Airwolf Aerospace Gains STC Approval for Bell 206 Torsion-Tension Straps
Certification Allows Recognition by EASA; Other Agencies Worldwide . Middlefield, Ohio – June 2011. Airwolf Aerospace, a value-leader in certified PMA/FAA parts and systems for the fixed-wing and helicopter markets, has earned Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the FAA for its recently PMA-approved Torsion-Tension (TT) Straps for Bell 206 Jet Ranger, 206L Long Ranger and OH 58 helicopters, civilian and military. “This move allows the company to certificate our TT Straps under the European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) and other offshore regulation agencies,” according to John Montana, Airwolf’s senior engineer. “Europe, Brazil and other countries and jurisdictions do not recognize FAA-PMA parts as acceptable without accompanying STC credentials,” Montana said. “Now the sizable offshore markets are open to us.” Airwolf’s TT straps anchor each rotor blade to the mast while accommodating the multi directional forces inherent in rotorcraft flight. They are manufactured using a specially designed, proprietary process to far better accommodate the torsion and tension requirements of the rotor hub. Montana added, “The development of Airwolf’s new Torsion-Tension Straps is the result of more than seven years of R&D. We have created a product that is technically superior and significantly less expensive than those from the factory.” Airwolf straps are the only alternatives to the previously monopolied factory offering. They are approved for all Jet Rangers, Long Rangers and military OH 58s and can be installed in the field by a licensed engineer. The STC (SR02964CH) is recognized as a certification basis for offshore applications such as those regulated by EASA, and reaffirms Airwolf’s commitment to make its TT Straps available to all Bell 206 helicopters. Airwolf Aerospace is also the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter rotor blade anti-erosion tape specifically designed to eliminate the delamination of Robinson R22 & R44 main rotor blades.
