Maintenance and Modifications
Robinson Mandates Tail Rotor Inspections, Replacements
Loose tail rotor tips prompted a Robinson service bulletin affecting all of its helicopter models.
Robinson R66 helicopter in flight over city
Robinson Helicopter has issued service bulletins for each of its helicopter models mandating recurrent preflight inspections of tail rotor blades and replacement of affected blades, prompted by reports of “tail rotor blade tips coming loose due to corrosion at the bond." (Photo: Robinson Helicopter)

On December 22, Robinson Helicopter issued a triad of service bulletins (SB-41, 112, and 120) mandating recurrent flight-day inspections of tail rotor blades on all of its models beginning within 10 flight hours or Jan. 15, 2023, whichever comes first, and replacement of these blades for helicopters stored outdoors in corrosive environments by Dec. 31, 2024. 

Robinson said the SBs were prompted by reports of “tail rotor blade tips coming loose due to corrosion at the bond. Helicopters operating near salt water are particularly susceptible to corrosion, especially if stored outdoors. A debonded tip can cause severe vibration and possible failure of the tail rotor gearbox housing.” Robinson noted that F029-1 revision I blades have tip caps with “an alternative alloy to reduce the likelihood of corrosion.”