Satellite Technology International (Booth No. 1829), via its approach development team (ADT), has consulted on 95 percent of all helicopter GPS approaches in the U.S. in the past nine years. At Heli-Expo, STI announced new development projects and expanded networks for current clients. 

Stat MedEvac, the largest U.S. provider of air medical services, will add 36 helicopter GPS approaches, developed by STI, to its network of 28 approaches, enabling the company to serve nearly any point in Pennsylvania in IFR conditions from its base in Pittsburgh. Stat MedEvac will rely on the new approaches when flying medical evacuation and transfers to trauma centers.

Late this year, STI will complete 15 new approaches for the Mayo Clinic, expanding by fourfold the reach of the clinic’s rotary-wing air medical program called Mayo One. STI has been developing the clinic’s network since 1999.

Lifeflight of Maine is undergoing the commissioning flight check for its first six GPS approaches. Another 12 approaches are in development by STI with an eventual goal of 29 at key points throughout Maine. Once complete, the Lifeflight network will link community hospitals to trauma centers in Bangor, Lewiston and Portland.

STI also announced its partnership with ShandsCair, an aeromedical service based at Shands Teaching Hospital on the campus of the University of Florida. ShandsCair and STI have begun working toward a network of six GPS approaches in north central Florida.

All helicopter GPS approaches designed by STI are in accordance with FAA Terps (terminal instrument procedures) criteria and must pass an FAA quality-control check including commissioning test flights, which STI has always passed on the first flight.