Q: Description and function of the elastomeric bearings? A: Made with laminate rubber and stainless steel bearings, these are housed within the hub. They support centrifugal forces, allow for lead lag/pitch, and eliminate the need for hinges found on other fully articulated heads.
Q: Function of the spindle/hinge assembly? A: The spindle extends from the elastomeric bearings. The hinge was used for the blade fold. It is now bolted in place.
Q: Function of the pitch control horns and rods? A: The pitch control horn is mounted to the spindle. It provides the flight control interface through the pitch control rod.
Q: Function of the flap restrainers and droop stops? A: These limit the flapping movement imposed by the head at low RPM. The flap restrainers will disengage at about 35% Nr, and the droop stops will disengage at about 55-60% Nr. They are operated by centrifugal force and spring tension.
Q: Function of the dampers? A: Self-contained hydraulic units control lead/lag (hunt) of the rotor blades. They are attached to the hub and the spindle. A gold band indicates satisfactory servicing.
Q: Function of the bifilar? A: Four supporting arms and four floating weights that absorb vibrations and lessen airframe stress.
Q: How do you supply power to the spinning main rotor de-ice (e.g., without a wire that would get twisted in a few turns and break)? A: Through the de-icing distributor which contains slip ring and wiring for the drop stop and main rotor blade de-icing.
Q: What are the qualities of the main rotor blade construction? A: Hollow titanium spar, fiberglass skin covering a honeycomb core, abrasion strips, de-icing mats and a removable tip cap. The spar is nitrogen pressurized.
Q: What is the function of the BIM indicator? A: Indicates acceptable nitrogen pressure in the blade (black is bad – white is acceptable).
Q: Description and function of the swashplate assembly? A: One rotating swashplate, one stationary swash plate. They move up and down for collective inputs and tilt for cyclic inputs. The rotating swashplate is on the outside. It is connected to the main rotor mast through “rotating scissors.” The blades are connected to the outer rotating swashplate by the pitch change rods.
Q: Description of tail rotor paddle construction? A: Made of two paddles, the tail rotor blades have a graphite composite spar and composite fiberglass. A nickel abrasion strip allows decrease wear.
Q: Function of the tail rotor inner and outer hubs? A: Support the paddles and keep them together.
Q: Function of the pitch change beams and links? A: Accomplish pitch change initiated by pedal movement.
Q: Rotor brake location? A: First section of the tail rotor drive shaft.
Q: Description of rotor brake activation? A: Pulling down on the handle creates hydraulic pressure on the master cylinder to the brake cylinder. There is a spring-loaded accumulator that maintains constant pressure (dampens). A pressure switch activates the ROTOR BRAKE advisory and the PCL interlock.
Q: Function of the rotor brake interlock? A: Doesn’t allow you to advance the PCLs beyond idle with the rotor brake on (the interlock is the “click” you hear in the cockpit when the battery is turned on).
Q: Rotor brake limits? A: Do not apply prior to 76% Nr. Normal application 30-50% less than 180 psi.
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