TYPES OF MAINTENANCE

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HELICOPTER MAINTENANCE?

Turbine Engine Maintenance

Turbine Engines operate on the principle of converting energy from burning fuel into mechanical power. This process involves drawing in air, compressing it, mixing it with fuel, and igniting the mixture to produce high- speed exhaust gases. These gases pass through a turbine, which extracts energy to drive a shaft connected to the helicopter’s main rotor and tail rotor.

Helicopter turbine engines are prized for their high power-to-weight ratio, reliability, and efficiency, making them suitable for a wide range of helicopter applications, from light utility helicopters to heavy-lift and military models.

Quick Facts

  • Light weight

  • Powerful

  • Low vibration

  • Reliable

  • Long life

  • Expensive

Piston Engine Maintenance

Piston Engines operate by drawing air and fuel into a cylinder, compressing the mixture, and igniting it with a spark plug. The resulting explosion pushes the piston down, turning a crankshaft that is connected to the helicopter’s main rotor and tail rotor.

Piston engines are typically found in smaller, lighter helicopters used for training, private flying, and light utility roles. They are valued for their simplicity, lower cost, and ease of maintenance compared to turbine engines, although they generally provide less power and efficiency.

Quick Facts

  • Lower cost

  • Heavier

  • Require more maintenance

Airframe Maintenance

This includes:

  • Structures

  • Transmission

  • Main and tail rotor assemblies

  • Landing gear

  • Environmental systems - heating / ac   

  • Cabin furnishings

Avionics

This includes:

  • Electrical systems   

  • Instrumentation

  • Communication equipment

  • Navigation equipment

  • Special mission equipment

Structures

This includes:

  • Sheet metal work

  • Composite materials such as carbon fibre,
    epoxy and kevlar

  • Surface refinishing