HOW OFTEN MUST HELICOPTER MAINTENANCE BE DONE?

If you’re into aviation and you’re considering purchasing a helicopter, it’s important to understand that owning a helicopter is a big responsibility. One important component is helicopter maintenance, as there is a very specific and involved process. In this article, our team will discuss the ins and outs of helicopter maintenance to give you an idea of what you’ll be responsible for. If you have any questions or would like more information about aircraft maintenance, our team is on standby. 

Pre-flight inspections 

Safety is always a priority when dealing with helicopters, and you must conduct a pre-flight inspection before every flight you take. Pre-flight inspections include:

• A careful inspection of the cabin
• Inspecting the propellor
• Inspecting the fuel levels and the engine
• Ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed
• Checking the ignition switch is not on
• Inspecting the tires
• Removing any ice, frost, or snow during the winter months

Pre-flight inspections should be conducted by a certified aircraft mechanic who has extensive experience with helicopters. If you rent a hangar at your local FBO airport, they may have an on-site maintenance crew who can conduct pre and post-flight inspections for you. 

A, B, C & D Checks

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designated the required maintenance checks for helicopters into categories A, B, C, and D. Here’s how each check works:

A checks: A checks take place after every 125 flight hours, and they’re performed overnight at the gate. 

B checks: B checks are carried out every six months in the aircraft hangar. 

C checks: C checks are a more extensive type of check, and they’re done every two years. They can take around two weeks to complete. 

D checks: D checks are done every six years. This type of check is extremely thorough and can take up to two months to finish. 

Preventative Maintenance 

A helicopter is a very valuable asset, so it makes sense to invest in regular preventative maintenance. Your maintenance schedule will depend on how frequently you fly your helicopter. For example, if you’re flying frequently in the summer months but you keep your helicopter stored in a hangar for most of the winter, you’ll need more preventative maintenance checks in the summer than you would in the winter. 

Typical preventative maintenance includes regular oil changes, replacing the tires, replacing the safety belts, cleaning the spark plugs, replenishing hydraulic fluid, replacing batteries, replacing safety wires, replacing air filters, and checking the oil levels in the engine. 

If you’d like more information about comprehensive helicopter maintenance, or if you have any other flight questions, please contact our team at Monmouth Jet Center today or visit our website at: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/

This blog was originally published at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/ins-and-outs-of-helicopter-maintenance/