Robinsons R66 - Pop-Out Floats Installation; Cylinder Assembly

32-60 Pop-Out Floats Installation
Pop-out floats are optional equipment for R66 helicopters. The pop-out float installation
includes inflatable floats stowed in protective covers secured to the skid tubes, a pressure
cylinder located in the compartment beneath the right aft seat, an inflation manifold, an inflation
lever located on the pilot’s collective stick, and a modified aux stabilizer.
The valve located on top of the pressure cylinder has a pressure gage, a thermal relief valve
which releases pressure if exposed to excessive heat (281º F), a metal sealing disk, and a
spring-loaded pin.
The red inflation lever on the pilot’s collective stick is equipped with a spring-loaded safety to
prevent inadvertent float inflation. To inflate the floats, the safety is pushed in and rotated
from LOCKED to READY position, then the inflation lever is squeezed with enough force to
shear the aluminum rivet. The spring-loaded pin in the pressure cylinder valve punctures the
metal sealing disk, and 4945 psig (nominal, at 20º C) of helium is released into the inflation
manifold to inflate both floats.
The manifold consists of hoses, fittings, and a check valve at each of the six float chambers
(per float). Each float chamber has a topping valve for manual inflation, and a pressure relief
valve to vent excess internal pressure.
A modified aux stabilizer improves controllability at high airspeeds with floats inflated.
32-61 Cylinder Assembly
Refer to R66 Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) Figure 32-7.
NOTE
Cylinders are discharged during float inflation check every 3
years. Cylinder hydrostatic test is required every 5 years.
Cylinder life-limit is 15 years from date of manufacture. To
ensure cylinder limitations are not overflown, returning to
service cylinders with more than 2 years since hydrostatic test
or 12 years since date of manufacture is not recommended.
WARNING
D679 Cylinder contents are under extreme pressure. Install
MT545-1 pin assembly in D757-1 valve assembly during
maintenance to prevent cylinder discharge.
SEP 2012 R66 Maintenance Manual Chapter 32 Landing Gear Page 32.11