Emperor Aviation Completes First VHA 206B Main Blade Installation in Africa

Emperor Aviation, a helicopter sales and maintenance facility based in Germiston, South Africa, recently installed and flew the first set of VHA 206B main rotor blades on the African continent. After a complete rebuild/restoration, the customer-owned 206B3 JetRanger received both VHA main and tail rotor blades and flew its first VHA-powered flight on March 5.

Paul Sankey, Emperor Aviation founder and CEO, said that increased service life, higher performance, and an interest in new technology were key factors in the customer’s decision to purchase and install VHA blades. Both Sankey and Andre Coetzee, CEO of Henley Air (also based at Rand Airport in Germiston), flew the track and balance flights following the installation.

“I am pleased to say that we have completed the track and balance, and she is smooth,” said Sankey. “She runs beautifully!”