The 7 classics (135 CDS) that don't have full auto pilot will have major problems, financially and technically, retro fitting a SPIFR suite. We are already 'suffering' as a result of the CAA not accepting french standards for a basic SAS system, where we cannot fly if c/b is below 1000'.
I would surmise that 'grandfather rights' be afforded to these a/c with an end date well into the future, similar to the Bolkow 105 problems.
Assuming the average police helo lasts 10 years, and that these new generation helos have been running since early 1999, we are already half way through! I would hope the CAA recognise this and specify full SPIFR for the next batch of helos.
