A new power line avoidance detection system from American company SafeFlight could significantly reduce the number of helicopter accidents that occur every year.
"There has been a lot of interest in the product from helicopter pilots, balloonists and even Harrier pilots visiting the stand," says SafeFlight's Adrian Rosenberg. "The system is being fitted to Los Angeles County Fire Department's Bell helicopters and we are talking to Houston Police Department too."
Using a 350mm antenna, the system can detect the electro-magnetic field radiating from high-tension wires. The detection range depends on the voltage and number of lines, but can be up to 450m (1,500ft).
The unit emits a pulsing, audible sound, along with a visual alert, when power lines are detected.
Proximity
The audible frequency changes frequency as the helicopter increases its proximity to the line, so pilots can hear the danger.
SafeFlight has an impressive record of introducing safety features to aircraft. Fifty years ago founder Leonard Greene, who has more than 100 patents to his name, invented the stall warning indicator - and more than 500,000 have since been made.
Rosenberg says that the company, which is at Stand E14, Hall 3, has stick shakers on every Boeing aircraft ever manufactured. SafeFlight's other products include Angle-of-Attack Systems, Speed Control Systems, SCAT (Speed Command of Attitude and Thrust) Systems, AutoPower (automatic throttle systems), airborne Wind Shear Warning Systems, and N1 Computer Systems. These systems are available for, and FAA-certified on, nearly every type of aircraft. Most aircraft manufacturers offer SafeFlight systems as standard or optional equipment.
Source: Flight Daily News
