Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Heli Austria and Heli Werk are offering an EASA-approved upgrade to install a True Blue Power lithium-ion main-ship battery on Airbus EC135 helicopters. Heli Austria developed the supplemental type certificate, and Heli Werk makes the upgrade kit.
Both the True Blue Power TB30 and TB40 lithium-ion batteries are available for the upgrade, which reduces battery weight compared with the existing NiCad battery by up to 19.8 kg (about 44 pounds), depending on the battery configuration. The TB30 has a 30 amp-hour capacity, while the TB40 is a 40 amp-hour battery.
Both are available for all EC135 models, including those with Helionix avionics. The upgrade kit includes the battery, installation kit, and the STC documentation.
“EC135 operators can now choose a complete upgrade solution that combines lower weight, higher capacity, and reduced scheduled battery maintenance,” said Heli Werk managing director Joachim Kies. “Our focus was to turn the approved design into a production-ready kit supplied with the required installation components and documentation.”
“Working with Heli Werk went smoothly from start to finish,” said Roy Knaus, managing director of Heli Austria. “The close coordination between design and production helped us move the project through certification and deliver a solution that is ready for operators.”

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.

EASA Approves True Blue Lithium-ion Main-ship Battery for Airbus EC135

TB30 or TB40 weighs up to 19.4 kg less than the original nicad system

Both the True Blue Power TB30 and TB40 lithium-ion batteries are available for all models of the EC135, including those with Helionix avionics.

EASA Approves Lithium-ion Main-ship Battery for EC135

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

MEMS-based system delivers actionable data to support proactive maintenance

GPMS Signs Wisk Air for Bell 412 and 407 GXi HUMS

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Growth will add jobs and additional 3D printing and maintenance capacity

Collins Expanding Des Moines Manufacturing Facility

Resolves a situation that could have eliminated a key source of parts

Eclipse Buying Parts-maker Resurgent Aviation Solutions

Kerry Lynch

NLG helps operators in AOG situations

Duncan Aviation Adds Global Landing Gear to Inventory

Part of a $30 million investment, the facility consolidates company capabilities

Ontic Opens Dedicated Tewkesbury UK MRO Facility

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

EC135/H135

Airbus Helicopters

More In Maintenance and Modifications

GPMS Signs Wisk Air for Bell 412 and 407 GXi HUMS

MEMS-based system delivers actionable data to support proactive maintenance

Collins Expanding Des Moines Manufacturing Facility

Growth will add jobs and additional 3D printing and maintenance capacity

Eclipse Buying Parts-maker Resurgent Aviation Solutions

Resolves a situation that could have eliminated a key source of parts

Duncan Aviation Adds Global Landing Gear to Inventory

NLG helps operators in AOG situations

Ontic Opens Dedicated Tewkesbury UK MRO Facility

Part of a $30 million investment, the facility consolidates company capabilities

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McFarlane distribution to widen access to Airglas products

Midwest Epic E1000 Operators Gain Wichita Service Option

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Kit covers the full line of Daher’s TBM turboprop singles

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