This week at the Verticon show, Aviation Battery Systems (ABS) is highlighting how its StartStick ground power unit (GPU) is helping to support the operations of Jungle Aviation and Relay Service (JAARS), a U.S.-based Christian aviation missionary nonprofit that flies into remote tropical locations.

The company’s GPUs, which are lithium-ion battery-based, each weigh 10 to 20 pounds and cover a wide range of airplanes and helicopters. Prices range from $3,995 for a 10-Ah battery to $4,995 for the 15-Ah unit. StartStick portable power provides multiple starts of single- and twin-engine helicopters or airplanes before recharge, expanding options for smaller field and remote operations.

JAARS’ fleet includes Robinson R66 and Bell 206L3 LongRanger helicopters and Helio Courier, Pilatus PC-6 Porter, Daher Kodiak 100, and Cessna 206 and 208 Caravan airplanes. According to JAARS Aviation instructor pilot Mike Bunn, StartStick is a key part of its flight operations worldwide, especially in hot-and-high locations.

“In Papua New Guinea, we use the StartStick on the Bell 206L3 for as many starts as we can due to how much better the helicopter starts with the added power of the StartStick, Bunn said. “Main battery starts can take 40 seconds or more plus higher peak turbine outlet temps compared to 30 seconds with very controllable temps using the StartStick.”

Hot, Humid, and High Operations

The portable GPU is even more important when operating in hot, humid, and high locations such as jungles or mountains. “At that point we have a heat-soaked engine, meaning unaided starts are even more demanding of the pilot’s modulation of the throttle,” he explained. “But with the StartStick we can get more air moving through the engine faster for cooling before fuel is introduced, giving us a faster, cooler, and more normal-range start.”

According to JAARS, the portability and minimal carrying weight are major benefits across the fleet. “Many times the helicopter will meet up with one of our fixed-wing mission planes and the StartStick might even be used to boost the turbine fixed-wing start if needed,” Bunn said.

In the U.S., JAARS used StartStick in its disaster assistance operations during the recent devastating flooding in North Carolina and surrounding states. “We also use the StartStick for washes and rinses of the Rolls-Royce engine,” Bunn said, “lots of spool time that now the ship battery doesn’t have to provide alone.”

“We’re very appreciative of JAARS’ choice to use our StartStick in their important global flight operations,” said ABS global business director Paul Ross Jr. “Their flights occur in some of the world’s most challenging environments and our ABS team is thrilled to play a role in successful mission outcomes.”