Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

Contributor

Mark Huber

Dart Aerospace has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) amendment approval for the installation of its Fire Attack System (FAS) for Airbus Helicopters H145D2 and D3 five-blade&nbsp;models. It was previously approved for installation on the H145C2.&nbsp;
The system mounts on the underside of the helicopter and features the ability to convert a payload of water into fire-retardant foam as needed during a mission. Water/retardant is dropped via two hydraulically actuated drop doors, while a hover refill system allows the crew to refill the water tank. The FAS is certified for day/night VFR operations and can be installed and removed in less than 30 minutes.
Specifications include a capacity of 260 gallons of water and 14 gallons of foam, a system weight of 566 pounds, a hover refill rate of 450 gallons per minute, and a never-exceed speed of 125 knots with either the hover pump installed or removed.
Dart fire attack systems are in use worldwide. The company holds more than 1,500 STCs and offers a portfolio of mission equipment and related services, replacement parts, and tools for civil and military operators, completion centers, and MRO facilities. Dart's product line includes&nbsp;aerial firefighting systems, flotation systems, landing gear, interior and exterior accessories, cargo expansion, cable cutters, environmental control systems, and ground support equipment.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

FAA Approves Dart Fire Attack System for Airbus H145

The FAA has granted STC approval for installation of Dart's Fire Attack System on the Airbus Helicopters H145.

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New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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Thornton Aviation Expands Burbank Maintenance Services

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

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Enlarged and modernized Australian maintenance facility is set to open in early 2026

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Liebherr Expands Middle East Component Service Options

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