Cabin Interior and Electronics
Alpine Helicopters Picks Skytrac Solution for Upgrade Program
Iridium satcom will help pilots and ground crews remain connected
Skytrac Systems
© Skytrac Systems

Alpine Helicopters is upgrading its helicopter fleet with Skytrac Systems’ ISAT-200A Iridium satcom system with push-to-talk capability. The 39-helicopter fleet includes 15 Bell 212s, 14 Bell 407s, seven Bell 206Ls, one Bell 412, and two Airbus AS350s used for forestry, mining, heli-skiing, and firefighting missions.

The Skytrac system enables communication via the Iridium satellite network as well as flight following and transmission of flight data. Push-to-talk functionality helps flight and ground crew communicate where VHF radio coverage is unavailable. Alpine Helicopters tested this capability in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, and is exploring expanding its use for forestry and firefighting operations.

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