Pneumatic Line Placement Affected

Air Cruisers Company tells ANN it has obtained FAA approval for a revision to its STC'd AS350 Emergency Float System, just as such systems have received added scrutiny in the wake of revised Air Tour operator standards. 

The revision differs from the current configuration of running the pneumatic lines above the floor in the passenger cabin of the helicopter. The STC allows the lines to be placed under the floor; customers had complained of the earlier arrangement. 

This system uses compressed gas to activate the inflation system, rather than cables or electricity. Air Cruisers states advantages of the pneumatic activation system include shorter installation time (as little as six hours, the company states), as no cable adjustments or electrical connections are necessary.

The company also says its system provides superior corrosion protection and calibrated activation. The trigger will only work at a calibrated force.

This system is capable of in-flight deployment at speeds up to 135kts and altitudes of up to 6,600 ft.  It is activated by a trigger mounted on the cyclic, allowing the pilot to activate the system without removing their hands from the primary flight controls.

Air Cruisers Company invented the infamous "Mae West" inflatable life jacket before WWII as well as the first one-person life raft, inflatable life vests, vacuum packed inflatable life vest, inflatable aircraft evacuation slides and slide rafts, helicopter fixed floats and helicopter pop-out inflatable floats over the last 60 years.

FMI: www.aircruisers.com