Contributor - Europe

Cathy Buyck

Patria Aviation has received EASA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for the installation of Astronautics’ AFI4700 RoadRunner electronic flight instrument (EFI) for Bell 212/412EP helicopters.
The Finland-based company is doing its first installation of the RoadRunner EFI on a Bell 412EP search-and-rescue (SAR) helicopter for the Finnish Border Guard (FBG). The work is part of an ongoing modification program to upgrade the helicopter’s avionics, communication, and navigation capabilities.
“Congratulations to our dealer Patria for receiving the first EASA STC for Astronautics’ RoadRunner EFI on Bell 212/412EP rotorcraft,” said Aymeric Larose, Astronautics’ director of business development. “Not only will the RoadRunner modernize and extend the service life of the FBG Bell 412 SAR helicopter and others to follow, it will also add needed capabilities that will decrease pilot workload and increase situational awareness.”
The retrofit has received approval for single-pilot IFR&nbsp;operations and enables localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches and RNAV with GPS while interfacing with multiple aircraft sensors.
“Helicopter operators in Europe and worldwide are facing issues with avionics obsolescence, evolving airspace requirements, and new navigation options based on global navigation satellite systems, all of which require upgrading the pilot avionics,” explained Tuomo Jokisalo, head of airworthiness for Patria. “Patria’s EASA-approved design organization is working with several customers to solve these problems, and it is our opinion that the most cost-effective way to answer the full scope of these requirements is with the Astronautics RoadRunner display system.”&nbsp;
Astronautics is showcasing the RoadRunner EFI at the Farnborough Airshow, along with&nbsp;the company's other display, systems, cybersecurity, and connectivity products.
This week Astronautics announced that Airbus selected the AeroSync Max wireless airborne communication system as the line-fit connectivity solution for its new H160M helicopter. The airframer has also chosen Astronautics' airborne communication server system as the cyber-secured maintenance server for its Tiger MkIII helicopter upgrade.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Patria Aviation Gains EASA Certification for Astronautics’ RoadRunner EFI

The RoadRunner electronic flight instrument received approval for installation on Bell 212/412EP helicopters 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Charles Alcock

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

How a long-time fixed-wing pilot transitions to the rotary-wing world

Learning To Fly Helicopters in the Guimbal Cabri G2

Mark Huber

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Jury awards $116 million for doors-off crash victim

FlyNYON Tragedy Results in Hefty Jury Award

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Farnborough Airshow 2024

In this article

Bell 212/214 Series

Bell

More In Rotorcraft

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

Learning To Fly Helicopters in the Guimbal Cabri G2

How a long-time fixed-wing pilot transitions to the rotary-wing world

FlyNYON Tragedy Results in Hefty Jury Award

Jury awards $116 million for doors-off crash victim

First MD500E to MD530F Helicopter Conversion Done

Upgrade is available at MD Helicopters service centers

Bell Soars in 3Q with Higher Civil Helo Deliveries, FLRAA

Commercial shipments nearly doubled, while new military program brought in more than $80M

Bell Appoints Japanese Dealer for 505 Helicopter

Japan General Aviation Service is already a customer for the larger 429 model

Avincis Strengthens Portugal Helicopter MRO Base

Plan will help ensure long-term job stability for Portugal workforce

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN