8 March 2013
Helicopter manufacturer Robinson is trying to secure non-US approval for the R66 light turbine helicopter’s hydraulic systems. The organisation is seeking approval to operate in non-US locations including Russia, Canada and Europe.
The organisation has been awarded equivalent level of safety (ELOS) certification from the US FAA for the single channel hydraulic system. According to Robinson, the ELOS involved a rigorous analysis and test program to demonstrate the single-valve design was equivalent in safety to a redundant design.
However, it has not received similar approval from other regulators in some other countries, including EASA.
Robinson has had to demonstrate what would happen in the event of the hydraulic system jamming in mid-flight. “Given the length of the controls and the way that it’s setup, it proved very easy for the pilot to breakthrough the jam,” Robinson says.
Sloane Helicopters UK and Ireland Robinson Dealer since the mid 1970s, said, ‘We have been frustrated at the delays to EASA certification of the R66. We wait with interest to learn of EASA’s response to this significant step.’
<a href=’http://www.robinsonheli.com’ target=’_blank’>www.robinsonheli.com </a>
