Background
In September 2024, the FAA approved a revision to the airworthiness limitations for the Robinson R66 helicopter, which doubled the service life of 12 components from 2,000 to 4,000 hours. Additionally, The calendar life for the main and tail rotor blades was increased from 12 to 15 years. The approval is expected to reduce maintenance costs, lower operating costs, and enhance reliability for operators worldwide.
2000 Hour Overhaul Kit
As the world’s largest civilian helicopter manufacturer, Robinson has become known for its reliability and affordability. The company has developed convenient and comprehensive field overhaul kits to “reset” the service life of the more than 100 R66 helicopters that are expected to hit 2000 hour limits in the coming year – a number that will grow each year with the overall fleet size. September’s life limit changes represent a significant change to the composition and cost of 2000 hour kits.
What’s Different – Nuts & Bolts Level
The previous KI-6602 kit has been replaced by the new KI-6606 R66 2000 Hour Inspection Kit to better reflect changes to longer life limitations referenced in R66 Service Letter 48 “Revised Life Limitations” dated 5, September 2024 and R66 Service Letter 49 “Changes to 2000 Hour Kit” dated 16, October 2024.
The revised contents of base KI-6606 2000 Hour Inspection Kit have been greatly reduced but may not include all items required to complete your 2000 hour overhaul. Additional major items may be needed to be purchased. While the modified KI-6606 does add a level of complexity over the previous one-size-fits-all kit, this is offset by the improved flexibility given to operators to order more precisely what is needed for their specific aircraft.
Main Rotor Gearbox & Hydraulics Options
The main rotor gearbox and hydraulic system will dictate which remaining components are needed to complete the overhaul. These items can be purchased individually or as part of a gearbox assembly and/or hydraulic system combination. For operators requiring a gearbox only, the F006-6R/-1R offers two slightly different buildup options, For those desiring the factory pre-assembled gearbox and hydraulic assembly, the F001-11R option is available:
F006-6R Main Rotor Gearbox |
F006-1R Main Rotor Gearbox |
F001-11R MRGB/Hydraulics |
| 4000 Hr. Sub-Components
C251-3 Shaft F143-1 Pinion F146-1 Pinion F263-1 Housing F270-1 Cartridge Note: MRGB Only, Does not include Hydraulic Pump, Oil Pump, Yoke, or Rotor Brake |
4000 Hr. Sub-Components
C251-3 Shaft F143-1 Pinion F146-1 Pinion F263-1 Housing F270-1 Cartridge G003-1 Rotor Brake Assy. D500-3R MRGB Oil Pump Note: Does not contain Hydraulic pump, reservoir, servos, etc. |
C017-6R-Swashplate
Incl. C647-12 Bearing Set D211-3R Hydr. Reservoir D212-5R Hydr. Servo (2) D212-6R Hydr. Servo D500-2R Hydr. Pump Assy. D500-3R MRGB Oil Pump F006-1R Main Rotor Gear Box G201-1 Frame, Servo Suppt. Note: All items are assembled at the factory. |
Additional 2000 Hour Inspection Items
Once operators have selected the KI-6606 kit and appropriate gearbox/hydraulics option, there are up to 25 additional items that may be required to fulfill the R66 2000 Hour Inspection (MM Sec. 1-92) and in compliance with remaining R66 Life Limitations (MM Sec. 4-10).
Rotorcorp has assembled a comprehensive list of these items and we have established a step-by-step process for our customer service team to assist operators through the process of parts selection – ensuring all critical components required to complete your overhaul are ordered the first time, avoiding costly maintenance delays.
Click the image below for details on the R66 2000 hour overhaul kit contents, options and pricing:
