STC’s & PMA’s

FAA-PMA Replacement Parts

Aviation Blade Service is the exclusive provider of FAA-PMA approved pockets, bolts, tip caps & abrasion strips in support of Sikorsky metal rotor blades for the S-58, S-61/H3, and CH-54 helicopters.

S-61 Main Rotor Blade Life Extension STC

Aviation Blade Services was selected by Rotor Renovations, Inc. of Sparks NV to complete all modifications required for the Life Extension of the Sikorsky S-61 Main Rotor Blade under its FAA approved STC# SR01127SE, which is eligible for use on the Sikorsky S-61N, L, NM, A, and SH-3A models; and the Canadian STC# SH03-24, which is eligible for use on the Sikorsky S-61N and L.  Under these STC’s the blades are completely interchangeable on a blade for blade basis.

Under this STC which is the result of five years of dedicated testing and analysis by Rotor Renovations, the retirement life of the 61170-20201-054 and subsequent series of main rotor blade is doubled.  Once the reworks are completed by ABS the new retirement life will be doubled from 10,600 hours to 21,200 hours.  This will greatly reduce the DOC as it relates to the main blades.

The life extension of this blade series has been accomplished through a group of highly technical tests researching the structural integrity of the blade by way of flight testing in all flight operations and by computer stress analysis.

Aviation Blade Services was selected to conduct the reworks due to its extensive knowledge and experience in the repair and overhaul of Sikorsky’s metal rotor blades, particularly the S-55, S-58 and S-61, which includes the H-3 blades for the U.S. Navy and Egypt.  ABS will be conducting all required inspections, such as 100% x-ray of the blade, borescope of the spar interior, and eddy current flaw detections to ensure uncompromising serviceability and continued safe operations.  All blades will be completely stripped of paint, refinished, and static balanced to OEM’s specifications.

Expanded Repairs

  • S-61 Tail Rotor blade erosion repair

  • S-61 Tail Rotor blade mounting hole repair

CH-54B Main Rotor Blade Life Extension

Aviation Blade Services was selected to complete main rotor blade overhaul and modifications for a retirement life extension by Helicopter Transport Services, Inc. (“HTSI”) of Corvallis, Oregon, for its fleet of Sikorsky CH-54B heavy lift helicopters.  The program involved 42 blades for HTSI’s 6 flyable helicopters used primarily for forest fire fighting duties.

HTSI along with McClennahan Engineering of Sparks NV, spent two years gathering and evaluating data to be able to substantiate its request to the FAA for a STC life extension.

The work included complete stripping and repainting of the blades, complete disassembly and rework of the cuff end, borescope, X-ray and eddy current inspections, and static balance to OEM specifications.  All corrosion was addressed and the spar re-anodized prior to reassembly.

PMA

Aviation Blade Services is the exclusive distributor for our sister company Master Support, Inc.’s FAA-PMA approved replacement parts for Sikorsky S-55/S-58, S-61/H-3, CH-54 & H-60 main and tail rotor blades.  Master Support manufactures the following FAA approved PMA parts for various main and tail blades:

  • Pocket assemblies, abrasion strips, cuff bolts, tip caps, etc.

  • New parts are being developed continuously

The use of FAA-PMA parts means ABS has parts in stock allowing a quicker turnaround time on blade repairs.  Many parts that Master Support manufactures are for obsolete rotor blades and it is the only remaining source for these blades.