NEWS
Airwolf TT Straps Solution to Emergency AD 2015-04-51 for Enstrom Piston Helicopters
Airwolf Aerospace announces that it is developing an Alternate Method of Compliance [AMOC] modification kit which eliminates the possibility of Spindle Thread Failure outlined in Emergency AD 2015-04-51. The modification allows operators of all Piston Enstrom Helicopters to install TT straps in place of the existing Lamiflex bearings which eliminates the spindle threads. TT Straps are known to be vastly superior to Lamiflex bearings as they are far smoother in flight and do not degrade and cause the rotor system to go out of balance. In addition, they make track and balancing of the blades far simpler. Enstrom Operators will send Airwolf Aerospace, Enstrom P/Ns 28-14282-11 or -13 Piston Spindles and 28-14279-1 or -3 Piston Grips, for the modifications that will allow them to use Airwolf TT Straps. These Piston parts will be modified to P/N 28-14385-13 Spindles & 28-14386-1 Grips which will be exactly the same as the ones currently used on the 480 Turbine helicopters. P/N 28-14385-13 Turbine Spindles do not have any threads to fail as they are eliminated. The modified parts will be returned to the operator with the Airwolf TT straps and all the additional components required for the conversion. Pricing for the complete modification kit components is anticipated to be less than $12,000. Due to lower blade loads found on Piston Enstrom Helicopters, Airwolf expects that the TT straps will have a service life of 60 months/ 1,200 hours which is the same as the antiquated Lamiflex bearings. Airwolf has been working with Enstrom to develop and supply 36 month TT straps for Enstrom 480 helicopters and expects to receive FAA certification for the Enstrom 480 TT straps soon. Airwolf ’s Enstrom 480 TT straps will have a 36 month/ 1,200 hour life limit which is 50%longer than the TT straps that are currently available. Airwolf currently has certification and straps in stock for Bell 206 Jet Ranger, Long RangerOH-58 and for Bell 204, 205, 212, & UH-1 Helicopters.
For more information, visit
www.airwolfaerospace.com, call 440-632-1687 or email
info@airwolfaerospace.com.
Japan Coast Guard Receives EC225 for Search and Rescue and Law Enforcement Missions
Airbus Helicopters Japan announces it has delivered an EC225 LP to the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), which was acquired as replacement for an aircraft that was destroyed during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. This is the last of three EC225s ordered by JCG in July 2011; the earlier two having been delivered last year.
With the three additional helicopters, JCG now operates a Super Puma fleet that includes five EC225s and three AS332 L1s. The new EC225s are equipped with the most advanced search and rescue mission systems, and will be utilized as well for security enforcement, territorial sea guard duties and anti- disaster operations. “We are very honoured that our helicopters are operated
by JCG, one of the world’s leading maritime security organizations, and contributing to life-saving and enforcement missions,” says Stephane Ginoux, managing director of Airbus Helicopters Japan. “This handover is especially significant, as it is the 3000th rotorcraft to be delivered from our hangar since we commenced operations in 1971, marking a new milestone in the history of Airbus Helicopters in Japan.” The EC225 is an 11-ton class, twin-engine helicopter from the Super Puma family, equipped with the latest electronic devices and state-of-the-art autopilot system. It features fast cruise speed, superior range and large capacity for equipment. A total of 23 Super Puma family helicopters are operating
in Japan, utilized by both civil and military users in search and rescue, offshore operations and passenger transport.
VIH Aerospace Receives EASA Approval for EC135 Bubble Window
VIH Aerospace (VIHA), a provider of global helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has received a European Aviation Safety Agency Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for an aftermarket replacement Crew Bubble Window Installation for the Airbus EC135 helicopter (STC# 10048796). The VIHA designed and engineered bubble window for the EC135 is a direct replacement unit that has been developed to easily install to the existing door without any adjustment or modification, and is a direct replacement for the original window. The Crew Bubble Window Installation is designed to provide the pilot greatly improved visibility without the requirement to open windows or doors, and is ideal for utility and long-line operations. The kit consists of an acrylic plastic clear bubble window,
retainers, and all necessary attach hardware. All support documentation is also included as part of the VIHA kit. VIHA offers a comprehensive suite of services including:
aircraft refurbishment, structural repair, component overhaul, avionics and electrical installations, modification and upgrades, and product engineering. Aircraft types supported by VIHA include: Bell Helicopter 205/206/212/407/222/230 Sikorsky S-61 and S-92 Airbus AS350
For more information, visit
www.vihaerospace.com.
April | May 2015
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