Alpine Aerotech awarded STC for AFI 4700 installation
The Electronic Flight Instrument System, designed by Astronautics, has now been validated for installation by the British Columbia-based MRO company on Bell 212 and 412 helicopters
Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firm Alpine Aerotech has received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) validation from Transport Canada Civil Aviation, for the installation of Astronautics AFI 4700 RoadRunner Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) on Bell 212 and 412 helicopters.
Alpine Aerotech says that similar validations are currently pending from the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency.
The AFI 4700 EFIS is designed to replace and improve upon legacy electromechanical Attitude Direction Indicator and Horizon Situation Indicator primary flight instruments. It features the ability to display GPS maps, radar altitude and traffic. The system is also designed for easy installation with minimal wiring and structural reworking.
“In addition to its inherent safety enhancements, this system provides a reduction in weight and an increase in reliability and capability,” said Bert Geofroy, Avionics Manager at Alpine Aerotech.
Alpine Aerotech previously received FAA STC approval for a comprehensive avionic suite upgrade for the Bell 212 in April 2021, which utilized the Pilot/Co-Pilot Garmin G500TXi Primary Flight Display’s and a single GTN 750Xi GPS/NAV/COMM.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.