Scottsdale, Ariz. – June 25, 2018 – StandardAero announced today the attainment of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for their retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT) system for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and EC130 family of light single helicopters. The newly approved CRFT was developed in partnership with Robertson Fuel Systems, the leader in the design and manufacture of fuel containment systems.
StandardAero achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in early December 2017 and has since begun delivery of CRFT kits to its customers, including launch customers, Air Methods and WeatherTech Aviation LLC. StandardAero and Robertson jointly recognized Air Methods in a celebratory event during HAI Heli-Expo, at the time commemorating the successful installation of 11 crash-resistant fuel tank retrofits, representing the first step in updating their entire fleet of affected aircraft. Since FAA certification, StandardAero has delivered 40 CRFT kits to its customers and has been actively engaged with several fleet operators interested in enhancing their fleet with this new technology.
“We are extremely pleased to have received EASA certification following FAA certification in December,” said Rick Stine, President of StandardAero Components, Helicopters & Accessories. “It evidences that our industry as a whole is keenly focused on making safety enhancements a reality, and StandardAero is proud to not only be at the forefront of this critical initiative, but to now be able to deliver this life-saving equipment to European operators as well.”
The CRFT is designed as a direct replacement for legacy AS350 models, including the AS350 D, AS350 B/B1/B2/BA/B3 and AS350 B3e (H125), as well as for the EC130 B4. The kit solution is field replaceable, with installation and technical support provided by StandardAero. The tank’s unique design features a robust crash-resistant fuel bladder with slightly greater capacity than the legacy fuel cell, and introduces magnetic field sensor fuel gauging technology, a recessed sump drain valve, quick-change cartridge fuel pump design and vent system roll-over protection. The CRFT is compliant with the latest FAR Part 27.952 fuel system crash resistance requirements and is the only approved retrofittable solution that is compatible with use in combination with the manufacturer’s cargo swing and other cargo swing solutions.
Customers can learn more about the retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank for the Airbus AS350/EC130 family, including full technical specifications, maintenance features, and ordering information, by visiting http://standardaero.com/Markets/HelicopterPrograms/CrashResistantFuelTanks.aspx.
About StandardAero
StandardAero is a global independent provider of services, including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, helicopter, components and energy markets. The company celebrated its 100th year of industry leadership in 2011. In 2015, StandardAero was purchased by Veritas Capital, a leading private equity firm headquartered in New York City. Veritas invests in companies that provide critical products and services to government and commercial customers worldwide including those operating in aerospace & defense, healthcare, technology, national security, communications, energy and education. More information can be found on the company’s web site at www.standardaero.com.
About Robertson Fuel Systems
Robertson Fuel Systems, a HEICO company based in Tempe, Arizona, designs, develops, produces and sustains primary and auxiliary fuel systems for military and civil applications. HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A). The company’s technology-driven and electronics products have been used for aerospace, industrial, and defense industries for more than 60 years.