Salus Aviation receives Canadian STC for hook system

Salus Aviation double hook HEC

The company has received a supplementary type certificate (STC) from Transport Canada for its human external cargo (HEC) dual hook for the BK117

The hook system meets 29.865 requirements and is capable of Class B and D human external cargo (HEC) load combinations, as per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AC133-1B.

Salus stated that the system ‘comes with improved 1,400kg primary cargo hook capability – increased from the 1,200kg original equipment manufacturer standard, and a 500kg secondary HEC hook’.

Both hooks are designed to remain clear of the ground when the aircraft lands, reducing wear and unintended snagging, and the system is designed to support conducting operations in fields such as helicopter emergency medical services, (HEMS), firefighting, utility, powerline, search and rescue (SAR), and personnel transfer capabilities.

The company added that similar STC certification from the FAA is expected to be received sometime before the end of this year.

Boost Human External Cargo Systems received Transport Canada STC approval for its own HEC system in January of this year.