Genesys Aerosystems’ HeliSAS helicopter stability augmentation system (SAS) and autopilot received STC approval for retrofit installation in Robinson R44s. HeliSAS’s two-axis autopilot allows for heading and nav hold, as well as vertical speed and altitude hold. The system operates during all phases of flight so it can maintain or recover a neutral attitude automatically when the pilot releases the cyclic; the pilot resumes full control simply through normal cyclic handling. HeliSAS for the Robinson R44 is priced at $40,752 for SAS only and $50,279 for SAS with 2-axis autopilot, with deliveries planned in the fourth quarter.