Plane Support wins approval for 3-D-printed helicopter parts

Plane Support, an Australian aerospace engineering company, has received approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to produce cabin air-conditioning ducting for the 214B helicopter utilizing 3-D printing technology. This project was spearheaded by McDermott Aviation, a specialist operator focused on aerial firefighting and disaster response operations. The CASA approval falls under the Australian Parts Manufacturer Approval (APMA) framework, signifying a significant step forward in additive manufacturing within the aviation sector. Specifically, the authorization covers the creation of ducting components related to the 214B helicopter’s systems. This advancement promises increased efficiency and potentially reduced maintenance costs for helicopters operating in demanding environments.