New Products

Kannad

Kannad recently announced the NMEA Integra e-Nav to their ELT product line. The e-Nav is a ELT/NAV interface compatible with all INTEGRA ELTs.

 

 

This allows certified GPS to communicate with the ELT to transmit the exact position via the 406MHz ELT signal to search and rescue. The unit complies with Cospas-Sarsat specifications. It connects to NAV equipment with RS232 and is field upgradeable to Intergra ELT’s already installed.

 

 

JetRanger with no propeller

John from Sky Helicopters arrived with his Bell 206B JetRanger Helicopter at Maxcraft.  He needed to have avionics and maintenance done all in a short time frame.  John asked Maxcraft if there was a way we could accommodate his mechanic.  We, of course, offered to work side-by-side with his mechanic and accommodate John by doing all the work simultaneously. With our 5 ton overhead crane, it enabled them to easily pull the complete rotor system for inspection and TT strap change.

Crew chief Valmeke

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So along with the helicopter came Ian, the Aircraft Mechanic and Jerry, the dog.  Jerry was a huge hit among the staff and was a pleasure to have in the hangar.

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Ben doing structure work

John is the chief pilot and operations manager for Sky Helicopters.  Once he was here for some maintenance he decided to add more avionics, starting with the Garmin 796, with  its 3D vision and color touch screen.  John also put in a new Kannad 406 ELT, and an AMS 42 which is a multi-user audio controller with dual radio controls, high headphone output and voice activated intercom.

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New antenna

If you are a listener of Rock 101 you would have heard of the Mountain Hockey Classic. Rock 101 and Sky Helicopters are flying two teams up to a remote mountain lake for a game of shinny. How fun will that be? Stay tuned to his website for the whole story.  

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JetRanger at work

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Sky Helicopters  Rock 101 Contest

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 More JetRanger pictures by Sky HelicoptersÂ

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Most aircraft owners are aware that their ELT must be inspected and tested every year but they may not know why it’s needed and what’s involved.

 

 The ELT is one of eighteen items listed in CARs Standard 625 APPENDIX C – Out of Phase Tasks and Equipment Maintenance Requirements. This regulation specifies that “The ELT shall be inspected at intervals not exceeding 12 months, in accordance with Standard 571 of the CARs.” This Standard in turn spells out the requirement for a corrosion inspection, operational test and a performance test to verify output power, frequency, audio modulation, current draw and automatic activation system.

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Additionally the batteries must be replaced when due. It is interesting to note that this standard for ELT maintenance was last revised in 1996 and doesn’t provide very useful instructions for inspecting and testing the current generation of 406 MHZ ELTs because it was written to address the reliability problems with traditional 121.5 MHZ ELTs.

 

The current generation 406 MHZ ELTs have self-test functions that can detect most failures which in Daryls opinion should enable Transport Canada to eliminate the requirement for annual recertification checks or at least reduce their frequency. At a minimum we are hoping Transport Canada will revise the Standard to be more relevant for 406 MHZ ELT maintenance.  Â

Vendor Profile

Who is Andy?

This month, our featured employee is Andy Hong, another one of our experienced crew chiefs and a certified AME-E technician.

 

A 6-year veteran of the industry, Andy specializes in overseeing avionics support for rotary platforms like the Eurocopter AStar.  He is currently overseeing the avionics electrical portion of the 12-year inspection for one of Talon Helicopters AS350’s at YVR.  Another one of his specialties is installing glass upgrades in fixed wing aircraft. He has done many of our Aspen glass panel installations.

 

Andy’s favorite aspect of avionic installation is the precision that it demands. If the execution isn’t absolutely perfect, it simply won’t do. In this heavily regulated industry, Andy thrives on the knowledge that perfection is expected, and errors are simply out of the question.

 

Andy graduated from BCIT and was awarded “all round best student” by his fellow students and faculty. He is continuing his education now by attending ground school, pursuant to earning his private pilot’s license.

 

Maxcraft is his first employer, and we’re very proud to have him. He is currently the sole Korean member of our team and quite proud of it!

 

Married for 8 years, he enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa, playing video games, and driving his Honda S2000.   Andy also enjoys the subtle delights of a good cigar.

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