FAA Approval Had Been Granted Previously

The EASA has granted approval of Apical Industries' Emergency Float System for MD 600N model helicopters. FAA approval has been previously received.

In a news release, DART helicopter systems describes the Apical MD 600N Emergency Float System as consisting of four emergency floats attached to the skid gear, a float inflation reservoir mounted on the underside of the fuselage, and a cyclic mounted inflation handle. The system is compatible with ground handing wheels and the floats can be removed in a matter of minutes. The mechanical valve system has no squibs or electrical requirements.

The cylinder valve assemblies and floats are available as exchange items, thereby reducing maintenance costs and down time of the aircraft. All float chambers come standard with field replaceable pressure relief and inflation valves.

The float service lives are on-condition rather than a calendar limit and the floats do not have to be returned to the factory for recertification. Factory recertification of the system is available for customers who desire OEM services. Annual inspection of float bags are compared with six month inspection required in some competitors' products, lowers ongoing maintenance costs of the system.

FMI: www.darthelicopterservices.com