Quebec-based Airmedic is to operate the first IFR-equipped EC145e in Canada following TCCA certification of the Genesys IFR avionics suite on the Airbus EC145e. The aircraft was completed at Metro Aviation's facility in Shreveport, Louisiana. The FAA previously certified the avionics suite in 2019.

The Genesys avionics suite certified on the EC145e includes four IDU-450 displays in a dual-sided PFD/MFD format with dual redundant ADAHRS and dual GPS/FMS. The IDU-450 is a lightweight (4.5 lbs/2 kg) comprehensive EFIS display that offers high-resolution LCD glass depicting 3D synthetic vision, highway-in-the-sky (HITS), enhanced HTAWS, integrated FMS, hover vector and many more features. In addition to the night-vision capable displays, the suite includes the IFR HeliSAS stability augmentation system and autopilot.

Designed for either single or dual pilot operations, the two-axis autopilot (with the option for yaw in DPIFR, required for SPIFR) can fit into various programme settings and mission profiles. IFR HeliSAS combines traditional autopilot modes, such as heading and navigation hold, with a stability augmentation system that includes envelope protection for ultimate workload reduction and confidence in poor weather conditions.

“With support from Metro Aviation and the Transport Canada approval, we are excited to extend the reach of this solution for HEMS, VIP, and special mission operators in Canada,” says Jamie Luster, director of sales and marketing at Genesys Aerosystems. “Our modernised avionics suite is a proven platform for operators looking to increase the utilisation and capabilities of their fleet, while also dramatically increasing the safety for pilots and occupants.”

The newly IFR certified Airbus EC145e is offered exclusively through Metro Aviation, and it has already delivered the EC145e to several EMS programmes throughout the US.