< PreviousKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 72 20 An Insight into Role Equipment and STCs Thanks for talking with us Tony. Tell us about history of the Airborne Systems division at Oceania Aviation – was there a specific product that it was formed around, or a more general demand for modifications? The Airborne Systems division started small as a one-man-band off the side of the Helicopter Projects hangar, thanks to repeated product requests by hangar customers. A lot of the products were originally minor modifications (such as cargo mirrors and bleed air systems) and as the division grew, our capability developed into much larger products and systems – such as the cargo pods and spray systems that we specialise in today. Most people can understand the design and manufacturing process but gaining Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) in aviation adds a whole additional layer. What does this involve? Gaining an STC is certainly not a simple process, but one that is essential to allow us to create cost and time efficiencies for our customers. An STC means that once we have certification, we don’t have to go through a design agency and the re- approval process in order to manufacture that particular role equipment for each new customer. In terms of the process, we come up with the concept and develop this into prototype drawings which then go to an approved Part 146 design agency to review, before they give us the go ahead to manufacture the prototype. Once this has Having supported Kiwi aircraft operators for almost 30 years (2022 will mark their 30th anniversary), Oceania Aviation has become one of New Zealand’s largest and most well-known Part 145 MRO providers. A less familiar brand perhaps, is their Airborne Systems division. This is a NZCAR Part 148 certificated facility at Auckland’s Ardmore Airport through which a team of specialist engineers design, gain certification for, and manufacture role equipment for operators seeking to expand or upgrade their mission profiles. KiwiFlyer recently spoke with Tony van Tiel, Oceania Aviation’s Airborne Systems Manager, to discuss the business and their plans for the future. been done, the Part 146 agency develop a structural test plan and/or flight test plan for us to carry out using an approved test pilot. Once all requirements have been met, the prototype then goes through final certification from the regulator. Once certified, the role equipment can be manufactured and installed across all aircraft types stipulated on the STC. Additional modifications to the equipment may be requested by the customer which are covered under a separate modification approval process. This allows us to customise our approach for each customer and provide the tailored solutions that we are known for. Obviously the timeframe varies, but how long is typical? We try to do as much development in-house as possible, in order to reduce costs and keep timeframes to a minimum for our customers. There really is no typical timeframe; it depends on the complexity of the project and the scope of requirements from the customer and the CAA. Can you walk us through a recent ‘new’ product process as an example? A good example of a new product we have developed is our Bell 429 Cargo Pod. This originated from a customer who was not happy with his current solution, and wanted an enclosed pod that met his gear transportation requirements. He had already seen our AS350 Cargo Pod and asked if we could adapt it to suit his aircraft type. We liaised with the customer throughout the development, working closely with a Part 146 design agency and the CAA to develop a product that was similar to the AS350 Pod but customised to the Bell 429. We went through the STC process as per above, gaining NZCAA STC approval before final manufacture and installation for our customer. Are initial concepts usually brought about by customers, or are you also inventing products and then taking them to market? We do constantly look to innovate and find solutions for issues within the aviation industry, through regular observation and feedback from operators and our other divisions. While working with the Helicopter Projects team we may come up with an opportunity to provide new role equipment to solve a challenge that comes up during reconfiguration and refurbishment work. For example, an operator wanted multiple bleed air options so that they can swap between using our spray system and a fertilizer bucket, something that we have developed to meet this requirement. Oceania Aviation began life as a helicopter company but has expanded across the aviation industry in New Zealand. Does Airborne Systems undertake work outside of the helicopter sector? Due to such high demand, currently we tend to focus on helicopter operations. However, given our desire to innovate and expand, we are continuing to look at Industry Interview The AS350 Cargo Swing in actionA customised RHS pod on a Bell 429 with Oceania Aviation’s Airborne Systems21 2021 #1 Oceania Aviation is recognised as an industry leader in aftermarket sales & support. The NZ owned and operated business delivers comprehensive specialist services across rotary and fixed wing aircraft, with capabilities spanning all major manufacturers. Services include: • Aircraft & Parts sales • Avionics • Blade & Composites • CD-155 Engine Upgrade • Component Overhaul • Maintenance • Piston Engines • Propellers • Turbines • Helicopter Role Equipment • Helicopter Projects Contact Oceania Aviation: 09 296 2644 sales@oal.co.nz oceania-aviation.com opportunities to develop solutions across the broader aviation sector – for example fixed wing, drones and other emerging technologies. What are the markets your STCs apply to and how much of your production is exported? NZCAA STCs are automatically accepted in Australia as well as validated in several countries throughout Asia and the USA, thanks to bilateral agreements with fellow regulatory bodies such as CASA (Australia), FAA (US), Transport Canada and DGCA (Indonesia). Our split of local to international work is around 60/40, but we are expecting that expansion will come from further validation of our current products to our key international markets. Are any products particularly dominant – and where do you see development heading? Our Cargo Pods and Spray Systems are our most popular products both within the local and export market, although we are currently considering further product types to validate and gain approval for overseas. There’s also a lot of opportunity to develop our current products for additional aircraft types, for which we are seeing a lot of demand. It’s an exciting time to be in this industry; there’s so much opportunity and room for us to grow while going above and beyond for our customers! For more information Contact Tony van Tiel on 021 637 606 or by email: airborne@oal.co.nz Oceania branded LHS pod on an AS350Oceania’s popular AS350 Spray System Pilot Life Insurance Specialists who will guide you through the process of Protecting Your Family and Business as well as Insuring Your Debts INSURANCE l MORTGAGES l LENDING l INVESTMENTS Are your family and assets protected? Contact Craig Spratt Spratt Financial Services Limited 021 935 788 or 09 306 7250 craig@spratt.co.nz www.spratt.co.nzKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 72 22 Autogyros For many members of New Zealand’s autogyro community, Auckland Anniversary weekend is tagged years in advance for the purpose of gathering with fellow enthusiasts at Dannevirke for the annual NZ Autogyro Association Fly-in and AGM. Some club members (and their families) have been attending for decades, the event being an unmissable opportunity to catch up with good friends from all over the country. Autogyros meet at Dannevirke Sybe Haakma in his Spanish built ELA gyro, seen here at the annual fly-out for morning tea with Athol and Betty Sowry at their farm near Woodville. A study of the NZ aircraft register reveals that one in every 11.6 microlight aircraft here is an autogyro. So much for the historical satisfaction of participating in a fringe sport. Anyone visiting Dannevirke over Auckland Anniversary weekend wouldn’t have perceived the activity there as fringe, albeit there is a less than perfect understanding of how gyros fly amongst the general community. 20 autogyros arrived for the weekend out of a current register total of 106. At a ratio of 1:11.6 is this therefore the equivalent of 232 aircraft at a fixed wing fly-in? It was certainly a great sight for any gyro enthusiast with the range of aircraft present covering the full spectrum from an original 1970s era Bensen, through DIY designs, several single and tandem Autoflight Dominators, a RAF2000, and numerous so-called Euro types with sleek fuselages and well-instrumented cockpits. Most were flown in although some of the open-frame types were trailered due to the long distances travelled (from Auckland and Whangarei). Winning the furthest flown trophy this year was Rusty Russell from Whangarei in his partially enclosed MTO3 Eagle. Anyone thinking they’d catch the arrivals action by getting there on Friday afternoon would have been disappointed as by that time there were well over a dozen aircraft on the flight line and all the best camping spots had been taken. Saturday dawned to suitable flying weather, albeit cold enough that this writer did an about turn upon leaving his motel in shorts and tee shirt, only venturing outside again in jeans and a jersey. The airfield remained busy throughout the weekend with regular activity by pilots ‘going for a fly’ whether that be a trip somewhere or just some circuits to blow the cobwebs off. Early starters were in the air before 0730 to make the most of calmer conditions and smooth dense air, with the keenest pilots also turning down evening refreshments in lieu of the satisfaction of a dusk sortee as the sun set across the Ruahine Ranges. On Sunday, the club held its AGM at which President for the last few years Bruce Anderson stepped down due to other commitments, the club then electing Elton Haakma to the role. Elton is well respected in the gyro community having held an instructor rating for many years and trained or given a BFR to a good many of those currently holding licences. After the AGM it was time for the annual fly-out to Athol and Michael Norton image23 2021 #1 Neil Hintz in his Autoflight Tandem Dominator. Anton Meier 021 289 5999 anton@aerosport.co.nz www.aerosport.co.nz MTO Calidus Cavalon Enjoy the difference Professional GyroCopter Instruction Trial Flights Tauranga P: 0800 FLY A GYRO E: fly@gyrate.nz www.gyrate.nz2017 Limited this can be you Manufacturers of Fun Dominator gyros are made here in New Zealand by Autoflight and provide the most cost-effective rotorcraft flight available. Choose Subaru or Rotax power. We produce parts, airframes, partial or fully completed single and tandem seat aircraft. We also manufacture Gear Reduction Drives to suit all Subaru engines and many other well-proven car engine aviation conversions. Contact Neil Hintz 027 824 1978 or autoflightneil@gmail.com Bruce Anderson operates Gyrate NZ, seen here in his Magni M24 Orion. Michael Norton imageKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 72 24 Contact David: 027 222 0872 avionicscanterbury@gmail.com www.avionicscanterbury.co.nz ADSB Grants Available up to NZ$3000+GST. Fully mobile avionics service catering for customers throughout Canterbury and the South Island. Biennial Avionics Inspections. Installation certification and service of installed avionics equipment. Full aircraft wiring installations for all light GA, homebuilt, experimental and microlight aircraft. Fault diagnosis and rectification. ELT Battery changes. Finance Available on all avionics installations. Call for details. Shop Online with Us Check out our Competitive Prices and Second to None Service Autogyros Perhaps the highest number of rotor blades ever in the parking area at Athbey Farm. Follow the leader (well that was the plan at least) for a group circuit of Dannevirke township.Always something to talk about when gyros appear. John Saunders lands his heavily modified Dominator.Elton Haakma demonstrates landing with a stationary prop.Trevor M. Jefferis in his namesake registered Dominator. Jim Hyland in his RAF2000.Peter Blaymires in his MTO3 Eagle.Brian Murphy in Tony Unwin’s Kallithea.25 2021 #1 Betty Sowry’s strip at their farm near Woodville. The morning tea put on by Athol and Betty and their helpers has over the last decade become as much of an institution as the Dannevirke fly-in itself. This year a dozen gyros with pilots and passengers made the trip along with several carloads of others. More camaraderie was enjoyed as well as several trays of delicious scones. The AGM decided the Sunday afternoon activity would be a fly-around of Dannevirke, locals having already shown a lot of interest at the airfield. Thus most of the aircraft present assembled themselves for a sequential take-off and then proceeded to follow the leader (well that was the plan) for an orbit of the town. It was, as always, a very enjoyable long weekend spent amongst friends old and new. Anyone curious about gyros should put the next Auckland Anniversary weekend in their calendar now and come for a look, or better still a trial flight. You’ll surely return home wanting to own one. Special thanks to the Dannevirke Flying Club, who as well as usual hospitality and use of facilities, also supplied all visitors with a bbq feast on Saturday and Sunday as a fundraising activity. On a final note for anyone still unfamiliar: Autogyros fly using the principle of autorotation. The rotors are powered briefly by a pre-rotator to build enough rpm to then allow airflow from either the wind or relative wind during a ground roll, to accelerate their rotation to a speed which generates enough lift for flight. Once at speed, autorotation is self-sustaining provided relative airspeed remains. For straight and level flight, forward airspeed must be maintained and this is achieved by a normal propeller (often a pusher, but tractor designs work very well for enclosed machines). More about this in a future article. Gyros are true STOL aircraft and are highly manoeuvrable in the air. What’s not to like? Harewood Aviation Park 4/25 Aviation Drive PO Box 39 144, Christchurch 7676 Tel: 03 359 1001 Cell: 027 733 6982 - Pip, Director 027 280 3160 - James, Chief Engineer E-mail: info@helimaintenance.com www.helimaintenance.com Independent Helicopter Maintenance Company Patented Kiwi Made Spray Nozzles Improved Chemical Delivery Better Spray Drift Control Less Ground Time Tried and Proven Contact Glenn . 027 473 1403 . GlennKeane@xtra.co.nz F KMarty Cantlon flying his beautiful Waco Taperwing, is there anything more stunning? Two of three Tauranga based Boeing Stearmans. DH Dominee flying from Tauranga to Avspecs at Ardmore DH Thruxton Jackaroo flown by owner John Pheasant.Antonov 124 freighter captured from the Koru Lounge! RNZAF Hercules 03 flying over a RNZN at Auckland. 5 Sqn P-3K2 Orion low and fast, doing what it does best. Nick Rowe flying an immaculate Vans RV-7A. Ryan Southam flying a Vans RV-10 by JEM Aviation. Rob Fry flying his Lancair 320 past Mount Taranaki.Gavin Conroy’s 2020 Gallery An Albatros D.II and Albatros D.Va looking for a fight!Two Fokker D.VIIs together for the first time in New Zealand skies. Gary Yardley flying one of New Zealand oldest airworthy aircraft, the Avro 504KGraham Holley flying his first photo flight in this Fokker DR.1 Triplane. Andrew Vincent breaks away in this Sopwith Triplane. We know KiwiFlyer readers enjoy the outstanding photography we include from Gavin Conroy in each issue. Here’s some of his personal favourites from 2020, a year notable for staying at home instead of visiting foreign air shows as is Gavin’s usual custom. This year’s gallery might therefore be short of a few military jets, but nonetheless highlights how varied and interesting NZ aviation is. TVAL BE.2C with an original Avro 504K in formation.Well known English warbird pilot and restorer Richard Grace flying the Australian based and newly restored Mk IX Spitfire, TE392. The photo was taken at 9000ft as I wanted to photograph this machine above cloud but they kept climbing! Airtourer and Airtrainer trainers operated by Classic Flyers.Derek Williams flying his lovely and very original Harvard.Mike O’Rouke in his Yak 52 with Steve Geard in his Yak 55.Gavin Conroy’s 2020 Gallery Another Australian, this time a P-51D Mustang flown by Cameron Rolph-Smith. Mark O’ Sullivan breaks away in Yak-3U “Steadfast” at the end of our photo flight. Peter Vause and Brett Emeny out enjoying their North American T-28 Trojans. Peter Vause in his L-39 Albatros as Brett Emeny breaks away in his DH Vampire. Well known English warbird pilot and restorer Richard Grace flying the Australian based and newly restored Mk IX Spitfire, TE392. The photo was taken at 9000ft as I wanted to photograph this machine above cloud but they kept climbing! Mike O’Rouke in his Yak 52 with Steve Geard in his Yak 55.Rob Mackley joins up nice and close in his Cessna Bird Dog.Next >