“Heart Transplant” for the Helicopter
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
For most helicopter parts, the manufacturer specifies exactly how long the components can be used. A helicopter’s airframe normally undergoes a major inspection every 12 years. The Arriel 1B engine is made up of 5 modules, one of which has a lifespan limited to 15 years.
In April 2025, we had to withdraw one of our helicopters from active service to undergo the 12-year maintenance inspection. Almost at the same time, one of the other machine’s engine modules also reached the end of its service life. We decided to combine the two helicopters to create one airworthy machine by switching the engines of both machines. The maintenance team got right to work, no sooner said than done. It is incredibly valuable having such an excellent maintenance team. We knew that we all had to work together to get a helicopter that was ready to start as soon as possible. First, we had to disconnect all of the hoses and tubes. Next, we separated the connections to the main rotor gearbox and the tail rotor drive. Only then was it possible to slowly lift the engine from the helicopter cell using a crane. After successfully completing this step, we repeated the process in reverse in order to install the engine in the other helicopter. The engine is the heart of a helicopter. In that sense, one could say that exchanging an engine between two helicopters could be compared to a heart transplant. Finally, it is absolutely crucial to ensure that everything is in order. Various tests must be carried out to ensure that the helicopter is cleared to take off again. For example, the speed of the main rotor had to be readjusted, and the fuel consumption had to be reset according to the temperature. Once this work was done, the engine’s performance was checked with a power check. The helicopter could only be released for flight operations once all of this data was within the required range. The very next day, the helicopter took off on a mission into the bush.
Thank you very much for your donations, which enable us to purchase the necessary components to keep our aircraft operational.
Nick, Pilot and Head Mechanic
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