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Transport Canada Accepts FAA STC for VHA 206B Version 2 Main Rotor Blades
On October 30, 2020, Arizona-based rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) received a Letter of Acceptance from Transport Canada for the company’s updated composite main rotor blades fitting the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. Approved by the FAA in August 2020, the new VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades may now be installed for use on Bell 206B JetRangers in Canada.
Featuring corrosion resistant carbon fiber skin and spars, an efficient NASA-designed laminar-flow airfoil, tapered tip, and stainless steel/nickel abrasion strips along the entire length of the leading edge, the VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades contain different carbon fiber ply counts and orientations than the original VHA 206B main rotor blades. This “softens” the blades to mimic the ride and feel of metal blades while maintaining the increased performance of composite blades.
“We’ve had very good response to the [206B] Version 2 blades out in the field,” said VHA president Dean Rosenlof. “There will always be some pilots who prefer the metal blades because that’s what they are used to, but the pilots who embrace the responsiveness and increased speed of our composite blades are really pleased.”
Available directly from the company and its distributors, the VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades (part number 20635000-501) can replace OEM metal main rotor blades part numbers 206-010-200-133 and up. List price is $60,000 per blade, with a service life of 10,000 hours (double the metal blade) and no overhauls required.
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For 206L LongRanger operators flying P/N 20633000-101 serial numbers A007-A009 or A012-A104, we would like to remind you that these blades are subject to AD 2022-22-08, which requires recurring tap inspections every 400 flight hours or 2,400 engine starts, whichever comes first. You can learn more about the tap test requirements and procedure in our video . These blades are likely to develop a delamination in the area of the weight pocket on the lower surface of the blade. The AD further requires removing the blades from service if the delamination reaches 6 inches in length. However, extensive company testing indicates that all blades will likely achieve their full retirement life before that occurs. So long as the delamination is monitored and does not exceed the permitted length, the blades are entirely safe to fly with no adverse effects on aircraft behavior or performance. Operators are required to report their findings at every inspection interval to VHA for tracking using the form on the last page of Service Bulletin 33000-4 . Completed forms should be emailed to info@vanhornaviation.com . Providing this data helps to ensure all operators of these blades remain safe. All of the identified blades are likely to have delaminations, so if none are detected please contact us for assistance. In addition, this AD is considered an interim action and once sufficient data is gathered it may be updated to reduce the required frequency of inspection. Refer to AD 2022-22-08 and SB 33000-4 for further information.
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