23 January 2007

SAS obtains EASA STC for Bell 412 CVR/FDR

Specialist Aviation Services announces the launch of its EASA approved CVR/FDR modification for the Bell 412.

Working in collaboration with launch customer, Gulf Helicopters in Qatar, the first SAS-produced kit is now successfully in operation.  A further 10 kits will be delivered to Qatar for installation in the Gulf Helicopters fleet over the next few months.

The design is based around L3's FA 2300 'MADRAS' unit and as SAS's Technical Director, Phil Johns explained, "This STC offers Bell 412 operators world-wide an economical solution to comply with new operational requirements and we see an opportunity for many more kits over the next few years."

The UK-based Specialist Aviation Services Group designs and installs bespoke avionics and role equipment solutions for both military and commercial operators of utility helicopters.  For more information visit www.specialist-aviation.com.

Gulf Helicopters Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum, a company fully owned by the Government of the State of Qatar and shares common objectives including a commitment to excellence and progressive expansion.

Gulf Helicopters has been providing helicopter services since 1970 and has worked with almost all the major oil, construction and survey companies throughout the Middle East, India and North Africa.

Gulf Helicopters' overreaching policy is to provide safe and efficient helicopter services relative to international standards.  To achieve this, it progressively strives to ensure that the helicopters have a high level of safety equipment, the crew is highly qualified and the passengers are well briefed prior to each flight.

Gulf Helicopters has a divesified fleet of helicopters and is experienced in Offshore Operations VFR and IFR, onshore transport, seismic support and load lifting, both short and long line.  A wide range of ancillary equipment is also available to meet with specific operational requirements.

Gulf Helicopters' in-house maintenance facility, with a multinational team of highly qualified and experienced engineers, undertakes all the fleet maintenance, as well as any modifications to meet with specific job requirements.

With its broad base of experience and its dedicated team, it can be of assistance in any requirement for helicopter services.

Gulf Helicopters Company is an ISO 9001-2000 certified company and is committed to modernise its fleet to the latest available technology by introducing the new generation of helicopters.  It has recently inducted in its fleet Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, the first in the Middle East for VVIP transport.

For more information, please visit www.gulfhelicopters.com