Bell 206A/B/L Series Fuselage Fixture Installed
In December 2014 Australian Aerospace Engineering installed and aligned a Bell 206A/B/L series fuselage fixture using a Faro Laser Tracker. The fuselage fixture allows the company to carry out major structural repairs and replacements on the Bell JetRanger and LongRanger aircraft.
Engineering Manager, Adam Johnston said that many older JetRanger and LongRanger airframes are in need of major structural works, and operators now have an economic option to extend the service life of these airframes.
“We are really excited to have the capability to carry out major structural repairs and Life Extension Programs on light Bell aircraft. This is something that we believe will see increasing demand over the coming years,†Adam said.
Adam said that the fixture will allow the company to change the roof shell, engine frame, baggage wall and other structurally critical components whilst ensuring drivetrain alignment.
AAE is a privately owned company with a 25 year history working with helicopters in Australia. The company offers dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for Bell light and medium series aircraft and specialises in heavy maintenance and helicopter airframe, tailboom and composite structures.
AAE operates from a comprehensively equipped hangar just outside of Albury NSW, but is expanding into a new 2000 sq.m facility at Albury Airport. Construction of the new facility is scheduled for commencement in April 2015.
“The light Bell fixture is the first step to providing industry with an MRO that can address major structural problems and we are excited to announce that the company has also prepared for installation a Bell 206A/B tailboom fixture and a Bell 205A-1/212/412/UH-1H fuselage fixture. These will be surveyed and aligned at our new facility†Adam said.
For further information, please contact Adam Johnston on (02) 60262614 or adam@austaerospace.com
