FreeFlight Receives STC for AW139 ADS-B Installation

Pia Bergqvist

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 09:26 PM ET

Verified

AgustaWestland AW139

Key Takeaways:

FreeFlight received a supplemental type certificate (STC) for its RANGR FDL-978TX universal access transceiver (UAT) in the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, making it the first rule-compliant ADS-B out UAT for Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) operators.
The STC development involved collaboration with Chevron Corporation to integrate the system into the AW139, a common helicopter used to transport oil rig workers in the complex GOMEX airspace.
The RANGR FDL-978TX provides ADS-B out data, costs approximately $8,000 (excluding installation), requires a WAAS-capable GPS, and helps operators meet the FAA's 2020 ADS-B out compliance mandate.

See a mistake? Contact us.

FreeFlight has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of its RANGR FDL-978TX universal access transceiver (UAT) into AgustaWestland’s AW139 helicopter. According to FreeFlight, this is the first rule-compliant ADS-B out UAT available for Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) helicopter operators.

GOMEX presents a complex area to fly with thousands of daily helicopter flights, and because ADS-B infrastructure already existed it became a good test area for emerging systems. “The FAA allowed operators to install early versions of ADS-B that do not meet the final rule,” according to FreeFlight’s president and CEO Tim Taylor.