Safety Notice SN010 – Improper Tail Rotor Balancing
IMPROPERLY PLACED WASHERS ON GRIP
TAIL ROTOR BUMP BALANCE
The photo above left shows a tail rotor grip with additional weight added to the tail rotor grip using the tail rotor grip bolts. Under no circumstances should the tail rotor be balanced in this way. Addition of weight to the tail rotor grip increases the centrifugal load on the tail rotor head bearings and increases the amount of stress on the tail rotor spindle.
The bump balance (shown on the right) installed on the tail rotor provides a safe and effective location for weight needed to properly balance the tail rotor of the SAFARI. If the tail rotor cannot be balanced using weight installed on the bump balance, there is a serious underlying issue causing a dynamic out-of-balance condition which must be addressed. The photo above right shows the correct use of the bump balance to add weight.
If you have been operating your SAFARI with weight improperly installed on the tail rotor grips as shown above, please contact the factory before flying your helicopter again.
Balancing of the tail rotor assembly on a helicopter is a complex task that should only be undertaken by experienced aircraft maintenance technicians. If you have any doubt or concerns regarding the condition of your tail rotor assembly, please contact the factory for assistance.
Balancing services for existing tail rotor assemblies are offered free of charge to any SAFARI owner who chooses to return the entire tail rotor assembly, including the tail rotor gearbox, to the factory. Please contact us at gm@safarihelicopter.com or at 1-850-482-4141 or on Skype at Sales-Safari-Helicopter.