Dart Adds EASA To List of Bell 505 EFS Approvals

Dart Aerospace continues to expand the market for its Bell 505 Jet Ranger X emergency float system (EFS) with recent approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency.

The EASA signoff followed similar approvals that came last year, beginning with Transport Canada in mid-February, followed by the Japan JCAB and U.S. FAA in subsequent months. Dart delivered the first system in April to the Japanese Coast Guard.

“We’re pleased to be given the green light to promote and distribute the EFS in Europe, where there is a consistently high demand for light Bell aircraft,” said Wesley Reid, product strategy and business development manager for mission equipment at Dart Aerospace. “The product is in service worldwide and we are confident it will have a strong reception in Europe.”

Offered for retrofit or factory installation, the EFS was developed in collaboration with Bell, Dart said. The EFS incorporates a six-pod, tri-bag design to provide greater stability without impeding egress. Designed with a custom-made lightweight urethane-coated fabric, the EFS also includes skid extensions, among other features. Dart said the EFS is the first of its kind on the market.