Van Horn Aviation | Composite Rotor Blades

E & B First to Fly VHA Main Rotor Blades on Multiple Ships

E & B Helicopters, one of Canada’s largest operators of Bell 206B3 JetRangers, recently installed VHA main rotor blades on a second 206B3, making E & B the first operator to fly our main rotor blades on multiple ships. Based in Campbell River, British Columbia, E & B uses a fleet of 10 JetRangers plus a few other assorted helos to complete various forestry, firefighting, long-line, medivac, sightseeing and heli-adventure missions.

According to E & B Director of Maintenance Ralph Richier, currently four E & B JetRangers are flying VHA tail rotor blades, and a third set of main rotor blades will be installed in the fall. “On our first (VHA main rotor blade) install, we didn’t have to adjust the track. They flew good right out of the box!” Ralph said in an email to VHA. “The second set did need some tab but moved very predictably and less than a 0.3 degree for high speed. They are sensitive, but using caution and common sense it tracked out better than the Bell blades.”

When we asked Ralph for comments from the pilots on how the VHA main rotor blades fly, he responded, “A more responsive positive feel, less torque required during lift-off, leaving more reserve for safety!”

Thanks to E & B for their support!

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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.