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 produced by the top seals is not creating a hazardous condition; however, the factory has begun installing “speedi-sleeves” on new and overhauled transmissions to prevent this. There have been no failures of the main transmission shaft. If you have concerns about the condition of the shaft in your SAFARI, it can be returned to the factory for inspection, replacement or installation of a sleeve.
