The HeliSAS autopilot integrates with the graphic Flight Management System of the Genesys Aerosystems EFIS
Genesys Aerosystems, November 09, 2016 - Chicago, IL - Genesys Aerosystems announced that the company has received a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of its helicopter stability augmentation system (HeliSAS) and two-axis autopilot aboard Airbus EC120 Colibri (hummingbird) light turbine helicopters.
“The HeliSAS and autopilot has been created to reduce pilot workload, especially in light- to mid-size piston and turbine helicopters that are primarily operated as single-pilot aircraft,” said Jamie Luster, director of sales and marketing for Genesys Aerosystems. “Now, current EC120 operators will be able to enjoy the immediate safety-enhancing features of the HeliSAS including its ability to automatically recovery a helicopter to near-level flight should the pilot become disoriented.”
Because weight is so critical to all helicopter operators, Luster stressed the fact that the HeliSAS is a lightweight and highly capable system.
“With an installed weight of under 15 pounds, the standard HeliSAS system is ideal for the Airbus EC120 and other Part 27 category helicopters,” said Luster. “Because these aircraft are typically not equipped for IFR conditions, the system’s attitude stabilization and force feel feature enhances the helicopter’s handling characteristics, while mitigating cyclic control inputs. Loss of control due to over-controlling is the unfortunate scenario you often see when VFR helicopter pilots encounter instrument conditions.”
Key features of the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS autopilot and stability augmentation system for the Airbus EC120 include:
- Automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude at all airspeeds;
- System engagement throughout all phases of flight from startup to shut down;
- Complete two-axis autopilot functionality;
- Optional altitude preselect capability; and
- Lighter weight and lower cost compared to other systems.
“I would also like to thank the FAA for their cooperation throughout the program,” said Luster. “Their guidance was instrumental in helping us bring the safety benefits of HeliSAS to EC pilots and passengers in the shortest possible time.”
Receiving an FAA STC to install the HeliSAS and autopilot system on the Airbus EC120 series of helicopters is part of Genesys Aerosystems’ active and ongoing expansion of certifications for the HeliSAS system. HeliSAS is currently approved for installation on the Airbus (Eurocopter) EC130 and A350 series, the Bell 206B, 206L and 407 models, and the Robinson R44 and R66.
Luster said that the standard HeliSAS and two-axis autopilot system for the EC120 helicopters is priced at $100,000 (not including installation) and that the company is currently accepting orders for shipment in early December 2016.
About Genesys Aerosystems: Genesys Aerosystems is a leading provider of integrated avionics systems for military and civil aircraft manufacturers and operators. With a diverse and growing product line, Genesys Aerosystems’ avionics systems can be offered as stand-alone components or integrated to provide an entire cockpit solution. Its synthetic vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) revolutionized flight crew situational awareness and safety and is now approved on more than 700 models of aircraft and helicopters. Genesys Aerosystems’ newest Helicopter Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot (HeliSAS) adds to the company’s extensive offerings of S-TEC autopilot solutions and brings added safety to light piston and turbine helicopters.
“The HeliSAS and autopilot has been created to reduce pilot workload, especially in light- to mid-size piston and turbine helicopters that are primarily operated as single-pilot aircraft,” said Jamie Luster, director of sales and marketing for Genesys Aerosystems. “Now, current EC120 operators will be able to enjoy the immediate safety-enhancing features of the HeliSAS including its ability to automatically recovery a helicopter to near-level flight should the pilot become disoriented.”
Because weight is so critical to all helicopter operators, Luster stressed the fact that the HeliSAS is a lightweight and highly capable system.
“With an installed weight of under 15 pounds, the standard HeliSAS system is ideal for the Airbus EC120 and other Part 27 category helicopters,” said Luster. “Because these aircraft are typically not equipped for IFR conditions, the system’s attitude stabilization and force feel feature enhances the helicopter’s handling characteristics, while mitigating cyclic control inputs. Loss of control due to over-controlling is the unfortunate scenario you often see when VFR helicopter pilots encounter instrument conditions.”
Key features of the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS autopilot and stability augmentation system for the Airbus EC120 include:
- Automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude at all airspeeds;
- System engagement throughout all phases of flight from startup to shut down;
- Complete two-axis autopilot functionality;
- Optional altitude preselect capability; and
- Lighter weight and lower cost compared to other systems.
“I would also like to thank the FAA for their cooperation throughout the program,” said Luster. “Their guidance was instrumental in helping us bring the safety benefits of HeliSAS to EC pilots and passengers in the shortest possible time.”
Receiving an FAA STC to install the HeliSAS and autopilot system on the Airbus EC120 series of helicopters is part of Genesys Aerosystems’ active and ongoing expansion of certifications for the HeliSAS system. HeliSAS is currently approved for installation on the Airbus (Eurocopter) EC130 and A350 series, the Bell 206B, 206L and 407 models, and the Robinson R44 and R66.
Luster said that the standard HeliSAS and two-axis autopilot system for the EC120 helicopters is priced at $100,000 (not including installation) and that the company is currently accepting orders for shipment in early December 2016.
About Genesys Aerosystems: Genesys Aerosystems is a leading provider of integrated avionics systems for military and civil aircraft manufacturers and operators. With a diverse and growing product line, Genesys Aerosystems’ avionics systems can be offered as stand-alone components or integrated to provide an entire cockpit solution. Its synthetic vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) revolutionized flight crew situational awareness and safety and is now approved on more than 700 models of aircraft and helicopters. Genesys Aerosystems’ newest Helicopter Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot (HeliSAS) adds to the company’s extensive offerings of S-TEC autopilot solutions and brings added safety to light piston and turbine helicopters.
See also |
Eurocopter EC120
Airbus H120
FAA Federal Aviation Administration 
Helicopters Avionics Genesys Aerosystems 
