AirWork & Heliseilerei (A&H), based in Küssnacht in the canton of Schwyz, is working together with the Canadian company Boost Human External Cargo Systems. In a press release, Boost Systems describes itself as the global leader in fully certified Human External Cargo (HEC) systems and Personnel Carrying Device Systems (PCDS) for helicopters and related training services.
The two companies have been working together on the approval of a complex PCDS for helicopters. According to its press release, the Canadian company obtained approval for a dual hook system from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) back in January, subject to adding the TCCA-certified PCDS.
In Europe, according to an A&H post on LinkedIn, the dual hook system was approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in mid-February. However, this approval does not cover use of a complex PCDS on the Eurocopter AS350 B3. As A&H explains, its Engineering division is authorized to manufacture components and equipment under the EASA Part 21 certification, to attest their airworthiness via EASA Form 1 and to place them on the market.
“This is why A&H Engineering and Boost Systems intend to collaborate to obtain approval of a complex PCDS for the AS350 B3 series and have started work on this project,” says the A&H press release. “Within a year, we will be able to provide a solution that enables you to continue using the fixed rope systems and stabilization weights already in your possession.” mm