Originally Posted by
Droop Snoot
How are the service limits established and verified... i.e., how do you know when the minimum wall thickness has been reached?
There are 2 methods. The primary method measures the external chordwise blade dimension from the tip/point of the leading edge to the blade trailing edge. Some operators will fabricate "go-no go" gauges for this dimension. The alternate method removes the tip cap and measures the thickness of the leading edge material as the aluminum alloy front blade structure is hollow. If either minimum dimension is exceeded the blade is removed from service.