Follows FAA, Transport Canada Certifications

Dart Helicopter Services announced Thursday its affiliate DART Aerospace Ltd. has received EASA approval of its Round-I-Beam skidtube for Eurocopter BK117A1/A3/A4/B1/B2/C1 model aircraft. FAA and Transport Canada approvals were previously received.

The Dart Round-I-Beam skidtube has long been a staple in the rotary wing industry. In recent years, Dart has extended availability to an ever-increasing variety of aircraft, including light and medium Bell helos, and 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.

The BK117 skidtubes 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 include Round-I-Beam construction that is up to 10 times more resistant to damage compared to conventional skidtubes, and an available Settling Protector kit. The skidtubes are also pre-drilled for compatibility with the Bristol WSPS Kit.

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

FMI: www.darthelicopterservices.com