View Full Version : TT straps for a LongRanger
Dick Smith
23rd Jul 2019, 23:56
In the next few months I will require new TT straps for my LongRanger.
I’m told that the Bell ones cost $5,100 USD each, a total of $10,200 USD which is $14,600 Australian dollars.
It appears there are also ABLE straps available which are about 35% cheaper at $6,650 USD total ($9,500 AUD).
Would anyone have any views on why there is such a difference in price? Are the ABLE straps as safe and reliable?
G0ULI
24th Jul 2019, 00:18
In the next few months I will require new TT straps for my LongRanger.
I’m told that the Bell ones cost $5,100 USD each, a total of $10,200 USD which is $14,600 Australian dollars.
It appears there are also ABLE straps available which are about 35% cheaper at $6,650 USD total ($9,500 AUD).
Would anyone have any views on why there is such a difference in price? Are the ABLE straps as safe and reliable?
I think you already know the answer to this conundrum. How much does a helicopter cost if it is out of service or written off because a strap failed? How many organisations do you want to sue when everyone is passing the buck? The savings are very attractive, but not if your business or your life depends on it.
havick
24th Jul 2019, 02:08
In the next few months I will require new TT straps for my LongRanger.
I’m told that the Bell ones cost $5,100 USD each, a total of $10,200 USD which is $14,600 Australian dollars.
It appears there are also ABLE straps available which are about 35% cheaper at $6,650 USD total ($9,500 AUD).
Would anyone have any views on why there is such a difference in price? Are the ABLE straps as safe and reliable?
Get the Airwolf TT straps. They’re cheaper and have a longer component / calendar time. They’ve been around for a long time and have great history.
You can buy them direct off LORD as well who are the original supplier to Bell for around USD 3600.00.
I am out of touch with the latest information but in days past you could claim for the unused calendar life under "warranty" if purchased from Bell of course.
As part of "product improvement" and increased calendar life this may have disappeared like the Dodo as well!!
Interesting part is that this TT strap design is widely used on earlier generation aircraft and even though the design and construction looks very similar, finite and calendar lives vary considerably.
fokkerpilot
24th Jul 2019, 10:02
Buy new Bell straps, they now last 4 years instead of 3.
Encyclo
24th Jul 2019, 13:45
OEM Bell TT Straps are now 1,200Hrs/48 months
PMA straps available are all 1,200Hrs/36 months
LORD (OEM supplier) offers PMA straps direct or through distribution.
Transport Canada published interesting info about one of the PMA offerings: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/certification/rotorcraft.html
Once they're in your hub, no inspection is possible... something to keep in mind. As the 'space guys' said: "failure is not an option"
Fly Safe, Always :ok:
GrayHorizonsHeli
24th Jul 2019, 14:18
how many complete TT strap failures have there been? from any manufacturer?
helofixer
24th Jul 2019, 14:52
We've run Able Main Rotor Grips, pins,fittings latch bolts and straps for years in our L3's and L4's in an offshore environment with no problems. We fly some of our aircraft more than 1200 hours in 2 years so the 4 year strap, hell the 3 year strap calendar life limit extension does us no good. I buy Able when able. now if you've got a machine that calendars out straps before you flight time them out then get the 4 year straps.
SpannerChucka
30th Jul 2019, 10:01
Dick, we use Lord or Airfwolf ones, considerably cheaper per month/year than the BHT product.
Cheers
Rob
timprice
30th Jul 2019, 19:49
Hi Dick we have Able strap's on our Bell 206, I think Bell own Able and Bell approved maintenance organisations in UK fit them but are against Airwolf straps as they are not on approved list,
I have never had a problem with Airwolf they seem to have a softer outer covering and give a better ride than Able straps.
I know this does not help much, but both Able and Airwolf cost about the same I think. Tim:ok:
Encyclo
31st Jul 2019, 11:38
Heard today that LORD PMA straps are going to 48 months, like the Bell OEM straps.
I wonder if it's related to the fact that LORD is the OEM supplier for Bell 206 TT Straps?
Fly Safe, Always :ok: