Enstrom has received certification approval for Appareo’s Vision 1000 cockpit recorder in its Model 480B turbine helicopter. The Vision 1000 captures attitude data (pitch, roll, and yaw), WAAS GPS (latitude, longitude, ground speed, vertical speed, and GPS altitude), cockpit imaging, and ambient audio, along with optional intercom for crew and ATC communications. It records to both a removable SD card and internal crash-hardened memory (four hours of imaging/audio, 200 hours of flight data).

Combined with 3D flight replay software, it allows synchronizing imaging, audio, and 3D replay for review of entire flights overlaid on a topographical map and wrapped in satellite imagery. The system requires aircraft or ground power to operate.

FAA certification for the Vision 1000 in the 480B was granted in June, followed by EASA and Brazilian ANAC nods. Approval is in process with the Chinese CAAC and Argentina civil aviation authority. The self-contained system can be installed in one day in either new or in-service 480Bs, according to Enstrom director of sales and marketing Dennis Martin. The Vision 1000 achieves flight data management compliance with FAR 135.607 for air ambulances requiring onboard equipment that records aircraft state, condition, and performance that took effect on April 23.