12.9 and 12.10 Helicopter equipment, furnishings and fire protection

Scope

• 12.9(a) (A 2, B1.3 2): emergency equipment requirements; seats, harnesses and belts; lifting systems.
• 12.9(b) (A 1, B1.3 1): emergency flotation systems; cabin layout; cargo retention; equipment layout; cabin furnishing installation.
• 12.10(a) (A 1, B1.3 3): fire and smoke detection and warning; fire-extinguishing systems; system tests.
• 12.10(b) (A 1, B1.3 1): portable fire extinguishers.

Emergency equipment

Typical items, as required by the operating rules and the type certificate:

• First-aid kits, hand-held fire extinguishers, crash axe (larger types), torches.
• Emergency locator transmitter (automatic, g-switch activated).
• Life jackets for each occupant and life rafts for over-water operations, survival kits.
• Emergency exits with jettisonable windows or doors, exit markings and operating instructions.
• Emergency lighting (see 12.15).

Maintenance: check presence, security, seals, expiry/inspection dates (pyrotechnics, life jackets, rafts, extinguisher weights/pressures) and correct stowage.

Seats, harnesses and belts

• Crew seats are often energy-attenuating (crashworthy) — they stroke downwards in a crash to reduce spinal loads.
• Four- or five-point harnesses with an inertia reel that locks under sudden deceleration; passenger seats have lap belts or three/four-point restraints.
• Seats attach to seat tracks or hard points; locking pins must be fully engaged and the seat placarded for its position.
• Inspect for webbing fraying, buckle function, inertia-reel locking, stitching damage, and that labels/life limits are valid.