The U.S. FAA has awarded supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for the PA110PUREair engine protection system for the Bell Helicopter 407 and 206L families, Pall Aerospace announced. Jointly developed by Pall Aerospace and Dart Aerospace, the PA110 builds on earlier filtration systems, increasing protection and reliability, Pall Aerospace said. The new system incorporates Pall Aerospace’s PUREair vortex tube technology, which is designed to improve operations in all weather conditions, including snow, heavy rain and salt spray, with minimal power degradation. Pall Aerospace also noted the PA110 is self-cleaning and maintenance-free.

“With the PA110 STC, we are finally able to bring decades of advancements in Active Vortex Systems technology back to the operators of [the Bell helicopters],” said Angela Hubbard, rotorcraft OEM sales manager for Pall Aerospace.

The FAA STC follows Canadian certification earlier this year. EASA approval also is anticipated this year. The FAA approval does not cover operations in falling or blowing snow, but snow trials are scheduled for this winter to obtain that clearance, the company said.

“The Bell 206 and 407 family have had legacy Pall particle separator systems available as an option since the 1960s, and they have been a trusted part of the aircraft by many for over 40 years,” Hubbard said. “Our goal is to have Bell adopt the PA110 and sunset the legacy particle separator for new installations, so new operators can take advantage of the latest system from the factory.”