AKV Cycle Counters for Montana Firefighting Helos

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has received five AKV cycle counter systems for its Bell UH-1 fire-fighting and utility helicopters from Dart Helicopter Services. Dart handles worldwide distribution for AKV. The DNRC's fleet of 10 aircraft includes three Cessna 180s, two Bell 206B JetRangers and the five UH-1s, all strategically located in western Montana for swift wildfire protection in the state's extensive forests. According to the DNRC, installaton of AKV engine cycle counters and integrated software will enable the organization to monitor flight operations more accurately and facilitate more efficient and effective scheduled maintenance and overhaul. "We requested that the counters include a custom feature to count both the rotor retirement index number and the takeoffs and landings, along with the standard engine cycles. This would take care of our complete cycle counting needs on the UH-1H, simplifying the cycle event tracking and reducing operating costs," said Ed Martin, Montana DNRC aircraft maintenance supervisor.