Air Comm, which specializes in interior heating and air-conditioning systems for helicopters, is hosting “a comprehensive presentation on helicopter environmental control systems” here at Heli-Expo 2011.
The event is scheduled for today at 10 a.m. in Room S230 of the Orange County Convention Center. The session will cover the basics of helicopter heating and air-conditioning, including installation, operation, maintenance and trouble-shooting, as well as tips for prospective system buyers and a discussion of advanced digital climate control systems.
Seating is limited and those wishing to attend should contact Lisa Sifuentes at (480) 924-0690. Attendees will be eligible for a drawing to win a set of Bose Quiet Comfort 15 acoustic noise-cancelling headphones.
Also at Heli-Expo, Air Comm (Booth No. 1649) is unveiling its Comfort+ program, which it describes as “advanced technology heating and air-conditioning systems for helicopters [which deliver] a complete experience based on the belief that cabin comfort is mission critical.”
“Heating and air-conditioning are often overlooked,” claimed Air Comm president Keith Steiner. “Until it quits working. A comfortable environment is not a luxury,” he added, citing a number of studies that draw a direct relationship between crew efficiency and cabin comfort.”
In the past year or more, Air Comm has been gaining a substantial foothold in the military market, including a contract for 1,000 cabin heaters for the Army’s Black Hawk.
Air Comm recently received a commendation from the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne. The division was flying Black Hawks in the harsh Afghanistan winter and the commendation credited Air Comm’s heating system as instrumental in keeping injured soldiers alive during medevac transport.
Steiner said Air Comm also recently won a competition to develop a heating system for the Army’s OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and has been asked by Bell to develop a digital cabin environment control system similar to that found in high-end automobiles.
For civil helicopter owners and operators in the northern hemisphere, Air Comm is suggesting that early preparation for this coming summer’s heat is better sooner than later. “Even the most rugged and capable air conditioners require checks to ensure that cabins cool off when passengers want the systems to run quickly and effectively after months of inactivity.”
Air Comm offers a variety of kits and services to ensure that air-conditioning systems work as advertised, regardless of the type of system installed. The Boulder, Colo.-based company also has an extensive parts catalog and its customer support service organization is available to fill any emergency need during system inspections and tune-ups.
