Van Horn Aviation

AD Compliance Reminder for Certain 206L MRB Operators

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 23:52:38 GMT

AD Applies only to 206L Main Rotor Blades S/N A007-009 and A012-A104

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.

2025 Verticon Tech Briefs Posted

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:04:02 GMT

AS350 Tail and Manufacturer Tech Briefs Given at Verticon 2025 Posted Here

At Verticon (formerly known as Heli-Expo) 2025, Van Horn Aviation presented two technical briefings. The first was a general session given as part of the Verticon's Manufacturer Tech Brief (MTB) AI Renewal series. Given by VHA Flight Engineer Dan Belber and Chief Inspector Terry Tyner, this presentation included information on 206 main rotor blade track & balance, hub alignment, tracking wedges, polar charts, 206L collective bounce, composite blades impact tolerance, and tap inspections. Dan and Terry were also on deck for an AS350 tail rotor blade-specific briefing tailored to introducing VHA to a new segment of the helicopter industry and providing information on installation and benefits of VHA's newly certificated AS350 TRB.

To download the MTB brief, click here .

To download the AS350 brief, click here .

AS350 Tail and Manufacturer Tech Briefs Given at Verticon 2025 Posted Here

To download the MTB brief, click here .
To download the AS350 brief, click here .

To download the MTB brief, click here .
To download the AS350 brief, click here .

Eurosafety Flight Review of VHA AS350 Tail Rotor

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:02:40 GMT

Eurosafety Pilot Kevin Nelson

Kevin Nelson, instructor pilot at Eurosafety, visited Van Horn Aviation's flight test facility in late February 2025 and flew the AS350 tail rotor with VHA Flight Operations Manager Terry Tyner. They put the tail rotor blades through their paces, performing sideward flight at about 40 to 45 knots and full autorotations. This short provides a quick synopsis of Kevin's impressions of the VHA tail rotor, which include more control and easier transitions. The "show" that Terry refers to in his remarks is the Vertical Aviation International's VERTICON trade show.

VHA's AS350 Tail Rotor Earns STC/PMA

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 23:52:04 GMT

Four Years of Research, Redesign, Flight Testing and Certification Effort Yields Great Results!

VHA received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) and Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) for its new AS350 Tail Rotor in mid-February 2025. Developed entirely in-house at Van Horn Aviation, the new AS350 Tail Rotor replaces the current spar-and-paddle design with two composite tail rotor blades attached to a steel hub using self-lubricating spherical bearings. This design eliminates the problematic elastomeric half-bearings in the current tail rotor — along with associated inspections, replacements and several Airworthiness Directives — while reducing control loads and increasing performance.

“When we first tackled the AS350 Tail Rotor design, our main goal was to solve the maintenance problem posed by the elastomeric bearings,” said VHA CEO Dean Rosenlof. “Through four years of research and redesign, we’ve not only solved that issue but also produced a system that noticeably enhances tail rotor performance on the venerable AS350.”

The VHA AS350 Tail Rotor includes the following components:

• Two individually-replaceable swept-tip composite tail rotor blades

• Removable pitch horns to allow interchangeability with various pitch links

• Steel hub with industry-standard teeter axis for reduced pitch link loads

• Spherical bearings to eliminate elastomeric bearing inspection and replacement issues

• Drive shaft extension and teeter stop

• New tail rotor bolt and installation hardware

“Our AS350 Tail Rotor introduces several major improvements over the OEM system, from allowing operators to replace a single damaged blade to eliminating the time and expense of frequently replacing elastomeric bearings,” said VHA Flight Operations Manager Terry Tyner. “In addition, they are great blades to fly. They’re very responsive.”

The service life of Van Horn Aviation’s AS350 Tail Rotor is 4,800 hours, which is 800 hours more than the OEM tail rotor. List price for the VHA AS350 Tail Rotor is comparable to the Airbus product. Deliveries to customers will begin in March. For more information, see our AS350 Product page.

Demo Flights Available at VERTICON in Dallas

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 23:43:39 GMT

VHA's JetRanger Available March 9-10 for Demo Flights at VERTICON in Dallas

If you're "on the fence" about VHA's 206B main rotor blades, let us fly you over to our side! We will be flying our 206B3 JetRanger (equipped with VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades and VHA -501 tail rotor blades) to Dallas for VERTICON 2025. On March 9-10, the helicopter and crew will be available for demo flights, and you can feel the ride for yourself. VHA Flight Operations Manager Terry Tyner, a 30-year veteran flight instructor and mechanic with Inspection Authorization status, will be your demo pilot; qualified helicopter pilots with 206 flight time are also eligible to take the controls.

For more information or to secure your spot, contact Liz Springer at 1.480.483.4202 or email Info@VanhornAviation.com

VHA Holding 2024 Pricing Through 2025

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:49:01 GMT

Despite inflationary increases in raw materials and supplies, VHA vows to help operators manage costs

In an effort to help operators weather the current challenges of overall inflation and specifically the ever increasing prices of parts and services from other OEMs, Van Horn Aviation executives have determined that they will hold 2024 pricing on new VHA rotor blades through December 2025. It wasn't an easy decision since we've seen a drastic increase in costs of supplies and raw materials. We are doing the best we can to help our customers keep costs manageable.

The following is LIST pricing for VHA rotor blades delivered in 2024-25:

2062200-501 206 tail rotor blades $13,600 per blade
2042200-103 UH-1 tail rotor blades $19,200 per blade
20635000-501 206B main rotor blade $83,500 per blade
20633000-101 206L main rotor blade $85,500 per blade

Contact VHA distributors for best pricing and availability.

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

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:39:55 GMT

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.

Bruce's Custom Covers Now Stocking VHA Main Blade Tie-Downs

Wed, 29 May 2024 22:59:11 GMT

Tie-downs and Covers Available for Most VHA Main Rotor Blades

Van Horn Aviation recently partnered with Bruce's Custom Covers to create blade covers and tie-downs for VHA 206B and 206L main rotor blades. Made from heavy duty weather-resistant fabric and imprinted with the VHA logo, the blade covers and tie downs fit the shaped tip of VHA main rotor blades.

Bruce's part number 206B-415 is for a set of two blade covers that can be used on VHA main rotor blades without trim tabs: VHA part numbers 20633000-101 serial numbers A281 and later; and 20635000-501 serial numbers A091 and later. These covers are not designed to fit on VHA main rotor blades that still have trim tabs. Cost of these covers is $650 direct from Bruce's.

The tie-downs can be used on any VHA main rotor blade. Bruce's offers two types of main rotor blade tie-downs for VHA blades: 206B-505 is a single front tie-down only for $200, while 206B-520 is a set of two tie-downs with a telescoping attachment pole for $420.

Operators can order blade covers and tie-downs direct from the Bruce's Custom Covers website or by calling 1-800-777-6405.

Booth and Briefings at Heli-Expo 2024

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:36:26 GMT

Pick up your Limited Edition VHA bottle opener and tap hammer at Heli-Expo 2024

If you're heading to Anaheim for Heli-Expo 2024, be sure to stop by VHA's Booth No. 2211 to say hello and pick up your limited edition bottle opener and tap hammer (while supplies last). Both items are manufactured in-house at VHA's facility in Tempe. While at the booth, you can speak to our design and test engineers, repair station personnel, sales and business representatives, and other VHA personnel. We will have our 206B and 206L main rotor blades with the new tracking wedges installed, our familiar 206 series tail rotor blade, and all parts of the H125/AS350 tail rotor system on display.

VHA will also present two briefings during Heli-Expo. For the third year in a row, we will be presenting our Manufacturer's Tech Brief on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 2:15 pm in room 204A. This briefing will include information on track and balance with both trim tabs and the relatively new-to-market tracking wedges, composite repair and tap testing, and updates to the H125/AS350 tail rotor blade program. We will have a limited number of tap hammers available at the briefing. The briefing slides can be downloaded here .

For a more extensive briefing on the H125/AS350 tail rotor system, plan to attend our briefing on Wednesday, Feb 28 at 9:00 am in Room 205B. This briefing will provide in-depth information about the system including compatibility, installation, performance expectations, and benefits over the current system.

Limited-edition bottle opener and tap hammer. Both items are manufactured in-house at VHA's facility in Tempe.

Removing and Installing 206 TRB Bearings

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 23:19:23 GMT

How-To Video and Tech Bulletin Provide Guidance on Bearing Replacement

Van Horn Aviation provides two resources for authorized repair personnel who replace bearings in VHA 206 series tail rotor blades. These include Technical Bulletin TB 2062200-1 and a How-To video. The resources were created after Van Horn Repair (VHA's in-house repair station) found many VHA 206 tail rotor blades were being sent in for bearing replacements that actually did not need replacement. Several blades have also been sent in for repair after being damaged by improper bearing removal or installation.

Both the video and the technical bulletin provide guidance on the following topics:

Removal procedures for non-pre-swaged bearings (WC-6TG-8) and bearings pre-swaged on one side (WC-6TG-10 and Kamatics KSC627506FS)
Tools and equipment needed for successful bearing removal and installation
Installation procedures for WC-6TG-10 pre-swaged bearings
Final inspection using a feeler gauge

Repair personnel are encouraged to read the tech bulletin and watch the video before removing / replacing any bearings.

Tech Brief from 2023 Heli-Expo

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:57:15 GMT

Tech Brief Concentrates on Tracking Wedges and Technical Updates

Van Horn Aviation personnel presented a Manufacturer’s Tech Brief on installation and repair procedures of composite rotor blades at HAI Heli-Expo 2023 on Tuesday, March 7 at 2 pm. Approximately 30 technicians and other company representatives attended the tech brief. A copy of the VHA tech brief presentation can be downloaded here .

VHA Operations Manager Austin Schneider began the presentation with a brief company overview and introduced the presenters.

Terry Tyner, chief inspector of VHA's repair station, discussed various inspection and repair topics including:

Damage tolerances on composite materials
How to remove trim tabs in accordance with Service Bulletin SB33000-3R3
Published VHA service bulletin and ICA updates

VHA engineer Dan Belber explained best practices for installing main and tail rotor blades including:

Recommendations for best chance of smooth track and balance procedure
Tracking wedge installation and removal
Polar charts for both tracking wedges and trim tabs
Hub Alignment using String Method

The VHA session was approved for IA renewal credit. VHA customers are encouraged to email suggested topics for next year’s tech brief.

Look Ma... No Trim Tabs! Track and Balance Tech Bulletin Posted for All VHA Main Rotor Blades

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 22:52:00 GMT

VHA recently published Technical Bulletin 20630000-2R2 titled “206 Main Rotor Blade Track and Balance Guidance.” This tech bulletin contains track and balance best practices and polar charts applicable to all VHA 206 main rotor blades, including those with trim tabs and those with tracking wedges. It also contains detailed information about installation tracking wedges and supersedes the Customer Service Specification CSS-502 Tracking Wedge Installation.

Shipping Woes For Main Rotor Blades

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 22:35:00 GMT

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 . . . Keep Reading

FAA Approves VHA Inspection Extension on -101 206B Mains

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:13:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently received FAA approval to extend the service life of the grip plates on the original 206B main rotor blades (Part No. 20631000-101) from 2,800 hours to 4,800 hours. This change results . . . Keep Reading

Heliwest Representing VHA at Rotortech 2022

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:41:00 GMT

VHA distributor Heliwest Group is exhibiting at the ROTORTECH 2022 Helicopter and Unmanned Flight Exposition held in Brisbane, Australia, June 21-23. Damien Dew, Manager of Engineering for Heliwest Group, will be on hand all three . . . Keep Reading

Customer Spotlight on Leading Edge Aviation and Flight Academy

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 22:58:00 GMT

Bend, Oregon—ranked among the top ten places to live in the United States—is an outdoors paradise and home to Leading Edge Flight Academy (LEFA) and Leading Edge Aviation. This Pacific Northwest city enjoys more than . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on American Huey 369 Organization

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:36:00 GMT

VHA Passes TIA on H125 Tail Rotor Assembly

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 19:14:00 GMT

VHA also passed the FAA Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). The last major step before STC certification, the TIA flight involved test pilots from the FAA who put the new tail rotor blade system through a series of maneuvers including hovers in and out of ground effect, autorotations, and turns of various speeds and banks. . . . Keep Reading

Distributor Spotlight: Aero Products

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 22:28:00 GMT

VHA Engineers Present Tech Brief at Heli-Expo 2022

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 19:02:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation engineers presented a Manufacturer’s Tech Brief on installation and repair procedures of composite rotor blades at HAI Heli-Expo 2022 on Tuesday, March 8 at 3 pm. Approximately 35 technicians and other company . . . Keep Reading

VHA to Offer Demo Flights at Heli-Expo

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 21:11:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation is offering demo flights in our Bell 206B JetRanger on Monday, March 7 in conjunction with the 2022 HAI Heli-Expo convention in Dallas, Texas. The demo flights will take place at Dallas . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Livingston Aviation

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 18:53:00 GMT

Combined ICA Published for 206 Series TRB

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:40:00 GMT

To streamline documentation efforts for our customers and ourselves, Van Horn Aviation petitioned the FAA to allow us to publish one Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) for our 206 series tail rotor blades (part number . . . Keep Reading

Customer Spotlight on Helicopters Canada

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 23:52:00 GMT

Nicknamed the “Gateway of the North,” North Bay Ontario is a perfect Canadian getaway with its stunning parks, lakes, beaches and winter trail systems. The city originated as a rail yard for the Canadian Pacific . . . Keep Reading

Bearings Update for 206 Series Tail Rotor Blades

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 22:18:00 GMT

Due to supply chain challenges, we are temporarily out of the Aurora WC-6TG-10 bearings used in the 206 series tail rotor blades. We expect to have them back in stock in first quarter of 2022. To continue . . . Keep Reading

T&B Guidelines for VHA Main Rotor Blades

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 22:55:00 GMT

To assist operators in their goal of a smooth and painless track & balance experience, VHA engineers recently compiled a set of procedures and best practices for performing track & balance on VHA 206B/L main . . . Keep Reading

Inconel Approved for VHA Abrasion Strips

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 23:33:00 GMT

VHA’s 206B/L main rotor blades were initially designed with two or three overlapping abrasion strips covering the the leading edge. The inboard and middle abrasion strips were made from roll-formed stainless steel; the outboard tip . . . Keep Reading

VHA Announces Airbus H125/AS350 Tail Rotor System

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 01:36:00 GMT

In June 2021, Van Horn Aviation completed the first ground run of its newly-developed tail rotor system for the Airbus Helicopters H125, previously known as the AS350. Features of the new system include: Individually-replaceable composite . . . Keep Reading

Shipping Tips (or Don’t Toss that Crate!)

Tue, 25 May 2021 23:48:00 GMT

Once rotor blades have been installed, typically they stay on or very close to the helicopter. But sometimes unforeseen circumstances require the blades to be shipped to another facility for overhaul, repair, painting, or because . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Leading Edge Aviation

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 22:35:00 GMT

For more than 25 years Leading Edge Aviation has served the community in South Africa and the surrounding areas. Established in 1996, this family-run business is located near the southern half of Kruger National Park, . . . Keep Reading

VHA Improves 206B Main Rotor Blade

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:34:00 GMT

Many customers have asked about the differences between our original 206B JetRanger main rotor blades (Part Number 20631000-101) and our 206B Version 2 blades Part Number 20635000-501) This post explains the differences and provides some . . . Keep Reading

206 Main Rotor Blade Trim Tabs

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 17:09:00 GMT

The Issue

Operators have reported partial debonding of trim tabs on a small number of main rotor blades.

Trim tab assemblies on VHA main rotor blades consist of two identical trim tabs that are bonded together and then bonded to the trailing edge of the main rotor blade structure. The trim tabs incorporate a joggle to allow the tab to fit over the trailing edge of the blade.

Early 206L MRB trim tabs had a shallow joggle that inadvertently allowed the trim tabs to be installed too far onto the blade assembly, thereby creating a preload in the bondline of the tab-to-blade bond regions. The preload created the potential for microcracking of the adhesive bondline when the trim tabs were adjusted.

Under extreme conditions, environmental contaminants were found to gradually penetrate the bondline and slowly cause delaminations of the trim tab assembly.

Note that this is not a safety of flight issue as trim tabs are used to adjust vibration levels caused by manufacturing variables to enhance ride comfort. The blades are shipped with trim tabs set neutral to the chord line, thus not affecting the rotor system, and many operators find that they don’t need to adjust the trim tabs during track and balance.

Repair Requirements

Any debonded trim tabs must be removed and rebonded to the trailing edge of the rotor blade. This can generally be done at the customer’s facility by personnel authorized in composite structures repair. Refer to VHA Service Bulletin 33000-3R2 for complete information and instructions.

VHA Solutions

When operators contacted us about this issue, we immediately dispatched personnel from Van Horn Repair to repair the blades under warranty.
We created new trim tab assembly kits to provide to operators.
We redesigned the trim tabs to modify the joggle and eliminate the fit issue.
We published Service Bulletin 33000-3R2 regarding this issue.

VHA Receives Brazilian STC for 206B Version 2 Main Rotor Blades

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 23:34:00 GMT

In mid-November 2020, Van Horn Aviation received a letter from Brazil’s Agency Nacional de Aviacao Civil (ANAC) conferring a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for 206B main rotor blades bearing the part number 20635000-501. The ANAC . . . Keep Reading

Transport Canada Accepts FAA STC for VHA 206B Version 2 Main Rotor Blades

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 23:08:00 GMT

On October 30, 2020, Arizona-based rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) received a Letter of Acceptance from Transport Canada for the company’s updated composite main rotor blades fitting the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. Approved . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Black Diamond Aviation

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 21:31:00 GMT

VHA Celebrates New STC for 206B Version 2 Main Rotor Blades

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 21:51:00 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration issued STC SR02732LA for Van Horn Aviation’s new 206B Version 2 composite main rotor blades designated part number 20635000-501. With redesigned carbon fiber ply counts and orientation to provide a softer . . . Keep Reading

CSS Posted to Address Abrasion Strip Cracking

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 18:41:00 GMT

The Issue

A few operators of VHA 206L main rotor blades (P/N 20633000-101) have found cracks in the leading edge abrasion strips (either inboard or at the tip) within the first 1,000 hours of flight.

We believe this issue applies mainly to the 206L main rotor blades, likely confined to serial numbers A043, A044, A078, A079, A083, and A084. There has also been one report of similar cracking on a 206B main rotor blade abrasion strip, but that seems to have been an isolated issue.

The 206B/L main rotor blades contain three overlapping abrasion strips covering the entire length of the leading edge. The inboard and middle abrasion strips are made from roll-formed stainless steel; the outboard tip abrasion strip is electroformed in-house at VHA.

These abrasion strips are non-structural components of the main rotor blade assembly and serve to protect the underlying composite material from impact and erosion damage. The abrasion strips are designed to remain installed and in service even after sustaining damage due to erosion, impact, or cracking as long as no underlying void or debond has occurred (in the case of an impact).

During certification testing, an inboard section of the main rotor blade with a bonded inboard abrasion strip was tested to the equivalent of the full life of the blade. The test showed that even when cracks appeared in the abrasion strip, the underlying composite structure was not compromised.

Repair Requirements

Cracks in any abrasion strip require a tap inspection upon discovery. If no voids or debonds are found on either side of the crack, cover the cracks with polyurethane tape. See the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) document VMM-MR-206L-501_RevB and Customer Support Specification (CSS) CSS-501

If any voids or debonds are found, this likely indicates impact damage. Contact Van Horn Aviation immediately for repair guidance.

VHA Solutions

Van Horn Aviation has taken the following steps to resolve this issue:

We revised the appropriate ICA with inspection and repair procedures and posted the new ICA on our Documents page.
We created a new Customer Service Specification (CSS-501) to provide procedures for the 3M Polyurethane Tape Installation.
We are contacting operators with the products and serial numbers that may be affected by this issue. Those operators who have turned in warranty cards for the serial numbers identified have been or will be contacted by VHA regarding the issue and the appropriate documents.
We are also letting operators know through our newsletter and social media channels.
We have received FAA approval to replace the stainless steel abrasion strips with Inconel (a nickel-chromium alloy). New main rotor blades manufactured after June 2021 will contain the Inconel abrasion strips.

VHA Receives TIA on 206B Version 2 Main Rotor Blades

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 16:05:00 GMT

VHA recently received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) on its updated composite main rotor blades for the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. The last major hurdle prior to receiving a supplemental type certificate . . . Keep Reading

Beware of Invoice Fraud

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 23:30:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation has been the target of several cases of invoice fraud over the past few years, a few of which have impacted our customers. Thankfully, as far as we know, all have been . . . Keep Reading

Paint Cracking on UH-1 Tail Rotor Blades

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:23:00 GMT

VHA Solutions

Van Horn Aviation has taken the following steps to solve these issues:

We re-engineered the UH-1 tail rotor blades with rounded doublers rather than the straight lines of the square doublers. We received FAA approval for the major change and began manufacturing the new blades in October 2017 under the part number 2042200-103. The new doubler plies may resolve the issue. Note that although the -101 and -103 blades are exactly the same except for the shape of the doublers, they are not interchangeable. For balance, an installed set of blades must be both -101s or -103s.
We switched to a new type of nanoparticle paint in 2020 that is more flexible and should prevent paint cracking along ply seams. Operators with -101 blades can opt to repaint their blades with the new nano paint.

Pilot Review of 206L Main and Tail Rotor Blades

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 22:47:00 GMT

Initially posted by Quantum Helicopters pilot Dean Scarrow on October 26, 2019 in the Bell 206 JetRanger LongRanger OH-58 Kiowas group on Facebook. Re-printed (with permission) verbatim with light editing for typos and spacing. Concerning . . . Keep Reading

Distributor Spotlight – AOG Heliservices

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 22:17:00 GMT

Located on Norman Rogers Airport (CYGK) in Kingston, Ontario, AOG Heliservices has been providing helicopter maintenance services to Canadian operators since 1983. Owner Ken Przontka has spent his entire life in aviation, growing up in . . . Keep Reading

VHA Offers Nano Repaint Options

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:19:00 GMT

If your 206 or UH-1 is down for maintenance, now is the time to consider repainting your tail rotor blades. VHA recently switched to a new nano hybrid polyurethane (NHP) topcoat that provides increased durability, . . . Keep Reading

VHA Rolls Out New NHP Topcoat on all Rotor Blades

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Beginning with April 2020 deliveries, VHA customers may notice a matte finish on their main and tail rotor blades. VHA has begun applying a new nano hybrid polyurethane (NHP) topcoat to all of its main and tail rotor . . . Keep Reading

VHA Tail Rotor Blades Featured in uAvionix Tail Beacon Ad

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:21:00 GMT

Montana-based aftermarket avionics manufacturer uAvionix recently featured the tail of a Bell 206 in an ad for its “rotorcraft ready” TailBeacon ADS-B solution. Seen in the January 2020 issue of AOPA Pilot magazine, the ad . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Agricultural Air Services

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:10:00 GMT

2019 Pricing on 206L Blades through Heli-Expo 2020

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 17:15:00 GMT

The 2020 Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli-Expo is being held January 28-30 in sunny Anaheim, California. Customers, operators, and enthusiasts are welcome to drop by Booth 4507 and say hello to the Van Horn Aviation team. While at . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Flying for Freedom SA

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 16:13:00 GMT

TR Bearing Field Installation Procedures Updated

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 18:24:00 GMT

VHA engineering staff posted a major revision to the CSS-500-WC-6TG-10 Bearing Installation guide in March 2019. Revision D of this customer support specification includes revised procedures for the removal, installation, and inspection of the WC-6TG-10 . . . Keep Reading

VHA Joins the PartsBase Community

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:22:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently joined the more than 7,500 companies on PartsBase, a Florida-based online aviation marketplace for aircraft parts and services that includes more than 115 million line items and is used by more . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Quantum Helicopters

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 22:09:00 GMT

Based in the stunningly beautiful Coast Mountains of Northwest British Columbia in Canada, Quantum Helicopters Ltd operates a small fleet of Bell 206B JetRanger, Bell 206L LongRanger, and Airbus H125 (Eurocopter EC350 AStar) helicopters.

While Quantum works primarily in the Northwest bordering on Alaska, client requests have taken its helicopters across Canada and into the high arctic regions of the country. Quantum’s highly qualified staff support a wide variety of industries. Year-round support of the tourism industry provides access to remote fishing locations in world class waters, and mountain top cabins for those heli-ski adventure seekers. Environmental monitoring includes fish counts, poaching patrols and archaeology, made possible with helicopters outfitted to suit the rugged terrain. Forestry, mineral exploration, oil/gas, and maintenance services are available to meet the needs of life and industry in western Canada.

Quantum Helicopters was the first Canadian operator to install and fly VHA’s 206L Long Ranger main rotor blades earlier this year (2019). Quantum Director of Maintenance Barclay Macdonald assisted with the blades’ installation, with pilot Melody Steele on hand to fly the first flights. “It was amazing how beautifully balanced and smooth our VHA blades were and the miniscule adjustments they required,” said Steele. “There were zero difficulties in setting up the new VHA blades.”

“The Van Horn blades were almost perfectly balanced to one another,” said McDonald. “The static balance was almost over before it began with only the smallest of weight put into one blade bolt and no need for sweep. Once the pitch links were set to satisfactory hover vertical vibration at .05 ips, the machine was smoothed to .12 ips at 130 mph with only 1-1/2 degree of up tab to a single outboard tab.”

Quantum has put more than 150 hours of service on the blades, and the staff has noticed differences between the OEM metal blades and the new VHA composite blades. “The biggest change for us is the sound difference,” said McDonald. “It’s lost its thump and now has a whispy-whisp sound. It’s also gone from not very good ride quality to fantastic ride quality.”

Steele also commented on the ride quality of the Van Horn blades. “As you begin to lift into that first hover, you feel that you are simply floating into the air,” Steele said. “Entering translational lift, the aircraft seems to effortlessly climb skywards. In general, there is an overall improved smoothness to the aircraft with the blades producing a different ‘feel’ in the cabin. This smoothness is consistent in all aspects of flight and we are convinced our customers will appreciate it just as much as we do.”

In addition, as minor as it may seem to some people, Steele says that the new tie down setup for the blades has been an unexpected bonus. “It’s eliminated what can sometimes be a struggle tying down the blades,” Steele said, “Especially in windy weather and particularly for the short folks!”

Veelo Technologies Displays VHA Blade at MRO Americas

Sat, 11 May 2019 18:29:00 GMT

Veelo Technologies featured a VHA tail rotor blade in its MRO Americas 2019 display in Atlanta in April to demonstrate the drapability of its proprietary VeeloHEAT carbon-based non-metallic heater blanket material. A subsidiary of Cincinnati, . . . Keep Reading

VHA Mourns Loss of Colleagues

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 00:31:00 GMT

It is with great sadness that Van Horn Aviation reports the loss of two friends and colleagues on board a Bell 206B JetRanger that was involved in an accident on April 16, 2019. Contract experimental . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Salmon River Helicopters

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 18:38:00 GMT

SIDEBAR: A Van Horn Repair Success Story

Salmon River purchased its first set of VHA UH-1 Huey tail rotor blades in 2010. Contract Administrator Niki Schacher and pilot Cody Carlson explained how one of their Huey tail rotor blades was damaged when an engine diffuser cap fell off the helicopter and struck the tail rotor blade, severely denting the abrasion strip and delaminating several layers of carbon fiber near the tip (see photo). With very few hours logged on the blade, they were not ready to scrap the seemingly unrepairable blade. So they sent it back to VHA. Our engineers and composite experts at Van Horn Repair figured out how to fix the damage and return the blade to service. Our paint department added the finishing touches and the blade is now back in the air. A second blade had minor damage to the leading edge and was sent in for repair as a precautionary measure to ensure the carbon fiber was not exposed to possible moisture. It also was successfully repaired and currently flying.

DSI Offering VHA Main Rotor Blade Software for VXP Systems

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 23:01:00 GMT

Diagnostic Solutions International (DSI) is expanding its capabilities to support Van Horn Aviation (VHA) main rotor blades by offering VHA 206B and 206L main rotor blade track and balance software for the Honeywell Vibration Expert . . . Keep Reading

Touching Up Paint on VHA Rotor Blades

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 21:49:00 GMT

Keeping your composite rotor blades painted is crucial to protect carbon fibers from ultraviolet (UV) rays and other sources of damage. Missing or peeling paint can also cause a slight imbalance of the rotor blade, . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Salt Air

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 20:25:00 GMT

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 . . . Keep Reading

Cleaning and Care of Paint on VHA Rotor Blades

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 21:27:00 GMT

VHA blades are painted with a durable polyurethane coating at time of production. Our tail rotor blades use a single stage system, while the main rotor blades are coated with a two-stage basecoat and clearcoat . . . Keep Reading

Operators React to 206L Main Blades During California Tour

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 18:57:00 GMT

During the second week of November 2018, VHA Engineering Manager Stephen Estes and contract pilot Marvin Hamilton returned the 206L4 that VHA had borrowed from San Juan Aviation for several years of flight testing. While . . . Keep Reading

Canada, Brazil Grant STC’s to VHA 206L Main Blades

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 00:07:00 GMT

The aviation regulatory authorities of Canada and Brazil individually granted supplemental type certificate (STC) validation for VHA’s 206L main rotor blade within a few days of each other. The validations of FAA STC SR02684LA apply . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on A&P Helicopters

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:24:00 GMT

California operator A&P Helicopters uses a fleet of light and medium utility helicopters to accomplish a wide variety of tasks in construction, law enforcement, power and pipeline patrol, and more. Fred and Willa Young founded the . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on PJ Helicopters

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 22:31:00 GMT

Based in Red Bluff, California, PJ Helicopters has been providing rotary-wing services since 1971. Its mixed fleet includes Bell JetRangers, LongRangers, Hueys, 214s, and 407s; MD 520Ns and 530Fs; Airbus AS350B3s; and PJH Utility Hawks; . . . Keep Reading

206B/L Main Blade Differences

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 22:06:00 GMT

Unlike our 206 tail rotor blade which fits on B3, L series, and OH-58 models, our 206 main rotor blades are designed specifically for each model (JetRanger or LongRanger; OH-58 is still in development). On . . . Keep Reading

8 Reasons You Should Buy VHA Main Rotor Blades Now

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 22:09:00 GMT

Wondering why you should make the investment in composite main rotor blades for the Bell 206? For many operators, the longer service life — up to four times longer than the OEM metal blades — . . . Keep Reading

VHA Receives FAA STC for 206L LongRanger Main Blades

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 00:46:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation has received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02684LA from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for composite main rotor blades installed on the Bell 206L LongRanger helicopter. Loosely based on VHA’s composite 206B JetRanger . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Volcanic Air

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 22:08:00 GMT

In Volcanic Air’s 206B JetRanger, it’s a relatively quick 20-minute flight from the shores of Lake Rotorua to the interior of New Zealand’s only active marine volcano: White Island. On the way, your pilot tells . . . Keep Reading

VHA Featured in Composites World Magazine

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 17:20:00 GMT

Composites World magazine editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan visited Van Horn Aviation’s Tempe, Ariz., facility in January. His story about VHA’s history and its use of composite materials to manufacture rotor blades provides insights to our design . . . Keep Reading

VHA to Sell 206L Main Blades Direct to Customers

Tue, 15 May 2018 23:16:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation (VHA) offer direct sale on its 206L LongRanger composite main rotor blades immediately following FAA certification, which is expected in July 2018. Aeronautical Accessories will continue to serve as the exclusive distributor . . . Keep Reading

Sedona Air Tours Adds VHA Mains

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 15:36:00 GMT

Based in the scenic Arizona town that gives the company its name, Sedona Air Tours operates a fleet of four fixed-wing aircraft and five helicopters. After flying VHA tail rotor blades on their 206B3 JetRanger . . . Keep Reading

Emperor Aviation Completes First VHA 206B Main Blade Installation in Africa

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 19:17:00 GMT

Emperor Aviation, a helicopter sales and maintenance facility based in Germiston, South Africa, recently installed and flew the first set of VHA 206B main rotor blades on the African continent. After a complete rebuild/restoration, . . . Keep Reading

206L High Altitude Flight Tests Complete

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 23:47:00 GMT

The VHA engineering team completed a battery of high altitude flight tests on the VHA 206L LongRanger main rotor blades in mid-March 2018. The tests were conducted at Lake County Airport (elevation 9,927 ft) . . . Keep Reading

Spotlight on Dillon Aero

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 01:21:00 GMT

Dillon Aero in Scottsdale, Arizona Our customers do some amazing things with helicopters. If those amazing things include suppressing enemy fire or strafing an enemy column with miniguns blazing, chances are that a Dillon Aero . . . Keep Reading

206L Main Blade 007 Strain-Gaged and Ready to Fly

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:03:00 GMT

Main rotor blade flight testing requires loads to be measured at various stations along the blade. To prepare 206L main blade 007 for flight test, our engineers and techs spent countless hours placing, bonding, wiring . . . Keep Reading

VHA Updates UH-1 Tail Rotor Blades

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:58:00 GMT

VHA recently implemented design changes to its UH-1 tail rotor blade. Designated part number 2042200-103, the new blade features rounded doublers instead of the squared-off doublers used on the 2042200-101 blade. In every other way, . . . Keep Reading

VHA Privacy Policy

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 23:41:00 GMT

VHA Privacy Policy

As a manufacturer of dynamic components for helicopters, Van Horn Aviation collects information from customers that allows us to track the usage of our products for warranty and sales purposes. Website visitors may also opt in to subscribe to our newsletters; we collect the information that allows our newsletter platform to email newsletters and updates based on customer demographics.

Type of information collected:

Customer name and contact information (such as address, phone number, email)
Number and type of helicopters in customer’s fleet using our products
Type and serial number of our products purchased or installed
Information provided to us by the customer or interested party through social media or website inquiry

How we use collected information:

To notify customers of product improvements and other pertinent information
To respond to requests and inquiries
To provide warranty and support services
To administer promotions or contests

Who we share information with:

No one, except as necessary to perform services and to complete payment transactions with customer consent
We do not disclose any information to third parties (such as repair stations) without the customer’s consent.
We do not sell customer information to mailing lists or other data mining enterprises.

Opting out:

Users can choose not to provide us their information when using our website(s) or mobile application(s). However if the information request is not identified as optional and a user chooses to not provide required information, then the user may not be able to use the features of the website or mobile application.

Fly Before You Buy Program

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 20:00:00 GMT

Demo Availability

— 206B Main Rotor Blades
— 206 Series Tail Rotor Blades

(Not available for 206L main rotor blades or UH-1 Huey tail rotor blades)

Program Details

— Tour of VHA manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona USA
— Flight at VHA flight test facility at Falcon Field (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona
— Access to VHA pilots, engineers and technicians to provide briefings and answer questions
— Up to 2 hours of flight time (Pilots must have current rotorcraft pilot license with minimum 250 hours plus 10 hours in type to take controls)
— No cost to qualified prospective buyers
— Program attendees responsible for their own transportation, hotel and meals

For More Information or to Register

Please fill out the contact form below. We will contact you within two business days.

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

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 22:34:00 GMT

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 . . . Keep Reading

206B Main Rotor Blade Balance Charts from DSI

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 19:07:00 GMT

Representatives from Diagnostic Solutions International (DSI) worked with VHA test engineers to create a set of paper charts that any operator can use to balance their VHA composite 206B main rotor blades. The set includes . . . Keep Reading

206B Main Rotor Blade Ball Bearing Hailstone Impact Testing

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 17:18:00 GMT

As part of the 206B main rotor blade fatigue tests conducted in 2015 for FAA certification, Van Horn Aviation created simulated hailstone impacts on a fatigue test specimen. 1.25-inch diameter ball bearings were dropped through . . . Keep Reading

206B Main Blade Trim Tab Adjustment Overview

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 09:45:00 GMT

Our original 206B main rotor blade (P/N 20631000-101) features a single trim tab for easy track and balance. We ship each blade with the trim tab set at zero degrees, and many operators find that they . . . Keep Reading

First Flight of Van Horn Composite 206B Jet Ranger Main Rotor Blades in Australia

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 21:46:00 GMT

Three operators in Australia and New Zealand installed VHA 206B composite main rotor blades within three weeks of each other in late February/early March 2017. VHA President Dean Rosenlof traveled to Australia to meet with operators and . . . Keep Reading

VHA Receives Transport Canada STC for 206B Main Rotor Blades

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 22:12:00 GMT

Transport Canada issued Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) number SH16-46 to Van Horn Aviation on October 27, 2016, for our 206B main rotor blades. The issuance of the STC now allows Canadian operators to install and fly . . . Keep Reading

Hummingbird Helicopters Installs First Set of VHA 206B Main Rotor Blades

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 23:25:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation (VHA) CEO Jim Van Horn and President Dean Rosenlof traveled to Valley Center, Calif., to witness the first installation and flight of VHA 206B main rotor blades on a customer’s helicopter. Bob Hoag, owner and operator . . . Keep Reading

VHA Receives FAA STC on 206B Main Rotor Blades

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 18:02:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation (VHA) has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for composite main rotor blades fitting the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. The new VHA 206B main rotor blades . . . Keep Reading

VHA Completes Certification Testing on 206B Main Rotor Blades

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 21:12:00 GMT

At the end of January, VHA engineers shut down the 206B main rotor blade fatigue test for the last time and confirmed that all FAA certification testing for the project was complete. Currently compiling data and preparing all . . . Keep Reading

VHA Receives Japanese STC for 206B Tail Rotor Blades

Sun, 06 Sep 2015 20:35:00 GMT

The Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) issued JCAB STC No. STC-434-TYO on August 31, 2015, approving the use of the VHA 206 series replacement tail rotor blade (per FAA STC SR02249LA) on Bell 206B helicopters registered . . . Keep Reading

VHA Receives TIA on 206B Main Rotor Blade Program

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 04:33:00 GMT

VHA has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) on its composite main rotor blades for the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. The FAA generally issues TIA after examining the technical data and determining . . . Keep Reading

VHA Conducts Baseline Testing, Gets Ready for 206 Main Blade Flight Tests

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 04:52:00 GMT

VHA engineering and flight test personnel began baseline testing in October 2014 in preparation for 206B main rotor blade flight tests. Involving a series of maneuvers at different speeds and configurations, the baseline testing allows . . . Keep Reading

Bearing Field Installation Instructions Posted

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 20:12:00 GMT

In response to customer requests, Van Horn Aviation posted the instructions for field replacement of bearings in its 206/OH-58 tail rotor blades. Operators and their maintenance personnel can download Customer Support Specification CSS-500 WC-6TG-8 Bearing . . . Keep Reading

Updated 206B3 ICA Adds Info for Short Blade Operators

Fri, 23 May 2014 00:34:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation posted a new 206B3 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness VMM-206B3-301 revision that includes information for early serial number 206A/B helicopters using shorter rotor blades. Section 62.3.2 of this ICA provides the requirements for 206A/B . . . Keep Reading

VHA Featured in HeliWeb Magazine

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:25:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation was featured in a company spotlight published in the March 2014 issue of HeliWeb magazine, formerly known as The Helicopter Newspaper. The article provides some background on how the company started, describes . . . Keep Reading

Van Horn Aviation Establishes Repair Station

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 00:37:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently obtained FAA Repair Station Certificate V7JR502Y, establishing its own repair station. The new Van Horn Repair (VHR) is co-located with VHA’s Tempe, Arizona, manufacturing facilities and will specialize on repairing VHA . . . Keep Reading

VHA Shifts Priorities to 206 Main Rotor Blade Development

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 01:05:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently shifted its development priorities to focus on the 206 main rotor blade program after the MD500 main rotor blade flight test program was cut short by unexpected unavailability of the test . . . Keep Reading

VHA Shifts Priorities to 206 Main Blade Development

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 00:55:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently shifted its development priorities to focus on the 206 main rotor blade program after the MD500 main blade flight test program was cut short by unexpected unavailability of the test aircraft. . . . Keep Reading

Manufacturing 412/212 Flight Test Blades

Sat, 26 Oct 2013 00:51:00 GMT

VHA personnel have begun the process of manufacturing flight test blades for the 412/212 tail rotor blade program. The first set of flight test blades will be serial numbers 005 and 006, as four blades . . . Keep Reading

MD530F Flight Testing Going Well

Sat, 26 Oct 2013 00:38:00 GMT

Flight testing continues on the MD530F main rotor blades. We’ve done more flight testing on this set of main rotor blades than the previous two versions combined. Still performing some minor tweaks, such as returning . . . Keep Reading

VHA Completes First Set of Hover Tests on Gen3 MD530F Main Blades

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 18:32:00 GMT

The third time seems to be the charm. At the end of two days of ground run-ups and brief hovers in ground effect for track and balance, the VHA flight test team was able to . . . Keep Reading

MD530F Main Blade Flight Testing Kicks Off with Baseline Weight Measurements

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 22:10:00 GMT

In late June 2013, representatives from MD Helicopters arrived at VHA’s Tempe, Arizona, facility to obtain baseline weight measurements of the MD530F test ship. The aircraft was weighed with the current metal main rotor blades . . . Keep Reading

RFID

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:47:00 GMT

We are testing a new RFID technology so that our rotor blades are assembled and cured with a RFID tag bonded into the assembly. This will allow better tracking in production and in the field.

VHA Featured in A2Z Metalworking Magazine

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:20:00 GMT

Responding to increased demands for its tail rotor blades and looking toward future production needs as main rotor blades continue to be developed, VHA has upgraded and purchased several new computer numeric controlled (CNC) machining centers over the past year. All of this activity caught the attention of A2Z Meta lwork er magazine, which ran an article on VHA, its facility, and its relationship with machine broker Ellison Machinery, in the May/June 2013 issue of its Southwest edition.

To download a PDF copy of this article, click here.

412/212 Tail Rotor Blade Prototype completed

Wed, 01 May 2013 06:59:00 GMT

VHA completed the first full-scale prototype of its 412/212 tail rotor blade shortly before the 2013 HAI Heli-Expo.

The Van Horn Way Highlighted in Vertical Magazine

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:51:00 GMT

The April/May 2013 issue of Vertical magazine featured a six-page story entitled, “The Van Horn Way.” Written by veteran helicopter pilot Jason Calquhoun who has logged more than 500 hours on a Bell 206 JetRanger fitted with VHA tail rotor blades, the story describes how Van Horn Aviation’s small business approach to solving problems has facilitated success in both product development and working with OEMs.

VHA Signs MOU with Bell Helicopter for Composite 412/212 Tail Rotor Blades

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:25:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. concerning 412/212 rotor blades. Under the MOU, VHA will design, certify and manufacture composite tail rotor blades to supply the Bell 412/212 product lines. The VHA 412/212 tail rotor blades will also be available for purchase by current operators through Aeronautical Accessories, a Bell Helicopter brand.

“Our 412/212 tail rotor blades will share many of the same qualities of our proven 206 tail rotor blades, including a robust composite design and efficient airfoil,” said VHA president James Van Horn. “We have already completed the design and manufacture of the prototype blade and will be flight testing this summer.”

The certification process will require a bird strike test, which will be conducted prior to flight testing. VHA plans to conduct bird strike and initial flight tests during summer 2013.

206B Main Blade Prototype Completed for HAI 2013

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:36:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation personnel manufactured the first VHA composite 206B main blade in January 2013, completing it in time to display at HAI’s Heli-Expo in February. Borrowing from the VHA 206B/L tail rotor blade already in production, the main rotor blade will use a similar foam core/carbon fiber skin construction, nickel abrasion strip and titanium root fitting. The VHA composite blade will also feature a more efficient airfoil than the current OEM metal blade; this airfoil is expected to improve lift characteristics while also significantly reducing the noise signature of the helicopter.

Flight testing is scheduled to begin in fall 2013 with FAA certification in late 2015.

Aeronautical Accessories Becomes Exclusive Distributor of VHA 206B/L Tail Rotor Blades

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:42:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently increased production of its 206B/L composite tail rotor blades in response to a new agreement with Bell Helicopters. The agreement, signed earlier this week, grants Bell subsidiary Aeronautical Accessories exclusive rights to distribute VHA 206B/L tail rotor blades. Beginning December 7, 2012, operators wishing to purchase 206B/L tail rotor blades should contact their local Bell Helicopter Service Center or Aeronautical Accessories at 1-800-251-7094.

VHA will continue to sell its UH-1 Huey composite tail rotor blade directly to operators through its distributor network.

VHA Receives Brazilian STC for 206 TR Blades

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 23:35:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently received a supplemental type certificate for its 206B/L tail rotor blades from the Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil (National Civil Aviation Agency) of Brazil. The Brazilian STC allows 206B/L owners in that country to legally install and fly VHA’s composite tail rotor blades on their helicopters. For a copy of the Brazilian STC, see our documents page.

VHA Featured in Helicopter Publications

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 07:38:00 GMT

Two helicopter publications — HeliMX and ALEA’s Air Beat — featured Van Horn Aviation in recent issues. HeliMX editor Fred Polak visited VHA’s Tempe, Ariz., facility to interview VHA President James R. Van Horn regarding the general manufacture and repair of composite components. While at the facility, Fred took numerous photos that appeared in the article, and selected a photo of VHA painter David Beltran for the front cover of HeliMX’s August/September issue. To read the article, visit http://www.helimx.com/article/carbon-fiber-–-new-spin-main-and-tail-rotor-blades .

The Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA)’s Air Beat magazine contacted VHA regarding a corporate profile to run in its July/August issue. VHA contacted several law enforcement customers for the article, including Lt. Michael Ingram of the Pasadena (Calif.) Police Department’s Air Ops Section and Sgt. Nick Cory of the Tulsa (Okla.) Police Department’s Air Support Unit, who were both featured in the article. ALEA members can find the article on pages 48-49 of the July/August Air Beat. If you’re not an ALEA member, click this link VHA corp profile Jul-Aug 2012 Air Beat to read the article.

VHA Begins Flight Test of New MD 530F Main Rotor Blades

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:25:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation returned to flight testing this week as it celebrated a successful first flight of its MD 530F main rotor blades on July 24, 2012. The flight testing, held at the MD Helicopters facility in Mesa, Ariz., validated the design changes made to the blade since last year’s initial hover test and allows the program to move forward toward certification. VHA flight test personnel expect to continue through the various phases of flight testing through the third quarter 2012.

VHA 206B/L Tail Rotor Blades now certified by EASA

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:33:00 GMT

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for VHA’s 206B/L composite tail rotor blade on April 23, 2012. The EASA STC means that European operators of 206B, 206L, 206L1, 206L3 and 206L4 helicopters can now legally install the VHA 206B/L tail rotor blades on their aircraft. A copy of the EASA STC is now posted in the Documents section of this website.

VHA Ends Trace WorldWide Distributorship

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:57:00 GMT

As of March 19, 2012, Van Horn Aviation’s distributor agreement with Trace WorldWide ended and was not renewed. VHA customers can still order our rotor blades through Aeronautical Accessories (1-800-251-7094), from any Bell Authorized Service Center, or from a number of other VHA distributors. For a map of U.S. and Canadian distributors, click here . For a list of international distributors, see our Distributors page.

VHA Announces Price Increase

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:38:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation has increased the list prices of its composite tail rotor blades effective February 10, 2012. List price of the 206/OH-58 tail rotor blades is now $9,900 per blade or $19,800 per set. List price of UH-1 tail rotor blades is now $12,000 each or $24,000 per set.

New 206 Flight Manual Supplements Posted

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:43:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently posted new FAA-approved Flight Manual Supplements (FMS) for the Bell 206L1, 206L3 and 206L4 helicopters on its Documents page. The FMS’s provide new hover performance charts for each model that increase the allowable weight in ground effect (IGE) by 170 lbs and out of ground effect (OGE) by 75 lbs in Area A. Area A is the region of the hover performance charts where FAA controllability requirements are met (17 kt winds in all azimuths). Note that these charts do NOT increase the aircraft’s maximum internal gross weight limits.

The advanced airfoil design used on the VHA 2062200-101/301 tail rotor blade results in increased stall margin, thereby improving high altitude performance. Satisfactory stability and control has been demonstrated in relative winds of 30 MPH (26 kts) sideward and rearward at all loading conditions within an expanded Area A of the Hover Ceiling Charts. Each FMS provides the expanded chart and examples on how to use the charts to determine allowable weight in Area A when flying VHA tail rotor blades.

The use of VHA tail rotor blades does NOT authorize loading over the aircraft’s maximum internal gross weight limits.

Van Horn Aviation Moves Into New Facility

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation recently moved into its new facility located at 1510 W. Drake Drive in Tempe, Arizona. Purchased by VHA in April 2011, the building underwent extensive renovations for several months before the company began moving its operations to the new facility in November.

The Drake Drive facility, with its square footage of approximately 23,000 sq. ft., is nearly four times as large as VHA’s former 6,400 sq. ft. facility. It’s located just off of Interstate 10 at the Elliot Road exit for convenient access from the metro Phoenix area, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and communities to the south.

With the increase in available manufacturing space, VHA also added new paint and prep booths, built separate kitting and clean rooms, and increased its shipping and receiving area. Other amenities in the new facility include lockers, showers and a break room for employees; an upgraded conference room with large screen media center; and an expanded phone system.

For updated contact information, see our Contact Us page.

VHA Open House December 9, 2011

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:26:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation is in the process of moving into a our newly refurbished facility at 1510 W. Drake Drive in Tempe, Ariz. To celebrate this momentous event, we’re having an Open House on December 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. See our new facility and preview our new rotor blade projects! All are welcome, but please RSVP using the attached link, so we have enough food!

VHA 206 Blades Featured in Rotor & Wing Article

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation’s 206/OH-58 tail rotor blades were featured on page 44 of Rotor & Wing’s September 2011 issue. The article, titled “The Supplemental Type,” included blurbs and photos of STC’d aftermarket products available for various helicopters. Of the 11 STC’d products included in the article, only four blurbs included photos, including our rotor blades installed on a Papillon Grand Canyon Bell 206.

To read the full article, click this link and go to page 40.

VHA Featured in RotorHUB Sidebar

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:56:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation’s tail and main rotor blade programs were highlighted in the June/July 2011 issue of RotorHUB magazine. While the feature story, titled “Spooling Up With a New Generation,” focused mainly on improvements to various classes of engines used in rotorcraft, it also contained a sidebar devoted to aftermarket composite rotor blades. The sidebar highlighted Carson Helicopters’ S-61 blades, Northwest Helicopters’ Huey main rotor blades (still in development), and VHA’s production Huey and 206 tail rotor blades plus our MD 500 main rotor blade program.

To read the full story: VHA sidebar June-July 2011

VHA Conducts Successful First Flight of Composite MD 500 Main Rotor Blades

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 11:44:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 7, VHA successfully completed a series of ground and flight tests of its composite MD 500 main rotor blades during a four-hour test session at the MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) facility in Mesa, Arizona aboard a MD 530F ^® test aircraft.

Greg Ashe, a retired Boeing experimental test pilot who served as the project test pilot on the Hughes 369F model and has more than 800 experimental flight test hours in the MD 500 series, performed all of the ground and flight tests with assistance from VHA and MDHI ground crew. The test session had three distinct parts: track and balance of the VHA blades, hover tests, and low-speed forward flight.

“We are thrilled that the composite blades performed well enough in initial ground and hover tests to take the aircraft into low-speed forward flight on the blade’s first flight test,” said Van Horn, a former U.S. Army instructor pilot who served as flight test engineer on the VHA MD 500 test session. “Our blades are very stable, even though transitional flight.”

Click here to see a video of this test flight.

VHA Debuts MD 530F Main Rotor Blades at Heli-Expo

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:50:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation delivered a full set of five prototype composite main rotor blades to MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), in late February just in time for MDHI to debut the blades on the MD 530F displayed at its Heli-Booth booth March 6-8.

The new blades will begin initial flight testing in March 2011, and are expected to receive FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) by the end of 2011. Once certified on the MD 530F, MDHI and VHA plan to certify the blade for the MD 520N® and a shorter version for the MD 500D® and MD 500E® models. Following those developments, VHA will begin designing composite tail rotor blades for the appropriate MD models.

For more information, read the press release issued by MDHI.

VHA Signs Distribution Agreement with Bell Helicopter

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:16:00 GMT

In accordance with an agreement announced at Heli-Expo earlier this month, Bell Helicopter-owned subsidiary Aeronautical Accessories is now distributing the VHA 206 composite tail rotor blade for Bell 206B3 and 206L series helicopters.

“We recognize our customers’ need for improved, cost-competitive replacement parts and are committed to finding ways of increasing productivity and reducing direct maintenance costs of our aircraft,” said R. Danny Maldonado, Senior Vice President and Chief Services Officer, Bell Helicopter. “Bell Helicopter has and will continue to develop strategic relationships, such as the one with Van Horn Aviation, to help us accomplish this goal.”

The VHA 206 tail rotor blade will carry a part number 2062200-301 in the Aeronautical Accessories catalog and will bear a third stripe. Aeronautical Accessories will be the exclusive distributor of the three-stripe VHA 206 blade. The original two-stripe blade is still available through VHA distributors. Besides the paint stripe, there are no differences in design or manufacture between the two-stripe and three-stripe blades.

For more information: Bell Helicopter Press Release, Aeronautical Accessories Fact Sheet

VHA Announces Price Increase Effective March 9, 2011

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:34:00 GMT

For the first time since placing its products on the market, Van Horn Aviation will be increasing the list prices of its composite tail rotor blades effective March 9, 2011. Current pricing of $9,000 per blade ($18,000 per set) for the 206/OH-58 blades and $11,000 each ($22,000 per set) for the UH-1 blades will remain in effect through the HAI Heli-Expo convention in Orlando, March 6-8.

After the convention ends, list price of the 206/OH-58 tail rotor blades will increase to $9,700 per blade or $19,400 per set. UH-1 tail rotor blades will increase to $11,800 each or $23,600 per set.

To order VHA tail rotor blades at current pricing, please call Trace Worldwide at 1-800-872-2310 before March 9.

VHA Featured In NASA Spinoff 2010 Yearbook

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:14:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation’s use of the NASA-developed RC(4)-10 laminar flow airfoil on the VHA 206B/L tail rotor blade was featured in Spinoff 2010 a n annual publication highlighting NASA technologies adapted for consumer use. The article discusses the impact of using this airfoil on the performance of the Bell 206, including reduced noise and drag, and includes quotes by VHA President Jim Van Horn who served as an engineer at NASA’s Ames Research Center in the early 1980s.

Canadian Dealers Added to VHA Network

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:39:00 GMT

Canadian companies AOG Heli Services and Avialta Helicopters Maintenance Ltd have been added to the network of dealers authorized to sell VHA tail rotor blades for Bell 206B/L, OH-58 and UH-1 helicopters. Based in Kingston, Ontario and Sturgeon County, Alberta respectively, AOG and Avialta share exclusivity for the Canadian market.

VHA Completes Initial Design of Composite MD 500 Main Rotor Blade

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 13:38:00 GMT

Van Horn Aviation has completed the initial detailed design drawings for development of an all-new composite main rotor blade for the MD 500 in accordance with an agreement signed between VHA and MD Helicopters in September. VHA will design, build, test and certify the composite rotor blades, which will fit MD 500D, E and F models. VHA personnel have already begun building prototype blades and will have the blades available for display at Heli-Expo 2011.

FAA Adds OH-58A+/C to VHA tail rotor blade STC

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:36:00 GMT

OH-58 helicopter operators now have an aftermarket choice for tail rotor blades. The FAA recently issued an amended Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Van Horn Aviation (VHA) 206B/L series composite tail rotor blade to include OH-58A+ and OH-58C models after reviewing flight and engineering data submitted by the company.

Aero-News Network posts Heli-Expo Interview with VHA President Jim Van Horn

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:10:00 GMT

Jim Campbell, editor-in-chief of Aero News Network, interviewed VHA President Jim Van Horn at the 2010 Heli-Expo in Houston. To view the related article, click Aero-News VHA Article .

VHA Receives Canadian STC for its 206B/L tail rotor blade

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:11:00 GMT

Rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) recently received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from Transport Canada for its 206B/L series composite tail rotor blade. Transport Canada issued its STC after reviewing the documents associated with FAA STC SR0229LA issued in February for the same product.