The FAA has approved extending the service life on 12 Robinson Helicopter R66 helicopter components, doubling their life limits to 4,000 from 2,000 hours. The approval also extends the calendar life for R66 main rotor and tail rotor blades to 15 years from 12 years.
According to Robinson, “This approval, backed by previously approved data and structural testing, will help operators reduce maintenance costs, enhance reliability, lower operating costs by 6%, and reduce hourly reserve for overhauls by 25%.”
The 12 parts covered by the extension include five in the main gearbox, the main and tail rotor drive shafts, horizontal stabilizer, tail rotor guard, upper frame, servo support frame, and pop-out floats stabilizer.
“This is a game-changer for R66 operators,” said Robinson Helicopter president and CEO David Smith. “By reducing the frequency of maintenance intervals, we're making the R66 even more cost-effective and reliable. This reinforces our commitment to providing our customers with the best possible ownership experience. Robinson's dedication to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction is evident in this latest enhancement to the R66.”