Van Horn Aviation | Composite Rotor Blades

Removing and Installing 206 TRB Bearings

How-To Video and Tech Bulletin Provide Guidance on Bearing Replacement

Van Horn Aviation provides two resources for authorized repair personnel who replace bearings in VHA 206 series tail rotor blades. These include Technical Bulletin TB 2062200-1 and a How-To video. The resources were created after Van Horn Repair (VHA's in-house repair station) found many VHA 206 tail rotor blades were being sent in for bearing replacements that actually did not need replacement. Several blades have also been sent in for repair after being damaged by improper bearing removal or installation.

Both the video and the technical bulletin provide guidance on the following topics:

Removal procedures for non-pre-swaged bearings (WC-6TG-8) and bearings pre-swaged on one side (WC-6TG-10 and Kamatics KSC627506FS)
Tools and equipment needed for successful bearing removal and installation
Installation procedures for WC-6TG-10 pre-swaged bearings
Final inspection using a feeler gauge

Repair personnel are encouraged to read the tech bulletin and watch the video before removing / replacing any bearings.

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AD Compliance Reminder for Certain 206L MRB Operators

By Kim VHA • April 25, 2025

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.