Latitude LWS Sentinel Tracking System Helps Chopper 9 Keep an Eye in the Vancouver Sky

Latitude Technologies SkyNode® S200-011 satellite voice and 2-way data equipment and Latitude’s LWS SentinelTM tracking system have been chosen by Talon Helicopters for use on C-FTHU – known across the British Columbia Lower Mainland as Chopper 9, the flagship “eye-in-the-sky” news and traffic helicopter of the Vancouver affiliate of CTV, Canada’s largest television network. Talon operates the Bell 206L-4 for CTV.

In outfitting Chopper 9, Talon chose Latitude’s SkyNode satellite voice, tracking, and 2-way data system for its ability to provide real-time tracking and reporting of position and status of Chopper 9 as it keeps an eye on congested Lower Mainland highway traffic and provides a high aerial view of fast-breaking news stories throughout the region. Talon particularly liked the fact that the LWS Sentinel tracking system will allow any number of authorized users, using any web browser, to simultaneously monitor the over-ground position and other telematics and mission-critical data from designated aircraft.

Peter Murray, President of Talon Helicopters, reports that not only is the SkyNode-LWS Sentinel system proving to be a benefit to safety for pilot and reporter, the system has quickly become an operational asset as well. “If a breaking news story occurs when Chopper 9 is out of land-based communications reach, the integrated satellite communications allows the news desk to redirect the aircrew to the new target. This allows CTV to provide their viewers with the most up to date coverage possible.” Murray went on to say, “The people at Latitude Technologies have provided Talon with an invaluable tool for our Flight Operations, and we are very pleased that CTV has chosen to go with Latitude for their requirements as well. Our experience with Latitude has been extremely positive. They care about their customers and take the time to discuss future additions to an already superior product in the marketplace.”

About Latitude Technologies

Latitude Technologies Corporation, headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is a leading global supplier of satellite telephone/tracking/messaging avionics. Our SkyNode® products are the smallest, lightest, most versatile, and most economical-to-operate aeronautical communication devices in the world. Latitude equipment communicates to both air and ground-based information systems, including our own LWS SentinelTM web- based mapping and data management platform. Customers trust Latitude to always deliver and maintain reliable communications solutions.

For more information about the SkyNode S200 family of voice and 2-way data communication devices and LWS Sentinel data management system, please contact:

Latitude Technologies Corporation
Tel:    888-966-5599, ext. 1
Email: info@latitudetech.com