Training provider Helicopter Institute has selected FreeFlight Systems to equip its fleet of helicopters with the avionics company's 5G-tolerant Terrain-series radar altimeters. Helicopter Institute’s fleet includes Bell 206, 407, and 505; Airbus AS350; MD Helicopters MD 500 and 600; and Robinson R44 helicopters.
FreeFlight’s RA-5500 and RA-4500 MK II devices provide an alternative method of compliance to mitigate interference from the recent rollout of C-band 5G telecommunications networks by using digital signal processing technology. The altimeters feature an altitude measurement range of up to 2,500 feet and have a 55,000-feet service ceiling.
“Recognizing the risk to flight safety in the face of potential radar altimeter C-band spectrum interference, it was clear that we needed to equip our aircraft with the Terrain-series product line to ensure continued safe operations while also educating prospective pilots on the need to be proactive amid changing environments,” said Helicopter Institute president Randy Rowles.