conference in Anaheim, CA, Airbus Helicopters announced its intention for all new aircraft produced by the company to be equipped with a cockpit image and flight data recorder.
For the past several years, Airbus Helicopters has equipped all of its AS350 model helicopters with the Vision 1000 as a factory-installed piece of equipment, resulting in more than 200 aircraft each year. Airbus is advancing the industry standard for safety by committing to this widespread implementation of an innovative solution in their entire product line.
“Airbus Helicopters has always been committed to safety,” said Appareo chairman and CEO Barry Batcheller. “We’re pleased to advance our partnership with them as they continue to provide their customers with the best safety systems and equipment available.”
Developed jointly by Airbus Helicopters and Appareo Systems in recent years, the Vision 1000 is a cockpit imaging and flight data monitoring (FDM) device wrapped into one. In addition to capturing audio and high-resolution cockpit imagery, the Vision 1000 records critical flight data, providing a complete picture of what occurred during every moment of each flight. Lightweight and easy to install, the Vision 1000 is designed to function in any type of aircraft. The data is stored on a crash-hardened memory module and a removable secure digital (SD) card.
“Airbus Helicopters has provided their customers with a great first step toward safer operations by making the Vision 1000 a part of their fleet,” said Batcheller. “The next step for operators is to use the data provided by the Vision 1000 in a comprehensive FDM program, such as Appareo’s turn-key ALERTS system.”
ALERTS (Aircraft Logging and Event Recording for Training and Safety) is Appareo’s award-winning FDM and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) solution designed for light and legacy aircraft.
About Appareo Systems
Appareo Systems is a recognized leader in the custom development and manufacture of low-cost innovative avionic solutions. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo offers turn-key services from product conceptualization through attainment of STC. In addition, the company is an accredited FAA Parts Manufacturing facility and is ISO 9001:2008 certified. Appareo is based in Fargo, N.D., with offices in Tempe, Ariz. and Paris, France.
