FAA SAIB NE-07-30 - Sikorsky Aircraft S-61 Series Helicopters - Blade Inspection Method (BIM) System
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Owners and operators of Sikorsky S-61 helicopters should immediately restrict from flight any main rotor blade showing BIM indications. They must follow the inspection and repair procedures outlined in FAA AD 74-20-07 R5 and Sikorsky Service Bulletin No. 61B15-6P or later approved revisions. Regular BIM system checks every 3 hours time-in-service are required, and any indication must be investigated and corrected before further flight.
Summary
FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin NE-07-30 is an informational bulletin concerning Sikorsky Aircraft Model S-61 Series helicopters equipped with the Blade Inspection Method (BIM®) system. It alerts operators and maintenance personnel to restrict from further flight any main rotor blade showing BIM indications until the cause is determined and corrected. The document references FAA Airworthiness Directives 74-20-07 R5 and 85-18-05 R2, which apply to all S-61 helicopters, including those registered in EU Member States under EASA regulations.
What changed
This bulletin reinforces existing FAA Airworthiness Directives by emphasizing the critical need to ground any S-61 main rotor blade that shows a BIM indication. It introduces a strict restriction on flight with affected blades until inspection and corrective action are completed, highlighting the risk of fatigue cracks detected in blades. The bulletin also recalls Sikorsky's safety advisory stressing adherence to maintenance and inspection procedures for BIM-equipped blades.
Why it matters
This information is vital for aviation professionals because it directly impacts flight safety by preventing potential main rotor blade failure due to undetected spar cracks. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must recognize BIM indications as serious safety hazards requiring immediate action. Following these guidelines helps avoid catastrophic blade failure, loss of control, and potential fatalities.
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