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Old 22nd Aug 2013, 16:53
  #1441 (permalink)  
 
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R44 Clutch Actuator

Hi all,

My 2008 Raven 2/ 430hrs is in for an Annual.

I am told that the Clutch Actuator has 'failed the switch test', taking 'four seconds as opposed to the allowable two' and needs to be replaced.

The part is well over three thousand pounds.

Does anybody else out there have any similar experiences?


HP
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Old 22nd Aug 2013, 18:07
  #1442 (permalink)  
 
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This is does not sound right to me. There is a test that uses a connector you plug in but that only tells you if the limit switches are working correctly. If they are not then they can be replaced.
In terms of the clutch actuator. In the run-up procedures you have 70s for the clutch to fully engage.

Ask them to show you in the maintenance manual where there is 2 s/ 4 s limit is. If they do can you please come back and list the pages.

You also have a PM Hairyplane.

Last edited by FSXPilot; 22nd Aug 2013 at 18:20.
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Old 23rd Aug 2013, 16:23
  #1443 (permalink)  
 
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Clutch Actuator switch test

Will do. Always keen to share information.

All the best

HP
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Old 23rd Aug 2013, 17:22
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Sounds like another leg lifting exercise, no doubt by one of the big "professional" Part 145 outfits.

R44 MM Page 2.25, describes "Method 2" for testing the actuator (manually depressing the column springs), stating that if the motor runs for more than approximately 2 seconds, stop for a moment then depress the spring again, if motor runs again then replace the opposite switch per Section 7.551.

Switch P/N: C053-2 - List Price $165

Last edited by powerlimited; 23rd Aug 2013 at 17:23.
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Old 23rd Aug 2013, 20:38
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His helicopter is new enough that you would not use that method. It will have the link on the harness to insert the switch. Someone is trying to take the piss big style.
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Old 24th Aug 2013, 09:19
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Yes I agree FSX.

So they plug in the test plug, motor runs and they need to replace a switch.

Any update Hairyplane?
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Old 24th Aug 2013, 09:45
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Thank you!

Hi all,

Thanks for all the advice/ PM. I am very happy with my CAMO and have remained loyal to them since they trained me and sold me my first brand new machine 9 years ago.

I'm sure they will be perfectly relaxed about their customers sharing their experiences.

I promise to report back.

All the best.

HP
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Old 19th Oct 2013, 18:21
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R44 Astro Incident!


Last edited by 206Fan; 19th Oct 2013 at 19:12.
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Old 19th Oct 2013, 18:30
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So good W & B done there then.
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Old 19th Oct 2013, 19:59
  #1450 (permalink)  
 
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So good W & B done there then.
That looks like a highly professional operation altogether.
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Old 19th Oct 2013, 20:51
  #1451 (permalink)  
 
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What could cause the alternator light to fail to illuminate in a Raven II?
Not sure if you found an answer to this? I had the same a while ago and an engineer said something to the effect of, if the battery has just had a good charge and it is in good condition it needs to drop below a certain voltage before it registers the battery discharging and the ALT light illuminating.
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Old 4th Dec 2013, 16:55
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New recommended flight planning app for Robinson helicopters -

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Old 4th Dec 2013, 18:30
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Blimey you would need to do w and b with Tim Tucker on board !!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 22nd Dec 2013, 05:34
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Re the video posted by 206fan:

Did I see what I thought I saw? He landed hard enough to spread the skids on what looked to like rows of cinder blocks, then got passengers out and simply took off again??
Is that what happened???
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Old 22nd Dec 2013, 11:28
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Looks like it. It also looks as though his first lift was before RPM was in the 101/102% range (governor not kicked in?). Engine note changes before 2nd attempt, but he looks mighty heavy for a downwind departure..
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Old 14th Feb 2014, 01:29
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EASA has proposed the AD for R44 Fuel tanks replacement (24 months):

EASA Airworthiness Directives Publishing Tool
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Old 14th Feb 2014, 06:37
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Regulations.gov

Proposed AD from the FAA regarding blades as well. Owning an R44 is about to get expensive.
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Old 14th Feb 2014, 15:18
  #1458 (permalink)  
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We knew this was coming. It's all well and good for those of us who have been in helicopters for years and who can interpret the previous FAA AD as sufficient warning, but the problem is RHC are selling their products to many first time owners who are suckered into helicopter ownership by their flying school (don't get me going on the lies told of operating costs and free flying with the magic 'leaseback' to the school..). All this with the completely disingenuous 'promise' of fixed costs over a twelve year period between overhauls. I'd laugh if this wasn't so dishonest. I doubt there has been one R44 that hasn't suffered an AD clout like this in its first twelve years. RHC should drop any claim to fixed term costs - they now look ridiculous. This blade AD has effectively written off every non-hydraulic Astro - only 300 left in the world apparently - customer go hang, again. I had the good sense to sell my Raven II and assist another friend in selling his - both went overseas. Good riddance - now happily behind a diesel in my DA40. To the dark side, over and out.
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Old 14th Feb 2014, 16:45
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I have to admit that the PAD issued by EASA got me a little bit confused.

Talking about the SB for the fuel bladder tank to my local aviation authority about a year ago they told me that neither them nor the EASA saw any use in turning it into an AD. One year later they suddenly do.

Can somebody please enlighten me how the fuel bladder is attached / installed in the tank. I heard that it's not completly attached to the tank but only at the filler neck and that there have been the first reported cracks on the neck.

What about all those other helicopter in the world flying around without fuel bladder tanks? Our H300 doesn't have one either. Will we have to replace those tanks as well pretty soon?
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Old 14th Feb 2014, 18:16
  #1460 (permalink)  
 
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How nice to see the legends name appear again,...but on the other hand how sad he is no longer able to argue that Black is really White..!

Peter R-B
Lancashire
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