HeliTrak

HeliTrak designs and manufactures devices aimed at improving the safety of pilots and passengers in Robinson helicopters. The company is based in Gig Harbor, Washington, and sells through a network of dealers for sales and installation.

Products

• Collective Pull Down (CPD): an FAA approved aftermarket device for Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters that lowers the collective if the low rotor RPM warning signals an engine or drive system failure
• HeliTrak Autopilot: a two axis autopilot for the R44 that the company says is in final development and awaiting FAA approval

How the Collective Pull Down works

The device reacts to the low rotor RPM warning and pulls the collective down in less than half a second, removing pilot recognition and reaction time. The pilot can override it. The company describes it as lightweight, easy to install and needing no software or cockpit space, and cites accident statistics that autorotation events account for nearly a third of helicopter accidents.

Autopilot features

The planned R44 autopilot is described as self contained, with built in ADAHRS, triple redundant hardware and Level A software. It offers thumb operated controls on the cyclic grip, speed envelope protection, full time low G detection and warnings, and recovery from unusual attitudes. The main processor and actuators fit under the pilot seat.

Company facts

• FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SR02506SE for the R22 and R44 CPD
• CPD system weight of 2.0 lbs, with 14V and 28V versions
• Qualification testing to RTCA DO-160G
• Patents granted in the United States, with others pending in Europe, China and elsewhere
• Sales through a dealer network and direct enquiries