As a part of maintaining our Scout helicopter for flying duties at the Historic Army Aircraft Flight (HAAF), we need to inspect the Main Rotor Blades on a regular basis.  The largely metal blades on the Scout have proven to be quite low-maintenance over the years but to be sure that they are safe to fly, we also carry out Non-Destructive Testing.  For these blades, we use an X-Ray and Eddy-Current process to check the internal integrity of the structure.

To carry out the testing we first need to remove the blades, a relatively simple task requiring our team to take the weight of the blade and get the height just right so the two blade pins can be pulled out of their sockets. A small amount of (incorrect) up or down on the blade makes pulling the pins out impossible – they are a very close tolerance fit in their sockets.

Once off the aircraft, and once we have everyone a safe distance from the blades, friend of the Flight (and ex-REME technician) Dave Wingate of AOG Inspection Limited comes in and carries out the tests for us.  Happily, all blades were pronounced as safe and sound so just a refit and flight check to follow.

Re-fitting the blades is usually a bit harder than removing them with gravity and the natural weight of the blade playing their part to frustrate the engineer up on the Main Rotor Head who is trying to fit the blade pins. However, with a bit of up and down on the blade from the team, all four are soon re-fitted and it’s time for well-deserved mugs of tea for all involved.

So our Scout is good to go for another two years before the next NDT check and importantly, following a flight check to ensure all is well, will soon be seen on the display and show circuit for the 2024 season.

Story by Steve Harris and Kerry Thompson

Media by Danny Frampton