For Once, A Bulletin Saves Some Money

Good news for R66 operators came down the pike this month, thanks to a life extension for a dozen selected parts throughout the aircraft, slashing costs and maintenance for owners and operators... or so the plan goes.

The R66 saw revisions to the service life for 12 pieces, with 5 of them coming out of the main rotor gearbox. Robinson Helicopter Company obtained approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Association to double the service life on some parts, bumping them up from 2,000 hours to 4,000 hours in all. The approval wasn't just conjured out of thin air, they assure. Before increasing the lifespan on each part, Robinson had to provide copious amounts of data and structural testing to ensure any changes won't leave customers in an unsafe condition.

The good news should help reduce maintenance costs by about 6% according to the manufacturer, while enhancing reliability. Maybe best of all, Robinson says that operators should be able to reduce their hourly reserve for overhauls by 25%, always good to hear for those operating an ever-expensive GA helo.

This FAA-approved extension, based on rigorous testing and data analysis, directly translates to lower parts and maintenance costs for R66 owners. By extending the service life of critical components from the main rotor gearbox, Robinson is helping operators minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency.

“This is a game-changer for R66 operators,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “By reducing the frequency of maintenance intervals, we’re making the R66 even more cost-effective and reliable. This reinforces our commitment to providing our customers with the best possible ownership experience.”

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com