Helicopters Can Avoid Obsolescence by Upgrading Avionics | Aviation International News

HAI Convention News 2023

Avionics Makers Hold Key to Extending Helicopter Lifespans

Cockpit upgrades help helicopters maintain economic viability and avoid obsolescence.

Garmin avionics upgrade AS350 helicopter — Garmin's cockpit upgrade for the Eurocopter AS350 replaces a variety of legacy primary flight instruments including the primary attitude indicator, course deviation indicator, horizontal situation indicator, and multi-function display. (Photo: Garmin)

By Mario Pierobon • Contributor - Business Aviation

March 4, 2023

The life cycle of a helicopter lasts several decades, and helicopters can maintain their economic viability well into their lifespan. But as technology in general develops, at some point helicopter equipment becomes obsolete. Avionics upgrades in particular offer opportunities for obsolescence management to operators of older machines.

According to Pat Coleman, manager of aviation aftermarket sales for the Americas at Garmin (Booth 5020), operators look for safety enhancements for their missions, enhanced quality and reliability, modernization, simplified operations, increased integration, weight savings, reduced cost of ongoing operations, and flat-rate repairs.

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