R44 Pop out floats

[Sapphire88]

Does anybody have any pop out floats for a R44 for sale? and can they be fitted to an ASTRO?

Sapphire

[chopperdr]

try dart aero, they have a new kit

[rotorvision98]

I think you will find its not quite that simple as the skids are totally different on a Clipper also there is an additional horizontal fin at the bottom of the vertical stabalizer. Additionally clippers come with additional corrosion protection. I would reccomend speaking to the experts at heli Air I am sure they will give you all the correct info.

[Practice Auto 3,2,1]

I do believe that you cannot retro fit floats or pop-outs to the R44.
Stand to be corrected though

[helicopter-redeye]

I don't think a retro fit is available as there is no 'kit' for an upgrade from Astro to Clipper or POF option on the Astro (or raven).

The floats need the inflation system (bottle & valves under LHS F seat); changes to the collective for the trigger mechanism; pipework; complete new skid system with floats on (this is the easy bit); tail rotor protection stab (extra bolting which might mean a whole new tail section because the stab I think is not a 'kit').

The whole M&B changes with this so the aircraft needs re-weighing and certifying. If not based on std parts that can be added on I think this might make it a new aircraft so you might need to get the whole thing replated as a new mark of aircraft.

'More than the average bear' as Yogi used to say. h-r

But things might be different outside of the rarefied atmosphere of JAR-land.

[Air-Five-oh]

I see you are in Victoria. If that is the one in B.C.
call Ed @ E&B helicopters in Campbell River. He has a set of floats hanging on the wall of the shop.
If any one knows, it will be Ed

[scooter boy]

The other issue is the height the aircraft sits at - the clipper's floor is an inch and a half or so higher than the Raven in order to prevent your shoes being ruined by water splashing in. The two aircraft have many differences that are not immediately apparent.

Funnily enough people always ask why I bought a Clipper and not a Raven? The answer is that I live well down a long peninsula of land in a place called Cornwall. There is water not too far away in most directions and I have always been a fan of taking a direct track to my destination whenever I can.
Usually I am solo or with only 1 passenger so the extra weight is not an issue.
I like the extra corrosion proofing also - very high humidity here through most of the year.

I'm with Redeye, tons of hassle trying to retrofit the floats. Best to sell the Astro and buy a Clipper.

SB (Clipper II owner/operator)

[steve4127]

You don't have to sell your Astro after all. Apical Industries, a subsidiary of Dart Helicopter Services (DHS) has recently certified Emergency Float Kits for R44 & R44 II helicopters which can be rerofitted to Astro, Ravens or Clippers. One of the kits includes skid extensions to allow use of standard landing gear. Also, no horizontal stabilizer is required. The kits are FAA and Transport Canada approved under STC SR02049LA. EASA approval is expected soon.

You can go to the DHS website at darthelicopterservices.com and see an Astro on floats on page 83 of the catalog.