I completed an Annual Inspection on the R44 and returned to service as IA. I’m really amazed at the quality of Robinson. The 100/Annual is not a trivial inspection.

Please see details in MM if interested: https://robinsonheli.com/r44-maint-manual/

The aircraft is handing the maritime coastal environment very well. Very clean. Below are (34) random pictures taken on an iPAD during the inspection. RHC & Lycoming support staff have been very helpful with my questions.

That is awesome, I am jealous. I have about 60 hours in a Raven 1 working on my Commercial add-on. In the end I am realizing that is probably financially impractical for me to own my own unless I was a mechanic like you, but they sure are fun machines to fly.

Narwhal747 wrote:That is awesome, I am jealous. I have about 60 hours in a Raven 1 working on my Commercial add-on. In the end I am realizing that is probably financially impractical for me to own my own unless I was a mechanic like you, but they sure are fun machines to fly.

Thank you for following the thread. Learning mechanics and eventually getting an A&P certificate was incredibly satisfying. But, the requirements are extensive and you will need to make trustworthy friends that can guide you throughout the process. Learning can be expensive and somewhat dangerous. You will need to reconcile your goals and start each step. I hope you become an accomplished mechanic!

8GCBC wrote:Thank you for following the thread. Learning mechanics and eventually getting an A&P certificate was incredibly satisfying. But, the requirements are extensive and you will need to make trustworthy friends that can guide you throughout the process. Learning can be expensive and somewhat dangerous. You will need to reconcile your goals and start each step. I hope you become an accomplished mechanic!

Yeah, I doubt I will be able to do it considering as I am committed to work 14-16 days per month at my flying job! At the present time, $2k/day for flying on a day off too....can pay for a lot of Helicopter rentals. Luckily my flight school claims they will rent to me after the license, as long as I go to the Robinson factory safety course. No off-airport/heliport landings though.

Eh, only 0.012 inch exhaust valve stem clearance on cylinder 3 ?

iPat wrote:Eh, only 0.012 inch exhaust valve stem clearance on cylinder 3 ?

Thank you Pat! Will measure again and ream if < 0.015

Good to have friends on this website.

PS And thank you for helping me with tool part numbers on the telephone!

Re-inspected the valve wobble:

The first Lycoming SB388C inspection used a tool that kept the springs on. It never seemed to really make the exhaust value free from the keepers and spring. Hence, the readings were erroneous. I used a second tool which requires the removal of the keepers and springs. And the new reading was 0.019”. I like the new tool better.

Thank you iPAT. You are a keen mate. The very best!

Flight test after the inspections to check MP, temps and pressures during hover.

Stable hover numbers:

MSL DA = -100’
Wind = West @ 7 knots
GW = 1900lbs
MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) = 19-20”
CHT = 330F
Engine Oil temp = 170F
OAT = 50F
Warm up = 5-10 minutes 70% RPMS
Track and balance = good
Oil PSI = 90

She’s a good little ship!

Video recorded on old iPAD (Thank you Mary) :

I thoroughly enjoyed using these borescopes during the annual inspection.

http://www.vividia-tech.com/ablescope-specs.html

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/search/search.php?s=vividia%20ablescope



The macro images and video are very good: