Maintenance Notices

Flex Coupling – April 5, 2017

We have previously recommended that the flex coupling connecting the main transmission output to the tail rotor be replaced when showing signs of cracking. As the photo below shows, the coupling can break before showing obvious signs. This coupling had been on the helicopter for several years, but did not show signs of “spider cracks”.…

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Carburetor Heat – March 20, 2017

We strongly recommend that you consider adding to your preflight inspection checklist a carburetor heat functionality test. Due to the location of the carburetor on the Safari, we are concerned that operators may believe that carburetor icing is not possible. It is unlikely, but it is certainly possible. In addition to checking the function of…

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Pre-flight Inspection – September 30, 2015

Perhaps the single most important part of any flight occurs before the aircraft ever leaves the ground. A thorough, skillful, and unhurried pre-flight inspection is critical to safe operation of your helicopter. As the manufacturer of your helicopter, you are responsible for  creating the checklist that will be used to determine the airworthiness of the…

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Yoke Cap Bolts – August 7, 2015

NOTICE TO SAFARI OWNERS REGARDING YOKE CAP BOLTS Due to difficulties securing a dependable supply of the yoke cap bolts currently in use, we have begun using a different type of high tensile hex cap bolt to secure the yoke caps of the rotor head. The current yoke cap bolt, which is also a high…

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Blade Grip Bolts – July 15, 2015

NOTICE TO SAFARI OWNERS REGARDING UPGRADE BLADE GRIP BOLTS We have located a new source for a stronger fastener system for attachment of the main rotor blades to the rotor grips.  While the current fasteners have been in use for some time without any failures, we have proven the replacements to have greater tensile strength. …

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Titanium Fretting – May 26, 2015

May 26, 2015 NOTICE TO ALL SAFARI OWNERS REGARDING INSPECTION OF MAIN TRANSMISSION AND TAIL ROTOR TRANSMISSION OIL Within the transmissions of the Safari Helicopter, there are several parts made of Titanium. Titanium is an alloy that is not magnetic, so any particles of Titanium that are present in the gear oils will not attach…

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Upgraded Over Running Sprag – August 2014

August 22, 2014 In September, 2011, CHR International Inc. began installing grease fittings into the outer race of the sprag because there was no mechanism to service the sprag. Dry sprags were overheating and deforming. As you know, this is a significant issue. In February, 2014 the design of the outer and inner races was…

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Flex Coupling Inspection – May 2, 2012

NOTICE TO ALL SAFARI OWNERS REGARDING INSPECTION OF FLEX COUPLING   As the photos below illustrate, the Flex Coupling used to connect the main transmission to the tail rotor drive shaft can deteriorate with time and exposure.  Inspection of this part should be included in the 100 hour inspections performed on your aircraft.  This is…

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Main Transmission Shaft Scarring – February 4, 2010

Over time, the titanium main transmission shaft is exhibiting scarring resulting from contact with the top seals. While the groove cut by the seals is more shallow than the groove cut in the lower part of the shaft to produce a “shear line”, it may be alarming to some owners of SAFARI helicopters. The scarring…

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