Story ID: 
Piedmont Expands Helo Rotor Blade Capability
By: Jerry Siebenmark
Caption: Piedmont Propulsion Systems has received FAA certification for repair and overhaul of the Van Horn Aviation 206/OH-58 tail rotor blade.
Word Count: 152
First Aviation Services’ Piedmont Propulsion Systems has been awarded FAA certification for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the Van Horn Aviation 206/OH-58 tail rotor blade. MRO capability for the main rotor blade is expected to follow shortly, according to North Carolina-based Piedmont.

The Van Horn tail rotor blade was designed to be quieter and have a longer service life than the OEM blade and has gained wide acceptance by operators. “We are very pleased to be designated by Van Horn Aviation as an authorized service center and look forward to providing exceptional service to Bell operators,” said Piedmont technical director Paul Bolton.

The Van Horn certification follows Piedmont receiving source approval request for the Blackhawk rotor hub, which builds upon its decades of experience in propeller hub assemblies. Piedmont's sister MRO, Aviation Blade Services, supports the Blackhawk helicopter and nearly all legacy Sikorsky rotor blades.