Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Airbus Helicopters AS332L, EC225, H215, and H225 series

Matt Thurber

German design organization Spaes has developed a modification for the installation of pulse lights on the Airbus Helicopters AS332. The lights were installed at an EASA Part 145 maintenance facility.
In this case, the pulse lights were necessary to improve visibility of the helicopter during firefighting missions. The Spaes modification includes mounting of the lights underneath the AS332’s nose using brackets specially designed for the lights, as well as circuit protection with a three-amp circuit breaker. A toggle switch in the cockpit is used to switch between “on,” “off,” and “pulse” modes.
Spaes made the modification as a minor change using its EASA Part 21J design organization qualification. According to the company, “This modification aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance flight safety through the integration of advanced lighting systems, which are essential for both operational effectiveness and regulatory compliance. The ability to switch between different light modes provides flexibility to pilots, allowing them to adjust their lighting settings depending on the situation.”
“Through the installation of the pulse lights, we have made an important contribution to the helicopter’s safety and visibility,” said David Stringfellow, Spaes design engineer for structures and cabins/interiors. “The close collaboration with the technicians and the thorough documentation guarantee that this modification has been implemented efficiently and reliably.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Spaes Modifies Airbus AS332 Helicopter with High-visibility Pulse Lights

Modification improves visibility of the helicopter during firefighting operations

The AS332 that was modified needed the pulse lights to improve visibility of the helicopter during firefighting missions.

Spaes Adds Pulse Lights to Airbus AS332 Helicopter

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In this article

AS332/EC225/H215/H225

Airbus Helicopters

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