HELICOPTER FLIGHT DATA MONITORING
One device. 4K video, flight data, and cellular offload - for any rotorcraft.
The AIRS-400 is Appareo's airborne image recording system - a lightweight, crash-hardened device that captures 4K cockpit video, GPS and IMU flight data, and pilot/ATC audio in one unit. Pair it with Appareo's FDM software suite to run a complete flight data monitoring program, without a separate FDAU.
11oz
Lightweight — any rotor or fixed-wing aircraft
4K / 200h
Video plus 200 hours IMU flight data stored
~1 Day
Typical installation time, no special tools required
Background
What is helicopter flight data monitoring?
Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) — also called FOQA (Flight Operations Quality Assurance) — is the systematic collection and analysis of flight data to improve safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Traditional FDM systems require a dedicated Flight Data Acquisition Unit (FDAU) wired to the aircraft's data buses to capture engine and airframe parameters. The AIRS-400 takes a different approach — its built-in GPS, IMU, and camera capture flight data and cockpit imagery without connecting to the aircraft's avionics.
Appareo's engineers designed the AIRS-400 specifically to lower the barrier to entry for FDM programs, combining the functions of a flight data recorder, cockpit image recorder, and cellular data link into a single 11-ounce unit. The result delivers meaningful flight data without the installation overhead, infrastructure costs, or ongoing maintenance burden of traditional solutions.
For operators who need deeper parameter capture from aircraft systems, optional ARINC 429 input and Appareo's FDM software suite extend the platform into a full flight data monitoring program.
What the AIRS-400 Captures
- GPS position, altitude, ground speed and vertical speed
- Attitude (pitch, roll, yaw), rates of rotation, and acceleration (G-forces) via onboard IMU
- Cockpit video at 4K / 30fps
- Pilot intercom and ATC audio
- Optional ARINC 429 data from aircraft avionics
Crash-Hardened Storage
All data is recorded to internal crash-hardened memory (35 GB / 2 hrs video, 200 hrs IMU) and a removable SD card (128 GB: 8 hrs video; 512 GB: 32 hrs video). The AIRS-400 is a Class C Aircraft Image Recorder compliant with 14 CFR 135.607.
Capabilities
Everything the AIRS-400 brings to your FDM program
A single lightweight device replaces what used to require multiple boxes and complex wiring.
4K Cockpit Video Recording
8 MP, 30 fps, h.264 encoded with 90° horizontal / 45° vertical field of view. Captures what the crew sees — the context that raw data alone can't provide.
GPS and IMU Flight Data
Records position, altitude, ground speed, vertical speed, attitude (pitch/roll/yaw), rates of rotation, and G-force data with its own internal sensors.
Cellular Data Offload
Automatically offloads flight data and video over cellular on engine shutdown — no SD card handling, no manual uploads, no delays.
Pilot and ATC Audio
Connects to the aircraft intercom system to capture crew communications and ATC audio alongside video — providing full context for every flight.
Appareo FDM Software Suite
Pairs with Appareo's web-based FDM platform for exceedance review, trend analysis, and compliance reporting across your fleet.
Easy Retrofit Installation
Requires only aircraft power and ground. No special tools. About one day to install. Bracket-compatible with Appareo Vision 1000 for drop-in replacement.
Capabilities
From install to insight: the AIRS-400 workflow
A single lightweight device replaces what used to require multiple boxes and complex wiring.
01
Power On
The AIRS-400 begins recording automatically within 30 seconds of aircraft power application. No crew interaction required.
02
Fly Normally
Records 4K video, GPS/IMU flight data, and audio automatically on every flight — to both internal crash-hardened memory and the SD card.
03
Automatic Offload
On engine shutdown, cellular data offload transmits flight data to the cloud. No SD card retrieval or pilot action needed.
04
Analyze & Respond
Safety managers and flight ops teams review exceedances, video, and trends in Appareo's FDM software. Route findings to your SMS.
Specifications
AIRS-400 technical specifications
Key specs at a glance. Contact Appareo for full datasheet and integration documentation.
| Video & Camera | Memory | Connectivity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (8 MP) | Internal | 35 GB crash-hardened | Cellular offload | Optional module |
| Frame rate | 30 fps, h.264 | SD card | 128 GB or 512 GB | Ethernet | 100 Mbps |
| Field of view | 90° H / 45° V | Video (internal) | 2 hours | ARINC 429 | Optional input |
| Processor | 25,800 DMIPS | Video (128 GB SD) | 8 hours | RS-422 output | Optional |
| Video (512 GB SD) | 32 hours | Audio output | ED-155 optional | ||
| Data Captured | Physical | Certifications | |||
| GPS | Alt, lat/lon, speed | Weight | 11 oz | FAA STC | AML Part 27 |
| Attitude | Pitch, roll, yaw | Dimensions | 2.8" × 3.4" × 2.6" | Field approval | Part 29 / 23 / 25 |
| Acceleration | G-forces | Power | Aircraft power + ground | HAA mandate | 14 CFR 135.607 Class C |
| Rotation | Rates of rotation | Install time | ~1 day, no special tools | Offshore | IOGP RP690 / RP691 |
| Audio | Cockpit + ATC | IMU data | 200 hours stored | Government | USFS MATOC |
Compatible Aircraft
FAA STC-certified helicopter models
The AIRS-400 holds a Part 27 STC-AML for the following rotorcraft. Additional aircraft are approachable via field approval or minor modification under Part 29, 23, or 25.
| OEM | STC-Certified Models |
|---|---|
| Airbus Helicopters | AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350BA, AS350B3 |
| Bell Helicopters | 206B, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 407 |
| Other aircraft | Part 29, Part 23, Part 25 field approval or minor modification |
Who It's For
Helicopter operations that rely on the AIRS-400
From offshore platforms to flight schools, the AIRS-400 scales to the operation.
Offshore & Energy
Oil & Gas and Offshore Transport
Meet IOGP RP690 cockpit camera requirements and HeliOffshore operator mandates with a single, certified device.
Emergency Services
Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA)
Satisfy the FAA HAA mandate under 14 CFR 135.607 requiring cockpit image recorders on HAA operations.
Government & Forestry
USFS MATOC and Government Aviation
Meets US Forest Service MATOC requirements for helicopter cockpit image recording on national contract work.
Law Enforcement
Police and Government Aviation
Build defensible safety records with objective video and flight data for every mission — without complex avionics integration.
Utility & Firefighting
Utility and Aerial Work
Lightweight installation and automatic data offload make the AIRS-400 practical for demanding, remote rotorcraft operations.
Training Organizations
Flight Schools and Academies
Debrief students with synchronized video and flight data. Protect airframes and build a training record without extensive ground infrastructure.
Ready to add AIRS-400 to your helicopter operation?
Our aviation safety specialists will scope a solution for your fleet size, aircraft type, and compliance requirements — at no cost.
Common Questions
AIRS-400 helicopter FDM — frequently asked questions
Does the AIRS-400 capture engine and airframe parameters like a traditional FDAU?
No — and that's intentional. The AIRS-400 uses its own internal GPS and IMU sensors to capture position, attitude, acceleration, and rates of rotation without wiring to the aircraft's avionics. This keeps installation simple and fast. For operators who need to capture ARINC 429 bus data from aircraft systems, that connection is available as an optional add-on.
Is the AIRS-400 compliant with 14 CFR 135.607 (HAA mandate)?
Yes. The AIRS-400 is a Class C Aircraft Image Recorder compliant with 14 CFR 135.607, which requires cockpit image recorders on Helicopter Air Ambulance operations. It also meets IOGP RP690 cockpit camera requirements for offshore helicopter operations and qualifies for the USFS MATOC contract.
Which helicopter models have an FAA STC for the AIRS-400?
The AIRS-400 holds a Part 27 STC-AML covering Airbus Helicopters AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350BA, and AS350B3; and Bell 206B, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, and 407. For aircraft outside the STC list, installation is approachable via field approval or minor modification under Parts 29, 23, or 25.
How does cellular data offload work?
The optional cellular data offload module transmits recorded data — video, audio, and flight data — to the cloud automatically when the aircraft shuts down, wherever cellular coverage is available. This eliminates the need for pilots or crew to manually retrieve SD cards and transport them to a ground station.
Does the AIRS-400 require an external Recoverable Data Module (RDM)?
Not in most installations. The AIRS-400's internal crash-hardened memory is capable of surviving accidents without a second module. For full ED-155 compliance (required in some regulatory environments), the AIRS-400 can be paired with an external RDM. Most operators do not require this.
How long does installation take?
About one day. The AIRS-400 requires only aircraft power, a ground connection, and a small GPS antenna mounted inside the aircraft. No special tools are required. An optional intercom system connection captures crew and ATC audio. For Vision 1000 users, the AIRS-400 is a drop-in replacement using the same bracket, power, and GPS connectors.