Van Horn Aviation | Composite Rotor Blades

Buyer beware on Bell's offering of 206B Version 1 Main Rotor Blades

They're good blades... just past warranty!

Bell's aftermarket parts distributor Aeronautical Accessories recently launched a campaign to dump several sets of VHA 206B Version 1 main rotor blades (P/N 20631000-101) that have been sitting in their warehouse since about 2018. These Version 1 blades still feature trim tabs (as opposed to our new tracking wedges) and stainless steel abrasion strips that can be prone to cracking. As our first certificated composite main rotor blades, the 206B Version 1 MRB's were also known to be a little stiffer than the Version 2 blades.

While VHA stands behind our 206B Version 1 MRBs, which are excellent blades being flown around the world in various applications, we emphasize to prospective buyers that the Aeronautical Accessories blades are now past the warranty date of "three years from date of manufacture." We will not be changing out trim tabs and abrasion strips from these blades under warranty, but will support these operations at normal repair costs through our Van Horn Repair repair station.

VHA's 206B Version 2 main rotor blades available through our distributors feature tracking wedges for more precise track and balance, Inconel main abrasion strips to reduce cracking, re-engineered carbon fiber ply counts and orientation for a smoother ride, and reduced maintenance actions and costs due to removing the 4,800-hour grip replacement requirement. VHA also recently announced that we will hold 2024 pricing on all of our rotor blades -- including the 206B Version 2 MRBs -- through 2025.

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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.