Canada-based Dart Aerospace has received FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for its emergency float system with integrated life rafts for the five-bladed Airbus H145. This certification comes alongside its existing TCCA and EASA approvals.

Previously approved for the Airbus four-bladed H145 and EC145 models, the floats feature a tri-bag float design for increased stability in water up to sea state 6. The design includes two externally-mounted life rafts delivering a 45 per cent weight reduction over other externally mounted life raft options while saving cabin space.

“We are eternally grateful to Airbus, FAA, TCCA and EASA for their support as we pursued this STC during a particularly challenging time so that Dart could provide this critical system to the five-bladed H145 operators,” says VP of certification David Shepherd. “We also received great support from Airbus as we worked together to complete flight testing in Germany in the midst of a global pandemic.”