Complex mechanical work

19 minutes ago

1 min read

In order to ensure safe helicopter flights in rough terrain, in addition to the pilot’s valuable experience, careful maintenance is of great importance. For inspections, repairs, and maintenance of our fleet we have our own mechanics on site. To gain experience as a trainee, it is valuable and indeed imperative to carry out such work with experienced mechanics and to learn from them - as this example shows.

For a while there was a small leak from the main gearbox (MGB) input on our helicopter 5R-MKT in Madagascar. The turbine engine is connected to the MGB with a flexible axle and a gimbal system, and the rotor brake is also part of this assembly. The chief technician determined that the input seal must be replaced. This would require removing the engine-to-MGB connection, which is quite some work and requires some special tools of which some we do not have permanently on the base. It is also a job we don’t do so often. Our chief technician Nick saw this as a good opportunity for us apprentices to gain some valuable experience.

The special tools kit was sent from the base in Wamena and the necessary parts ordered. Once everything was in place the work could be started. By following the chief technicians’ instructions and the manuals, the work went well. By using the correct tools all parts could be removed, the seal replaced, and some parts refurbished. Soon the helicopter was airworthy again.

Jan-Vidar, Pilot and Mechanic