Genesys Aerosystems Is In The Process Of Earning An FAA STC For Its HeliSAS® Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System On Robinson R66 Turbine Helicopters

All digital HeliSAS will deliver significant advancements in reducing workload and improve operational safety for single-pilot helicopter operations.

Mineral Wells, TX – Genesys Aerosystems announced today that the company has initiated a program to earn an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the retrofit installation of its HeliSAS® Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System on Robinson R66 turbine helicopters.

"Genesys Aerosystems has already partnered with Robinson Helicopters to offer the benefits of HeliSAS on factory new helicopters, and we want to extend the enhanced capabilities to owners currently enjoying the versatility of the R66", says Jamie Luster, Genesys Aerosystems Director of Sales. "The stability augmentation is ideal for the light weight Robinson platform, and decreases the workload significantly."

Weighing less than 15 pounds, the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS has set the standard for improving the safety and enhancing the capabilities of light helicopters. The system's advanced capabilities reduce single-pilot workload, while providing precise "hands-off" control of the aircraft during all modes of flight – regardless of wind conditions or shifts in the aircraft's weight. 

Key features of the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System include:

• Automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude at all airspeeds.
• System engagement throughout all phases of flight from startup to shutdown. 
• Complete 2-axis autopilot functionality.
• Lighter weight and lower cost compared to other systems.

Ms. Luster also stated that as part of the FAA STC, Genesys Aerosystems plans to offer the HeliSAS as a stand-alone stability augmentation system (SAS) or with the addition of an optional two-axis autopilot system. 
 Current pricing for the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS is:

• HeliSAS Stability Augmentation System only: $62,530.
• HeliSAS Stability Augmentation System with two-axis autopilot: $71,509.

Pricing includes all equipment required including the installation kit. Price does not include installation or attitude source. The company expects to receive the FAA STC in the fourth quarter of this year, with EASA certification to follow. Orders are currently being accepted through authorized dealers. 

"The compact HeliSAS was originally designed for the Robinson platform, so while saving weight was a major consideration during the design process, we also worked hard to keep the price down," Ms. Luster said. "We knew how beneficial the systems would be and wanted to ensure most owners could afford the potential life saving features HeliSAS provides."

When finalized, the Robinson R66 STC will add to the growing list of approvals the company already has for HeliSAS installations on other popular helicopters including the Airbus EC130 and AS350 series, the Bell 206B, 206L and 407 models, and the Robinson R44. 

About Genesys Aerosystems

Genesys Aerosystems is a leading provider of integrated avionics systems for military and civil aircraft manufacturers and operators. With a diverse and growing product line, Genesys Aerosystems' avionics systems can be offered as stand-alone components or integrated to provide an entire cockpit solution. Its synthetic vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) revolutionized flight crew situational awareness and safety and is now approved on more than 700 models of aircraft and helicopters. Genesys Aerosystems' newest Helicopter Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot (HeliSAS) adds to the company's extensive offerings of S-TEC autopilot solutions and brings added safety to light piston and turbine helicopters. For more information, visit: www.genesys-aerosystems.com.

Media Contact

Jamie Luster,
Director, Sales and Marketing
(940) 654-0154
Jamie.luster@genesys-aerosystems.com