Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Genesys Aerosystems received FAA STC approval for retrofitting its HeliSAS stability augmentation system and two-axis autopilot on Robinson R66s. It has been an option on factory-new R66s since last year and was previously STC’d for the Airbus Helicopters EC130 and AS350 series; Bell 206B JetRanger, 206L LongRanger and 407; and Robinson R44. EASA STC approval for the R66 is pending, Genesys said.

 


Weighing less than 15 pounds, HeliSAS reduces single-pilot workload while providing precise “hands off” control of the aircraft during all modes of flight, regardless of wind conditions or shifts in the aircraft’s weight, according to the company. Its attitude stabilization and force feel features also enhance the helicopter’s handling characteristics to mitigate inadvertent cyclic control inputs that could result in dangerous attitudes or loss of control, it added.

 


With the addition of the optional two-axis autopilot, HeliSAS can provide altitude hold, NAV hold, heading hold and vertical modes, which can track an ILS approach. HeliSAS with the two-axis autopilot costs $71,509, not including installation or attitude source. Without the autopilot, the price is $62,530.

 


The company plans to add at least three more helicopter models to its HeliSAS FAA STC list this year.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Genesys HeliSAS STC'd for Retrofit on Robinson R66s

Stability augmentation system reduces single-pilot workload while providing precise “hands off” control of the aircraft during all modes of flight.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Experts gather to discuss the problems and solutions surrounding GNSS interference

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

New release adds missed approach climb gradient table and climb gradient values on departure procedures

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

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