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May
23
2016
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Posted 7 years 340 days ago ago by Scott Skola
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Helicopter Maintenance Blog
May 2016
Unfortunately, we start this month off on a terrible note. A North Sea aircraft loses its M/R head and blades in flight. While not the first time this has happened, it’s the first time I’ve seen a video of the head/blades spinning down without a helicopter below it. Enough said.
Moving on….
TIPS and TRICKS
Ground Support
Ever find yourself needing compressed air to close an engine bleed valve for a scheduled compressor wash, spray paint a small area, or even run a drill motor? But the air compressor is a mile away, or worse, no power available to run a portable compressor? No problem. Just wheel your compressed NITROGEN cylinder out to the aircraft.
Since most maintenance shops keep large 2500 psi NITROGEN bottles/cylinders around to service struts, tires, float bottles, etc., they can make a neat, portable “air compressor.” Ensure the NITROGEN cylinder has a regulator to reduce the NITROGEN gas pressure down to a user pressure of 100-125 psi. Using proper air fittings and hoses, adapt the NITROGEN cylinder regulator to a separate inline regulator, and plug in your final air hose. Adjust the pressure of the second regulator to the required level. Most air tools run fine at 80-90 psi.
Remember: this is for NITROGEN gas cylinders only. NEVER use an oxygen bottle/cylinder as it will be the last thing you remember in this lifetime. Have I mentioned NITROGEN enough times? [Submitted by Rw]
MISC INFO
One more FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SAIB), and one FAA Information for Operators (InFO) bulletin.
SAIB on BP Turbine Oil Changes
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSAIB.nsf/(LookupSAIBs)/NE-14-30?OpenDocument
InFO on air ambulance stretcher installs.
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/media/2016/InFO16002.pdf
SUBMITTING MAINTENANCE TIPS/TRICKS/QUESTIONS/INFO:
Have an old tip or trick you’d like to share with your fellow mechanics? Or maybe a question that you can’t seem to find an answer to? Or just some info to pass on? Send an email to [email protected]
About the author: After 32 years maintaining helicopters in various capacities, Scott concluded a full time career with a major operator in 2014. When not pursuing future writing projects, he can still be seen around the flight line tinkering on aircraft for beer money. He can be contacted at [email protected]
*And to keep the hounds at bay, the information contained in this blog is for discussion purposes only.*