Robinson Helicopter Co. has received EASA approval for the Robinson R66 Turbine Marine pop-out float installation, the company said. Issued at the end of December, the approval covers use in emergency situations and commercial operations.

Tests were conducted last July, and demonstrated the float’s Sea State 4 requirement compliancy. “Sea State,” Robinson said, refers to the height, period and character of waves on the surface of a large body of water. Conducted in Spain, the testing facility was able to simulate these conditions.

In November 2015 the FAA approved the Robinson R66 Turbine Marine, which is the standard R66, but equipped with pop-out floats. The floats add about 65 lb to the empty weight and can be stowed in low-profile protective covers along the skids. At that time, the R66 Turbine Marine was approved for water takeoffs at reduced operating weights.