Helicopter Maintenance - it keeps you safe, it keeps you flying
Maintaining helicopters regularly to the manufacturer's schedules supports the safety, reliability, enhanced flying pleasure and peace of mind of anyone privileged to be flying these aircraft. Making vital repairs requires your confidence in a convenient approved helicopter repair facility.
Why is helicopter maintenance so important?
A helicopter can be described pictorially as 'a thousand precision parts flying in close formation'. Therefore, such a complex machine relies on the safe operation of sophisticated components, many of which are highly stressed while operating at high speed. Add to that the reality that helicopters are often operated at low altitude and often in confined areas further highlights just how important operating safely and reliably is - to the crew and to the passengers.
What maintenance standards should you expect?
For UK helicopter operations, the industry standard for helicopter maintenance is the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145. Whether you are a current or prospective owner, a hirer of self-fly helicopters or planning to learn to fly rotary wing aircraft, approval to EASA Part 145 is the standard that must be met.
Some examples of helicopter maintenance that can be undertaken by your operator
From minor checks to major overhauls after several thousand hours' of flight, helicopter maintenance can vary. Examples of maintenance and servicing that your helicopter operator may specialise in could include:
- Annual helicopter inspection
- Defect rectification
- Routine servicing
- Lead acid battery capacity checks
- Magneto inspections
- Main and tail rotor balancing
The more experienced maintenance facilities are able to do helicopter servicing on a wide range of aircraft from manufacturers such as Bell Textron, Robinson, Hughes, Eurocopter and Enstrom. Be aware of the manufacturer's approved maintenance facility status. As well as general capability, some service facilities develop a speciality for particular helicopter overhaul (such as for Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters).
More than just on-aircraft maintenance involved
'Helicopter maintenance' is not just about mechanical 'on-aircraft' work. When you choose a maintenance facility, look out for the following services:
- Cost-effective fixed-price servicing
- Full hangar facilities
- Accurate and experienced helicopters maintenance record administration
- Complete parts stock lists for fast component availability
- Helicopter pick-up/drop-off services
- Stylish waiting facilities with complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi internet
Together with quality work on the aircraft, these services should provide a perfect maintenance experience, help keep these helicopters in the air and make sure that the owners' time is used efficiently.
What is the value of regular maintenance work?
To summarise, regular maintenance work, undertaken by skilled, experienced and highly able experts ensures that helicopter operators and flyers can have peace of mind, while enjoying the following benefits:
- Compliance with local and national laws
- Safety
- Peace of mind
- Reduced overheads
- Reliable operation
- Flying pleasure
Choosing a helicopter maintenance partner is a big and important decision, so look for someone with a friendly, transparent approach, who has EASA approval and the interest in supporting you with a long-term relationship. If you are seeking helicopter maintenance facilities in the south of England, you should consider Gloucestershire-based Rise Helicopters Ltd.