Enstrom 480B Secures FAA Certification for Crash-Resistant Fuel System

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has made significant progress in its revitalisation efforts by announcing that its 480B turbine-powered helicopter has achieved full certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its crash-resistant fuel system (CRFS). This approval represents a milestone for the Michigan-based company and advances rotorcraft safety, as Enstrom reenters the U.S. market with renewed energy and an improved product.

The certification adheres to an FAA directive, supported by the U.S. Congress, which mandates that all newly produced helicopters must include crash-resistant fuel systems. These systems are designed to significantly lower the risk of fires after a crash, a major cause of fatalities in helicopter accidents that are otherwise survivable. Enstrom's newly certified system features a reengineered, extremely durable bladder tank, enhanced structural protections, and break-away fittings that automatically seal fuel lines upon impact.

According to Enstrom, the approval allows the company to restart global sales of its newly produced 480B models, which had been on hold pending compliance. The development marks a significant boost for the manufacturer, which has been steadily rebuilding its presence and product line since restructuring under new ownership in 2022.

Charles Wade, Enstrom's Senior Vice President of Product, Sales and Customer Excellence, referred to the certification as a milestone accomplishment for the company. “This certification marks a pivotal moment for Enstrom as we reaffirm our commitment to safety and innovation, protecting pilots, passengers and crew,” Wade said. “The 480B has long been a trusted platform for flight training, law enforcement and personal transport. Not only are we exceeding modern regulatory demands but we’re also delivering enhanced survivability that customers can rely on in the most demanding environments.”

The 480B is renowned globally for its dependable performance, steady handling, and economical operating costs, providing the capabilities of a turbine helicopter with the simplicity and affordability valued by operators. The integration of a contemporary CRFS enhances its appeal for training organisations and public safety agencies, both of which have increasingly prioritised airframe crashworthiness in recent years.

The FAA approval aligned with the validation efforts of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA is anticipated to release its final compliance package in the next few weeks, enabling Enstrom to fully reenter the European market. This coordinated validation is crucial for the company’s long-term growth strategy, ensuring that the 480B complies with safety standards in major regulatory regions.

An essential partner in this endeavour was Safran Aerosystems, which worked closely with Enstrom to develop and supply the bladder tanks and various CRFS components. Safran also performed extensive product-level testing, providing critical data for Enstrom’s aircraft-level certification program. This partnership exemplifies a wider industry trend: collaborative engineering between OEMs and specialised suppliers to achieve increasingly higher levels of rotorcraft safety.

The 480B is the inaugural Enstrom model to achieve full CRFS certification but it won't be the last. Significant progress is being made on the crash-resistant fuel system for the piston-powered 280FX, another established member of the Enstrom lineup that is popular in training and recreational markets. Ground and flight testing are nearing completion, with FAA certification aimed for the first quarter of 2026.

“We are in the final stages of ground and flight test for the CRFS in the 280FX, with a Q1 2026 target for certification,” Wade confirmed. “This will enable sales of newly produced 280FX helicopters globally.”

For Enstrom, certifying the 480B's CRFS signifies much more than just meeting regulations, it reflects renewed confidence, enhanced safety standards and increased preparedness as the company re-enters the U.S. and European markets. As global operators increasingly seek advanced safety features, Enstrom's consistent advancements position it favorably for a new phase of expansion. With models equipped with CRFS almost fully available throughout its product line, the company is reestablishing itself as a competitive player in the light helicopter market, with a strong emphasis on safety, innovation and building long-term customer trust.