STARS

 

Ken finally discovering our snag with the CSAS System. The CSAS is basically the auto flight system for the aircraft to help assist the pilot with flight. It malfunctioned at the helipad at the Foothills Hospital and we limped it home with the circuit breaker pulled for the CSAS System. Ken is one of our contract engineers and he spends his time off working in Afghanistan for another helicopter company making big $$. But...you do get shot at?!

One of our shiny BK 117 Helicopters on the dolly. This is our duty machine ready for a call out.

Corporate jet getting some maintenance done to it. Our shop/office space is the open door below the staircase in the back (the last door that is open along the wall). We whell our toolboxes in here when we're not working on the aircraft.

Another corporate jet. Lots of money around here!

Back view of the BK through the clam shell doors showing the medical installation.



Kimmer looking scared and overwhelmed with the new machine!



The helicopter lands on these platforms and is always quickly moveable from the tugs for a quick dispatch when they get a call out. 

The Honeywell LTS 101 750B-1 engine. This is our training aid cutaway for the engine course.

Just giving some perspective to the size of the turbine engine. This litle gem puts out 750SHP and the helicopter is twin engine!

Some LPU's (line replaceable units) that can be replaced on this engine. There is an FCU (fuel control unit which contains the fuel pump), a Governor for engine overspeed protection, an oil pump assembly, and an actuator for the Air Flow Modulation System (which prevents compressor stalls in the engine at low power settings)



The engine course has been fantastic! The instructor is an American gentleman named Bob who has been involved with this particular engine from it infancy 30+ years ago. He's extremely knowledgable and really makes us learn how this engine works along with the troubles that accompany it. They've had a lot of growing pains over the years with this engine, but it is quite reliable today, and continues to improve. We're (STARS) fortunate to have this course taught  'in-house' from such a knowledgable field technician. There is still a lot for me to learn from experience, as well as my engineer co-workers, but that will come with time. Just trying not to be too overwhelmed!!