Alpine Aerotech STCs EFIS for Bells, Bear Paw for H145

Alpine Aerotech, a Canadian helicopter MRO based in Kelowna, British Columbia, has received a Transport Canada Civil Aviation supplemental type certificate (STC) for its Bear Paw on the Airbus H145D3. The company also received an FAA STC to install the Astronautics AFI 4700 RoadRunner EFIS on Bell 212 and 412 helicopters.

Air-ambulance provider Stars worked with Alpine Aerotech on the Bear Paw STC, to support its EMS operations in challenging terrain across Western Canada. The lightweight Bear Paw kit features a quick-clamp installation system and ice grippers. “The certified kit enhances skid floatation on soft or uneven surfaces, such as snow, mud, and sand—ensuring safer landings and takeoffs in remote locations,” according to Alpine Aerotech.

The Astronautics STC gives Bell 212 and 412 operators a reliable electronic replacement for aging attitude direction indicators and horizontal situation indicators that are heavy and expensive to service. Features of the AFI 4700 RoadRunner include synthetic vision, traffic, radar altitude, marker beacon, and upcoming GPS overlay. Minimal wiring changes are needed to install the AFI 4700, which is a drop-in replacement for the helicopters’ instrument panels.

“Operators are continually faced with the rising issue of aging equipment, and this system provides a cost-effective way forward,” said Bert Geofroy, avionics manager at Alpine Aerotech. “Along with its safety benefits, it enhances capability while improving dependability.”