| 摘要 |
<p>A flotation apparatus, specifically a ski (27), is provided for use on an aircraft (21) for improving the egress and ingress from the aircraft cabin (20). The ski (27) is particularly applicable to helicopters (21) having fixed wheeled landing gear (23). The ski (27) includes a forward portion (55) substantially fixed in a parallel configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis of the helicopter and an aft portion (57). The aft portion (57) is rotatable from a substantially parallel configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis of the helicopter; the aft portion (57) is rotatably attached to the forward portion (55) using a fastener, specifically a hinge means (35). To reconfigure the aft portion (57) into a flight or landing configuration, the operator grasp the aft portion (57) with the grapple hook (77) thereby pulling upward on the aft portion (57) until the aft portion (57) is securely latched to the forward portion (55).</p> |
