Integrated avionics systems provider Genesys Aerosystems has received full EASA certification approval for the HeliSAS autopilot and stability augmentation system on the Bell 505 platform. The EASA approval covers both two-axis and three-axis configurations.

The new certification approval is in addition to the existing FAA STC plus UK CAA and ANAC approvals for the HeliSAS on the Bell 505.

“The Bell 505 is highly successful worldwide, and Genesys wants to ensure the safety enhancing HeliSAS system is also available in Europe,” says director of sales and marketing Jamie Luster. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen our cooperation with Bell on other foreign certifications as needed.”

“We are thrilled to accept EASA type certification of Genesys autopilot in the Bell 505,” adds managing director, Europe Duncan Van De Velde. “The autopilot kit is useful for pilots because it enhances safety and eases pilot workload. Any fielded Bell 505 in Europe can now be retrofitted with Genesys's system, and we look forward to meeting our customers' needs.”

Orders can be placed now through the Bell factory for new aircraft and Genesys approved dealers for retrofit.

HeliSAS is a patented, lightweight and affordable attitude-based autopilot and stability augmentation system. The workload-reducing autopilot incorporates modes such as heading, navigation, approach, vertical speed, indicated speed and altitude hold. Designed to be on all the time, the stability augmentation system will bring the helicopter back to a neutral attitude by simply easing the forces applied or simply letting go of the cyclic should the pilot become incapacitated, spatially disoriented or lose visual references. In addition to the crucial SAS abilities, the system features over speed and under speed envelope protection, keeping pilots and occupants safely in the flight envelope while the autopilot is on.

Key features of the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS system include:

- Automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude at all airspeeds

- Stability engagement throughout all phases of flight from startup to shut down

- Autopilot pitch control - Altitude Hold, IAS Hold, VS Hold, GS

- Autopilot roll control - HDG Hold, NAV, LOC, VOR

- Optional yaw control

- Over speed and under speed protection.