FDC/aerofilter Enables US Geological Survey to Access Mount St. Helens' Fiery Crater.
Portland, OR - November 12, 2004 - JLAviation of Portland, Oregon has installed an FDC/aerofilter IBF System on their Bell 206BIII to make possible flights and landings in and around the steamy crater of Mount St. Helens in Washington state.
JLAviation has been flying in support of the US Geological Survey (USGS), transporting instrumentation and personnel into Mount St. Helens to study the erupting volcano. Since the latest eruption, the amount of volcanic ash and dirt in the landing area has compounded to dramatic levels.
"These operations are the worst environmental conditions that a turbine engine could be exposed to. Volcanic ash is basically very small sharp rock fragments. It's similar to ground glass which makes it very good at eroding compressor and turbine wheels" says Andrew Rowen, President of FDC/aerofilter.
JLAviation's operations are taking them right into the ash and they wanted to ensure the helicopter's turbine engine was protected. Jeffrey Linscott, owner of JLAviation says "I would only perform these landings with the FDC/aerofilter equipped aircraft."
"The installation was completed overnight without impacting the USGS flight requirements which is a testament to the quality of our design," adds Andrew Rowen.
About FDC/aerofilter
FDC/aerofilter designs, manufactures and supports turbine engine inlet barrier filtration systems for helicopters operating in any environment. The unique filtration media, commitment to innovation and proven customer support have created the most efficient system on the market. FDC/aerofilter is the oldest and largest supplier of inlet barrier filters to the commercial, civil government and military markets worldwide.
Pure air dramatically cuts operating costs. The Aerofilter eliminates FOD and engine erosion: reducing engine maintenance; decreasing downtime; and maintaining engine health. In a clean environment, the filter can pay for itself in under a year. In a harsh environment, in under a flight. For more information on current products, please visit FDC/aerofilter's website at: http://www.fdcaerofilter.com |
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