Helicopters’ Mission Critical Role in Society
For the unique characteristics of helicopters, such as Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) and the ability to hover for extended periods of time, they are ideal for tasks that were previously not possible with other aircraft or tasks that were time or labor-intensive to accomplish on the ground. For example, helicopters have been instrumental as air ambulances for emergency medical assistance when a ground ambulance cannot easily or quickly reach the scene or transport them to a medical facility in time. Besides this, helicopters are involved in various operations such as offshore energy, aerial firefighting, commercial air transport, private and business aviation, search and rescue, law enforcement, news and media, military uses, and more. Helicopters play a significant role in supporting various kinds of missions essential to society.
SKYTRAC’s Role in the Helicopter Industry
By offering satellite communications and enabling the following capabilities, SKYTRAC is a key product and service provider for the VTOL industry:
- Automated Flight Following (AFF)
- Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)
- Voice, Text, and Push-to-Talk (PTT) Satcom
- Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) automation
- Medical Data Transfer and Telemedicine
- Real-time Health and Usage Monitoring (HUMS)
- Live Video and Data Streaming
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sensor Fusion
These capabilities are enabled by SKYTRAC’s flagship broadband and midband Iridium Certus satellite communications terminals, the SDL-350 and the ISAT-200A. With SKYTRAC’s products and services, the VTOL industry can leverage low latency, affordable, and reliable pole-to-pole broadband coverage up to 704 kbps. Offering satellite connectivity to enable mission-critical capabilities relevant to a host of helicopter applications, SKYTRAC is a member of HAI and annually attends their tradeshow.
HAI Promotes the Growth and Sustainability of the Helicopter Industry
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is a significant organization within the helicopter industry by promoting safety, community compatibility, professionalism, innovation, and the economic viability of the VTOL industry. HAI has provided support, services, and set the industry safety guidelines for the international helicopter community for more than 70 years. HAI is a global leader in leveraging, innovating, advocating, and expanding the unique operational capabilities of vertical flight on behalf of its members and for the benefit of society. HAI’s Government Affairs team advocates ensuring legislators understand the implications of proposals that restrict airspace and operations or impose additional regulatory burdens.
With resources, tools, and programs designed specifically for vertical flight operators, pilots, aviation mechanics/engineers, and safety professionals, HAI assists organizations with effective risk management. HAI also offers several education programs presented by vertical aviation experts. These include weekly webinars, online and in-person courses, regional and specific conferences, and more. To promote engagement within the industry, HAI annually hosts the HAI HELI-EXPO tradeshow to connect industry professionals from across the world.
With innovative capabilities supporting various helicopter missions, SKYTRAC significantly contributes to the VTOL industry and aligns with HAI’s mission to promote safety, professionalism, innovation, and the economic viability of the VTOL industry. SKYTRAC is proud to be a member of the HAI, and to support the instrumental uses of helicopters in our society.
