DART Helicopter Services Announces EASA Approval of Apical’s EC130 Emergency Float System With or Without Liferafts

DART Helicopter Services announced today that its subsidiary, Apical Industries Inc., a world class leader in emergency flotation and evacuation equipment, has received EASA approval for its Emergency Float System for Eurocopter EC130B4 helicopters. FAA and Transport Canada approvals have been previously received.

The Apical Emergency Float System provides a lightweight and easy to install solution for EC130 operators who routinely or even occasionally fly over water, and want the added security of having emergency floats installed. In addition to the benefit of increased personal safety in the event of an emergency water landing, the Apical kit has an option of including integrated 6-man liferafts with survival kits on each float. The externally mounted liferafts conserve valuable passenger space and improve safety.

The Apical Emergency Float System consists of two mirror image float bags. Both the float and liferaft inflation valves are operated manually by separate pull handles and cables mounted in the cockpit. The mechanical inflation valves have no squibs or electrical requirements. Maintenance and overhaul requirements for the system are minimal, consisting of a 12-month inspection/leak test and a three-year inspection and inflation test. The floats do not have an age limitation and are replaceable upon condition. The floats are not required to be returned to the factory for recertification; however an Apical recertification service is available upon request. Apical also offers an exchange program for floats and reservoirs.

Apical Industries’ emergency flotation and/or liferaft systems are also available for:

• Agusta A109/A119/AW139

• Bell 206/210/212/407/412/427

• Eurocopter AS332/AS350/AS355/ BO105/EC120/EC130/EC135

• MD 369/MD 500/MD 600/MD 900

• Sikorsky S-76

DART Helicopter Services LLC (www.darthelicopterservices.com), is a privately held Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing company whose primary focus is developing innovative STC’d products and creating sales networks for aerospace manufacturers who are looking to benefit from DART’s global marketing network and sales channel. DART is the logical choice for rotary wing operators who are seeking a supplier with a comprehensive product line and superior customer support. DART’S subsidiary and affiliated companies own over 400 STC’s and manufacture over 500 products. With its highly trained and knowledgeable North American and International sales team, DART Helicopter Services distributes more than 1,300 aftermarket products to over 120 countries. For further information, please call N. American Sales 1 (800) 556 4166 or 1 (613) 632 3336 or Int’l Sales 1 (246) 420 7282 sales@darthelicopterservices.com.