Avionics
Helo satnav approaches make slow progress in France
The French helicopter industry is endeavoring to catch up with the U.S.

The French helicopter industry is endeavoring to catch up with the U.S. in satellite-aided precision approaches, as it strives to enable landings and takeoffs at hospitals in IMC. The ultimate aim is to build a solid network of inter-hospital low-altitude IFR routes, according to participants at a forum held by the Toulouse-based air and space academy late last year. The project involves the DGAC (France’s civil aviation authority), Eurocopter and the association of those medical personnel who use helicopters (AFHSH).

The French government’s policy of favoring the consolidation of medical skills means fewer hospitals will have, for example, surgery capabilities. The idea is to maintain the specialists’ proficiency by exercising their skills–just as in aviation–and it depends on reliable, fast transportation between hospitals.

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