CSP-HE/HS-1
Optional Equipment
Emergency Floats
ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
MD 500
(Models 369HE/HS/HM
)
Revision 6
9-23
FAA Approved
9-9. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: EMERGENCY FLOATS
PART I
INTRODUCTION
The MDHI Emergency Float Kit consists of inflatable−bag type floats intended
for use in emergency landings only, during over−water operation. The
floats are
normally carried in the stowed configuration
mounted as a compact package on
top of each skid. Individual press−to−test lights are provided to check the
condition of the electrical actuation circuits for each float.
These lights along
with a circuit breaker are on an auxiliary
panel at the bottom of the instru−
ment panel. A guarded
switch is provided on the cyclic stick for the pilot to ini−
tiate
inflation when required. The switch actuates valves allowing
air stored in
cylinders within the float package to inflate the
An optional Night Landing Lighting Kit is
available as an aid to landing on
water at night. It consists
of dual belly−mounted sealed beam lights, a circuit
breaker,
and a three−position switch installed on the collective control. Switch
forward position activates the standard nose
mounted landing light; center
position is off; and aft position
activates the dual belly lights. The dual belly
mounted lights
were developed during Certification of the Float Kit for the
500D Helicopter Model 369D. During power−on and autorotational landings on
water at night it was determined that
these dual belly lights enhanced percep−
tion of the water surface. This light kit has now been made available for use
on
the Hughes 500 Model 369H Series Helicopters.
A modification Kit, M50458, is available for converting the
solenoid operated
valves to squib actuated valves.
