Originally Posted by
snotcicles
We had van Horn blades on a 206B and the premature wear on bearings and flight controls in less than 1000 hours was like nothing we'd ever seen on 30k + hours of 206B time in our fleet. We no longer operate VH blades on anything.
Same on 206L
Never seen so much wear and tear on elastomerics and bearings, especially Lateral restraint.
I'm not an "engineer" in the true sense of the word but something doesn't sit right with me on Van Horn MR blades.
Nodal beam system on 206L series was designed and tuned for OEM Bell blades. Different harmonics, weight, aerodynamics etc.
The devil on my shoulder whispers "Boeing" with regards to certain FAA standards. If that makes sense?
I'm still curious why EASA won't certify VHA blades in EASA land?
By no means am I suggesting anything untoward with VHA blades.
Will be following this topic with interest.