EASA Certifies BLR Aerospace FastFin System for Bell 212 Helicopters

Everett, WA - The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the FastFin tail rotor enhancement and stability system for installation and flight on Bell 212 helicopters. Certification for Bell 204s and 205s is imminent, and EASA certification of BLR’s Bell 412 FastFin System is in work.

The FastFin system offers significant performance improvements in hover load, wind azimuth tolerance, hover stability and safety. The system includes two parallel stall strips, known as dual tailboom strakes, on the tailboom and a reshaped vertical fin. FastFin optimizes airflow around the tailboom. FastFin also reduces operating costs and reduces cycle fatigue in structures and demands on tail rotor rotating components.

In 2009, Rotor & Wing magazine recognized FastFin with its Editors’ Choice award for best safety enhancement. In 2010, Bell Helicopter made FastFin standard equipment on new Bell 412EPs, and today, more than 350 FastFin systems are operating worldwide, supporting diverse missions ranging from airborne law enforcement to offshore oil transport.

BLR representatives will be available to discuss FastFin as well as fixed-wing innovations during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), May 14-16 in Geneva, Switzerland.

For more information, visit www.blraerospace.com.