Canada-headquartered Dart Aerospace has recently received EASA certification for its R66 emergency float system. Designed and manufactured by Dart, the float system is an aftermarket retrofit option available for R66 operators that allows the aircraft to safely perform over-water operations. It can be easily retrofitted and is designed with multi air-holding chambers.

The float systems are manufactured using patented lightweight urethane-coated fabric. This maintenance friendly system has longer inspection intervals and does not have to be returned to the manufacturer for recertification. Other key features include a reservoir made of aluminum with a carbon fibre and fibreglass wrap to reduce the risk of corrosion.

The entire kit includes includes forward and aft floats, reservoir, skid extensions and installation hardware. In addition, it is fully certified by a number of national aviation authorities including NAAC, IAC AR, DCA, FAA, TCCA and now EASA.

“Achieving the European approval for this kit is a big deal for Dart,” says vice president of commercial operations Steve Ghaleb. “Our commercial team has been receiving lots of interest from the European R66 community for an aftermarket option to install emergency floats. We are happy to now be able to service that demand.”

DARTCare, a repair and overhaul programme offered by DART, can be purchased alongside the R66 emergency float system. This programme consists of repairing, testing and repacking of float systems, liferafts and vests as well as servicing on reservoirs. DARTCare features price escalation and aircraft downtime protection, reduced maintenance costs and guaranteed TAT.

DART provides design, manufacturing and market-certified solutions for the helicopter and aerospace industry.