Story ID: 
Pop-out floats approved for Enstrom 480B
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: Enstrom Helicopter of Menominee, Mich., has earned FAA approval for a pop-out float option on its Model 480B.
Word Count: 113
Enstrom Helicopter of Menominee, Mich., has earned FAA approval for a pop-out float option on its Model 480B. The floats cost $39,690 and add 106 pounds to the empty weight of the turbine single (only 14 pounds of installation hardware remain when the floats are removed). They can also be retrofitted to in-service aircraft. “These floats add one more option to our broad range of uses for the 480B,” said William Taylor, director of engineering. “They will add versatility to operations by increasing safety in overwater flights.” The floats can be installed on or removed from any Enstrom 480B. The 480B is available as a three-place advanced trainer or as a three- to five-place VIP aircraft.