Karlsruhe-based SPAES has recently completed the installation of a FLARM collision avoidance system on an undisclosed customer’s Bell 214 under SPAES EASA Part 21J Design Authorisation.
FLARM provides pilots with a selective alert to avoid collisions between aircraft. It was designed originally for light aircraft, particularly the gliding community, where aircraft are often in close proximity of the kind that would trigger almost constant alerts in traditional TCAS systems. In addition to the traffic element, the system also has an integrated obstacle warning database providing warnings for both point threats and linear obstacles, for example, power lines and cableways.
According to SPAES, the system significantly enhances the helicopter’s safety profile, particularly during operations in high-traffic airspace. “Installing the FLARM collision avoidance system in the Bell 214 helicopter not only elevates safety measures but also instils confidence and reassurance among pilots and operators,” explained Joachim Schanz, founder and CEO of SPAES.
