Writer

Amy Laboda

AgustaWestland’s Grand New helicopter has received European certification for conducting area navigation (Rnav), global satellite navigation (GNSS) and vertical approach guidance (SBAS/LPV) approaches. The AW109 family member is the first helicopter to receive these approvals from the European Aviation Safety Agency.


The Grand New also is the first light twin to enter service with a new electronic flight information system featuring synthetic vision. Additionally, it is the first helicopter in this class on the market fully compliant with the latest advanced global positioning system-based navigation requirements for the kind of all weather operations that emergency services who rely on the craft demand.


AgustaWestland holds orders for more than 300 helicopters from the Grand series with more than 190 customers, in 40 countries worldwide. The helicopters are slated to be VIP/corporate transport, passenger transport, EMS/SAR, harbor pilot shuttles, maritime patrol and water pollution monitors.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.