VIH Aerospace receives STC approval for left or dual vertical reference window on H145 aircraft

VIH Aerospace (VIHA), a provider of helicopter manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MMRO) services in British Columbia, Canada, has received Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for its Airbus H145 left-hand or dual vertical (bubble) reference window installation.

TCCA supplemental type certificate (STC) SH24-12 and FAA STC SR00187IB have been issued, approving Airbus H145 (BK117 D-2 and BK117 D-3) in the left-hand or dual configurations. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification is pending.

Brian Thistle, VIHA Director of Business Development, Sales, and Marketing, stated: “Adding the H145 further adds to our marketing reach while complementing our existing ‘bubble window’ offerings, which also include the Airbus H135, Bell 407, Sikorsky S-92 and Airbus Super Puma AS332/H225 family.”

Arne Arneson, VIHA general manager, added: “The addition of the H145 STC will allow operators to utilize the H145 in additional roles and operations while providing unrestricted visibility during slinging or hoist operations.”

The Airbus H145 is used in a variety of roles in the special missions sector, and several operators have recently purchased the craft for search and rescue, aerial policing, and helicopter emergency medical services.