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Dart Aerospace

Press Release

Issued by Dart Aerospace.

November 27, 2008

EASA approval of DART's BK117 skidtubes

DART Helicopter Services has announced that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received EASA approval of their revolutionary Round-I-Beam skidtube for the Eurocopter BK117A1/A3/A4/B1/B2/C1 model aircraft. FAA and Transport Canada approvals have been previously received.

The Dart Round-I-Beam skidtube has long been a staple in the rotary wing industry and has received recognition around the globe for providing a high quality, easy to install and durable skidtube solution. In recent years, Dart has extended the advantages of Round-I-Beam technology to an ever increasing variety of aircraft, including Light and Medium Bell, Eurocopter AS350/355, BO 105, SA 315, EC 135 and now the BK 117.

DART Round-I-Beam skidtubes for Eurocopter BK 117 aircraft are LH/RH interchangeable. The central I-beam web in DART skidtubes absorbs most of the impact on landing so the tube maintains its structural integrity and, even with the addition of a central web, the weight is comparable to that of conventional skidtubes. DART BK117skidtubes come complete with full length stainless steel wearplates that are installed with a protective membrane between the tube and the wearplate, virtually eliminating any galvanic corrosion

Other features of DART's Round-I-Beam BK117 skidtubes are:

• Round-I-Beam construction that is up to 10 times more resistant to damage compared to conventional skidtubes.

• Pre-drilled for compatibility with Bristol WSPS Kit

• Available Settling Protector Kit (modifies skidtube for compatibility with OEM settling protector)

"This rigorous design has been proving itself in the field for over 12 years. Round-I-Beam Skidtubes have been tested in every condition and have demonstrated unprecedented durability." Quote by Bill Beckett, General Manager of DART Aerospace.