Extensive Maintenance On The MKT

Every two years, our helicopters have to undergo major maintenance as required by the manufacturer. This work on the “Mike-Kilo-Tango” (5R-MKT) kept us busy for an entire month. It is necessary to carry out the tasks and procedures specified by the manufacturer. This includes the removal and installation of parts that need to be thoroughly inspected or replaced, because their service life has expired.  

In addition to this work, we found a crack in the engine’s exhaust. As a result, the engine had to be removed. These engines are made up of five modules. In order to replace the exhaust pipe, one of these modules had to be disconnected from the engine. We were very grateful to receive help from Switzerland for this task. Beat was a pilot and mechanic at this base from 2006 to 2016 and is one of Helimission’s most experienced mechanics. We took the opportunity to conduct a training session with our local mechanics.  

After the engine was reassembled and reinstalled in the helicopter, we were then able to bring it back into service. A restart after such a major overhaul is always exciting. To our great joy and relief, everything worked perfectly and we were able to successfully complete all the necessary tests. We also rebalanced the main and tail rotors. This work allowed us to release the aircraft for flight operations again. Thank you very much for every donation that makes it possible for us to procure all the spare parts and guarantee a safe flight service. 

Nick, Chief mechanic

The mechanics

Dismantling the Modul-5 from the engine

Crack in the exhaust

Beat sharing his knowledge