This thread will follow an R44 Cadet annual inspection starting 2021.03.23. Please comment and join along!

MM R44: https://robinsonheli.com/r44-maint-manual/

Disclaimer: Comments are solely at random and for entertainment only and should be not confused with real life processes.

DAY #1 2021.03.23:

Arrived from Honolulu and removed the plastic stretch wrap. I’m in constant contact with RHC, Lycoming via telephone and email. They have outstanding customer support for guys like me.



1) Reviewed logs, SB, ADs

Ordered:

Flexbar® Vise-Grip Indicator Kit × 1:



MT331-4 Alignment Bar:



Next:

Panel removed...

Below are some inspection tools. Headlamp, mini flashlight, borescope, mirrors:



The avionics console folds aft and allows access to the back off the instrument cluster. Pretty nice design.




Video of first day on the job:

Day#2

Remove panel group #3, #4



Components look and feel good. Amazing how RHC can install these controls:

DAY #3

Will be inspecting engine, drive systems, hydraulics, rotors, etc...

I like to start work early morning, usually about 3-4:00 AM.

Disclaimer: The below video makes product recommendations and is the sole opinion of the narrator only...

Day #4

Environmental Note: It was 36F this morning! Really cold but, calm and no rain!

Pictures RHC MM:







Video:



Aloha!

The FBO at Newport has very friendly employees and they have been helping me in various ways. Mostly, moving the controls and rotors so I can inspect movement and run out.

Here they come now...



Inside the mast fairing everything is in good shape!

Did anyone see or hear Space-X’s Falcon exploding last night? The rocket’s sonic blast was heard here at the hangar! The sky was filled with burning debris too.

Cold and dry as compared to Hawaii right now! 34F at 160’ MSL. No global warming on the coast right now.

Anyway, it’s a full moon here and really beautiful on the coast. Great to be up here enjoying!

Day #7 (not including travel to Oregon)

LifeFlight Helicopters have the nicest employees. One Airbus pilot is a DPE Rotorcraft (which comes in handy). The mechanics will always lend a hand if you ask questions. Also, the USCG Air Station on field is very nice, I fly with an H65 FO in my R44. KONP has a lot of helo support!

A Spring Season Gale here. Rain, wind (G39 MPH) and low ceilings entered this afternoon.



A good friend at LifeFlight Helicopters assisted me in removing the chip detectors for the MRGB and the TRGB. Both were relatively clean and we tested them by grounding to the frame and also testing the lighting circuits.

Generalization of the MRGB chip detector:



Checked upper and lower sheave alignment and nothing has changed!



Tool used for sheave alignment:



Aloha!

Annual Inspection is completed.

Specially thankful to these folks:

RHC Customer Support
Lycoming
Bendix
LifeFlight
Newport FBO

She’s flying great!

Thanks for posting, that was fun to follow along.

Kurt
Ex R-22, Bell 47 owner

Nicely done, that bird is clean!

kato wrote:Nicely done, that bird is clean!

Thanks for posting, that was fun to follow along.
Kurt
Ex R-22, Bell 47 owner

Thank you!

I would like to mention also how beneficial this website is in connecting ideas and information. Great work Zane!