Aviator Group surpasses 2,600 flight hours on H135
Airbus Helicopters’ Australian customer Aviator Group has reached a key milestone to become the H135 Helionix world-wide fleet leader, surpassing 2,600 flight hours on their H135 aircraft
The H135 is supporting Helicopter Marine Pilot Transfers (HMPT) services for the Pilbara Port Authority and the Port of Port Hedland with more than 500 transfers per month and a 99.9-per-cent on-time performance dispatch rate.
The Helionix cockpit system, with 4-axis autopilot, significantly reduces the workload of the pilot and brings the H135 to a high level of safety due to the additional functions and mission features it adds to the H135’s capability.
The Aviator Group is the first operator in the world to utilize Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for HMPT in the H135. The Helionix avionics provides a platform for NVIS operations, enabling a 24/7 service every day of the year, with improved safety and operational benefits.
The H135 aircraft accumulated 4,324 flight hours
Aviator Group Chief Operating Officer, Keith Thompson, said: “The H135 Helionix provides an efficient, safe and reliable HMPT service to a major Port customer. Our service is supported by a dedicated team of pilots and engineers, and strongly backed by Airbus HCare Smart solutions. Our second H135, also with Helionix, is on the same trajectory to reach a similar flight hour milestone. It’s already reached more than 1,400 hours despite only commencing operations in April 2020.”
Together, the two H135 aircraft have accumulated 4,324 flight hours, encompassing 94 per cent of Marine Pilot transfers in Port Hedland.
Airbus Australia Pacific Managing Director, Andrew Mathewson, added: “The H135 equipped with Helionix is an Airbus Helicopters three-tonne class light twin best seller. It represents the perfect balance between flight performance, flight safety, reliability and cost of operations, while maintaining its unmatchable agility. We’re proud to support Aviator Group with their Helicopter Marine Pilot Transfers throughout the busy and essential ports of Australia.”
Clara Bullock
Clara Bullock is a writer for ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue. Initially a freelance writer for publications ranging from gardening news to music magazines, she has made the transition to writing about the ins and outs of travel insurance and aeromedicine. In her spare time she reviews books on Instagram and eats pasta.