1510 W. Drake Drive, Tempe, Arizona USA 85283
Shipping Woes For Main Rotor Blades
As of mid-2022, both FedEx and UPS have determined that they will no longer ship our main rotor blades due to the size of the crates. Even though the websites for both of these companies will allow the shipment to be entered (and payment for the shipment made!), when the trucks arrive at our docks, FedEx and UPS drivers refuse to take the blade crates. This causes a great amount of confusion and consternation among all parties involved.
When setting up shipping of main rotor blades, remember to use a shipping broker that handles oversized cargo. Also be sure to insure the shipment. Once the crate leaves our dock, VHA is not liable for damage to the crate or its contents.
Be sure to keep at least one set of wood shipping crates plus the styrofoam cradles inside the crates in case you need to transport the main rotor blades for repair or inspection.
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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.
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