The Genesys HeliSAS autopilot in the Bell 505 has received certification from the UK CAA. “We are thrilled to offer the Genesys autopilot for the 505 to our customers in the UK,” says Bell Textron MD for Europe and Russia Duncan Van De Velde. “The system decreases pilot workload, increases pilot comfort over long distances and provides assistance in the event of inadvertent IMC.”

It is available in two or three-axis configurations: the two-axis version includes pitch control (altitude hold, IAS Hold) and roll control (HDG hold, NAV, vertical navigation mode), and the three-axis option adds yaw control.

In addition, the system is equipped with: stability augmentation system to automatically recover the aircraft to near-level flight attitude at all speeds in the event of adverse roll or pitch; stability engagement throughout all phases of flight; and envelope protection to prevent over speeding and under speeding.

Owners can specify the system on new Bell 505s or have the system retrofitted to existing aircraft through a Genesys Aerosystems approved dealer.

“The UK has been eagerly waiting for autopilot certification for the 505,” states Gary Slater, director and owner of HelixAv, Bell's independent sales representative for the UK and Republic of Ireland. “This is great news for the Bell 505 and further enhances the performance of the aircraft.”

With the latest Garmin avionics, dual channel FADEC-controlled engine and Genesys HeliSAS autopilot, the Bell 505 is an advanced short light single aircraft. There are more than 300 Bell 505s operating in more than 55 countries across all six continents.