It's OuterLink for Chevron Flight Following

Chevron U.S.A. Production will use SATCOM data systems from Concord, MA-based OuterLink to track its fleet of 29 helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Flight following is fully automated," OuterLink says, while an instant messaging feature allows dispatchers to maintain data communications with their aircraft at all altitudes and be immediately alerted to emergencies with precise location data at hand.

OuterLink's CP-2 SATCOM is FAA certified for Sikorsky S-76, Eurocopter BO-105, and Bell 206 and 430 helicopters. The CP-23 system requires no infrastructure investment, OuterLink says. It thus brings "significant operational efficiencies to our industry at a low cost of installation," said Chevron Gulf of Mexico aircraft operations manager Steve Sabree.

"Automatic flight following eliminates the need for pilots to remain in constant radio contact with operations, thereby allowing us to consolidate the flight following and dispatch responsibility," he said.