Van Horn Aviation | Composite Rotor Blades

Spotlight on Salt Air

Tour operator Salt Air is based near some of the most breathtaking aerial views in the world. Located at the waterfront in Paihia, New Zealand, this thriving family business provides stunning scenic flights, private tours and charters as well as commercial services.

Since acquiring its first aircraft in 1992—a Grumman Super Widgeon seaplane—Salt Air’s fleet has grown to include two Bell LongRangers, a Robinson R44 and a GippsAero GA8 Airvan. Airplane and helicopter tours take sightseers to the top of New Zealand for wine-tasting, island escapes and beach adventures. Salt Air’s commercial helicopter services include lifting water, equipment, water tank and other supplies to remote locations as well as firefighting assistance to the Northern Rural Fire Authority.

As a testament to the company’s hard work and dedication to its customers, Salt Air has achieved the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Certificate of Excellence 5 years in a row. Salt Air’s high standard was also acknowledged in August 2018 when it earned the Qualmark Gold tourism operator award.

Salt Air was one of the first operators to fly VHA’s 206L LongRanger composite main rotor blades, installing the blades in November 2018. Owner Grant Harnish is pleased with the blades’ performance. “The life of the blade is a great advantage, and from a financial point of view it was the deciding factor,” Grant told VHA. “With the same performance, it holds value better.” He also liked the non-corrosive composite structure given the location of his company.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

SHARE THIS POST:

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.