UK-headquartered Gama Aviation has made a flight data monitoring (FDM) modification available through its global design team for the Airbus H135/H145 and additional EASA CS-27/29 rotorcraft.

The solution provides a ED-155 or ED-112A (H145) compliant cockpit audio recording system (CAR) and airborne image recording system (AIR) that has been driven as a consequence of AAIB safety recommendations 2015-032, 033, 035 and CAA Safety Directive SD-2018/002, following the tragic EC135 T2+ crash at Clutha, Glasgow in 2013 in which ten people were killed.

Head of design Mark Shipp comments: “We've deployed this modification on an existing fleet of H135/H145 aircraft to great effect in order to augment the FDM systems onboard the aircraft. Given recent tragic incidents, we feel it is only a matter of time before the EASA and FAA mandate the use of CARS and AIRS within helicopters to bring them in line with other aviation authorities.”

The modification is currently installed on the UK's NPAS rotary fleet and is available as either a one or two camera system recording at 1080p HD, providing excellent recording clarity day or night, with a maximum additional weight of 11.5kg (two camera system). The EC145, ED-112A variant provides cockpit AIR to enhance the existing onboard CAR system. Both systems feature an easy to operate control panel with a guarded 'Bulk Erase' switch to ensure crew privacy and a Press to Test (PTT) function to easily check system serviceability.

Shipp continues: “The CARS/AIR system is ideal for deployment in law enforcement, HEMS, special mission and training operations, providing an enhanced flight data monitoring system. I believe this modification is a vital component to any operation that seeks to enhance its safety standards in order to maximise the safety of flight crew, passengers and those on the ground.”