Van Horn Aviation | Composite Rotor Blades

VHA Signs MOU with Bell Helicopter for Composite 412/212 Tail Rotor Blades

Van Horn Aviation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. concerning 412/212 rotor blades. Under the MOU, VHA will design, certify and manufacture composite tail rotor blades to supply the Bell 412/212 product lines. The VHA 412/212 tail rotor blades will also be available for purchase by current operators through Aeronautical Accessories, a Bell Helicopter brand.

“Our 412/212 tail rotor blades will share many of the same qualities of our proven 206 tail rotor blades, including a robust composite design and efficient airfoil,” said VHA president James Van Horn. “We have already completed the design and manufacture of the prototype blade and will be flight testing this summer.”

The certification process will require a bird strike test, which will be conducted prior to flight testing. VHA plans to conduct bird strike and initial flight tests during summer 2013.

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AD Compliance Reminder for Certain 206L MRB Operators

By Kim VHA • April 25, 2025

For 206L LongRanger operators flying P/N 20633000-101 serial numbers A007-A009 or A012-A104, we would like to remind you that these blades are subject to AD 2022-22-08, which requires recurring tap inspections every 400 flight hours or 2,400 engine starts, whichever comes first. You can learn more about the tap test requirements and procedure in our video . These blades are likely to develop a delamination in the area of the weight pocket on the lower surface of the blade. The AD further requires removing the blades from service if the delamination reaches 6 inches in length. However, extensive company testing indicates that all blades will likely achieve their full retirement life before that occurs. So long as the delamination is monitored and does not exceed the permitted length, the blades are entirely safe to fly with no adverse effects on aircraft behavior or performance. Operators are required to report their findings at every inspection interval to VHA for tracking using the form on the last page of Service Bulletin 33000-4 . Completed forms should be emailed to info@vanhornaviation.com . Providing this data helps to ensure all operators of these blades remain safe. All of the identified blades are likely to have delaminations, so if none are detected please contact us for assistance. In addition, this AD is considered an interim action and once sufficient data is gathered it may be updated to reduce the required frequency of inspection. Refer to AD 2022-22-08 and SB 33000-4 for further information.