Van Horn Aviation | Composite Rotor Blades

T&B Guidelines for VHA Main Rotor Blades

To assist operators in their goal of a smooth and painless track & balance experience, VHA engineers compiled a set of procedures and best practices for performing track and balance on VHA 206B/L main rotor blades using either trim tabs or tracking wedges.

These procedures combine steps from maintenance manuals, input from operators around the world, and the engineers’ own experience installing VHA main rotor blades on company ships. The document applies to all VHA main rotor blades, including 206B Version 1 and Version 2, and 206L main rotor blades.

Note that this document provides supplemental information. Operators should still read and follow the Installation section of the appropriate Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) document for the main rotor blade being installed. The ICA for each part number can be found on the Documents page.

The track & balance document can be accessed here.

Note that this document has been largely superceded by Technical Bulletin TB 20630000-2R3.

Photo credit: Helicopters Canada installing VHA 206B main rotor blades on their JetRanger.

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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.