QAI Aviation receives FAA approval for H135 IFR upgrade
The upgrade allows the Airbus helicopter type to be operated in instrument flight rules conditions by a single pilot
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service provider QAI Aviation has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its single-piloted instrument flight rules (SPIFR) cockpit upgrade for the Airbus H135/EC135.
The 5G SPIFR modification allows the aircraft to be operated in instrument flight rules (IFR) by a single pilot. The supplemental type certificate (STC) also includes an option for visual flight rules (VFR) conditions for operators who do not use IFR.
QAI stated that the upgrade was designed to reduce pilot workload and improve safety and situational awareness, in fields such as air ambulance, law enforcement, and utility operations.
“This is a major milestone for QAI Aviation and a significant step forward for H135/EC135 operators,” said Robert Sieber, President of QAI Aviation. “Our SPIFR solution addresses a critical need in the market, providing a cost-effective and reliable path for these aircraft to meet the demands of modern IFR operations. We are proud to offer a product that enhances both safety and mission capability.”
QAI Aviation previously named Spectrum Aeromed as an Authorized Installation Center in May 2025.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. 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.