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”.…
Read MoreCarburetor 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…
Read MorePre-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…
Read MoreYoke 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…
Read MoreBlade 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. …
Read MoreTitanium 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…
Read MoreUpgraded 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…
Read MoreBlade Grip Bolts and Nuts Torque Specifications – November 27, 2012
GRIP BOLTS AND NUTS TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS: There are two types of nuts that have been supplied to secure the 3/8-24 blade grip bolts. The torque applied to the nuts is dependent on which nut you are using. The first type which was supplied is a non-locking nut which is identified by two six sided shapes…
Read MoreFlex 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…
Read MoreMain 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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