Helicopter Institute to install FreeFlight radar altimeters
The Helicopter Institute, a Texas-based pilot training provider, has selected FreeFlight System’s TERRAIN Series radar altimeters to equip its mixed helicopter fleet
It will implement FreeFlight’s RA-5500 and RA-4500 MK II devices across its helicopter fleet, including Bell 206, 407 and 505; MD Helicopters’ MD500 and MD600; Airbus AS350; and Robinson R44 aircraft.
The altimeters will be used as an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) to mitigate interference from the recent rollout of C-Band 5G telecommunications networks.
“Helicopter Institute’s mission is to improve helicopter safety, one pilot at a time,” said Randy Rowles, President at Helicopter Institute. “Recognizing the risk to flight safety in the face of potential radar altimeter C-band spectrum interference, it was clear that we needed to equip our aircraft with the TERRAIN Series product line to ensure continued safe operations, while also educating prospective pilots on the need to be proactive amidst changing environments.”
The TERRAIN Series has an altitude measurement range of up to 760m and service ceiling of 16.7km. It also incorporates the latest ethernet connectivity standards for new platforms, while retaining an analog ARINC 552 interface for integration with legacy indicators and components.