StandardAero and Robertson Fuel Systems obtained Transport Canada approval for their AS350/EC130 crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT) retrofit. The Canadian nod followed similar approvals for the CRFT from the U.S. FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
Pointing to Robertson’s history in military standard fuel containment products, StandardAero said the CRFT provides a high-quality, safety-driven retrofit option that is compliant with FAR Part 27.952 fuel system crash resistance requirements with and without cargo swing/hook installed. It comprises a durable composite material container strategically reinforced to distribute impact loads in an accident.
“With nearly 600 AS350s flying in Canada, roughly 75 percent of which are legacy variants for which no other CRFS solution exists, there is a clear safety gap which we are intent on addressing, so we are extremely pleased to now have a certified solution in Canada to begin retrofitting these aircraft,” said Elvis Moniz, StandardAero v-p of business development for airframe and avionics. He noted that Canadian operators use the legacy helicopters as workhorses in unique and challenging conditions.
“To maintain their value, these older machines must remain competitive with newer aircraft being delivered into the market, which come standard with CRFT technology,” Moniz added. StandardAero has shipped nearly 160 CRFT kits to customers worldwide to date.
