R44 emergency flotation system
Not sure what happened to my previous thread, but I need advice from helicopter pilots with experience using emergency helicopter floats.
We are looking at operating a R44 from a helipad on the edge of a lake. Our CAA has indicated that they may require us to install emergency floats and have the pax wear life vests.
The helicopter is only over water below an altitude of around 20 feet and thereafter proceeds over land. The time over water is actually along the edge of the lake and no more than a few metres from the bank.
Firstly, does anyone with experience know if the pilot would have time to deploy the floats if the engine failed below 20 feet? Secondly, is there anything in the operating manual for these floats that states a minimum altitude for deployment?
All help with this issue would be appreciated!