ASU Announces STC for Bell 205A-1 for Aerial Firefighting

The FAA granted Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) an STC for the Bell 205A-1). The new STC was completed for the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. This aircraft will be used for aerial firefighting, search and rescue, airborne law enforcement and hoist equipment.

“This is the seventh aircraft modification we have done for the San Diego Sheriff’s Department,” says Shawn Woodworth, director of maintenance. “They have been our customer since 2003 and this latest STC allows the aircraft to be used for diverse missions. The ability to fight fire in this region has become increasingly important with the fire season that has gripped North America and this STC will enable them to fight fire at night utilizing night vision goggles.”

ASU has completed four MD500s, one Bell Helicopter 205 and one Bell Helicopter 407 for the San Diego Sheriff’s Department to date and will soon work on another of its Bell Helicopter 205s. This is the third new STC for ASU this year, giving the company 19 STCs that cover 53 model configurations.