Maintenance Practices; Mooring Helicopter; High Wind Conditions - Helicopter Mooring; Covers And Tiedowns - MD Helicopters MD Explorer Servicing And Maintenance

1. Mooring Helicopter

Protective covers and tiedowns are furnished
as loose equipment, and are used for mooring
the helicopter.
Special Tools
(Ref. CSP−SPM)
Item Nomenclature
T104 Aft Mooring Tiedowns
T105 Forward Mooring Tiedowns
T2008 Engine Area Cover
T107 Pitot Cover
A. High Wind Conditions − Helicopter
Mooring
(Ref. Figure 201)
When severe storm conditions or wind
velocities higher than 75 knots are forecast,
helicopter should be hangared or evacuated to
a safe area. If the helicopter must be parked in
the open during high winds, comply with the
following.
Structural damage can occur
CAUTION
from flying objects during high
wind conditions. Helicopter should be han­
gared or evacuated to a safe weather area
when wind conditions above 75 knots are
expected.
(1). If a paved ramp with tiedown rings is
available, park helicopter (Ref. Section
10-10-00), on landing gear skids,
headed in direction from which highest
forecast winds are expected.
When ground handling helicop­
CAUTION
ter do not lift main rotor blades
to clear objects. The main rotor should be ro­
tated to clear objects.
(2). Ensure cyclic stick is centered and do
not exceed the maximum up limits for
the main rotor hub flexbeam during
ground handling, maintenance and
pre-flight operations.
MD Helicopters, Inc.
Rotorcraft Maintenance Manual
MOORING

MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

(3). Secure helicopter to ramp tiedowns
using aft mooring tiedowns (1) and
forward mooring tiedowns (2).
(4). If a paved ramp with tiedown rings are
not available, park helicopter (Ref.
Section 10-10-00), on an unpaved
parking area, headed in the direction
from which highest forecast winds are
expected.
(5). Secure helicopter using aft mooring
tiedowns (1) and forward mooring
tiedowns (2).
Tiedown rotor blades, whenever
CAUTION
helicopter is parked, to prevent
rotor damage from blade flapping as a result
of air turbulence from other aircraft or wind
gusts. The maximum blade tie down load is
when the blade tip just begins to deflect
downward.
(6). Remove main rotor blades, if possible
(Ref. Section 62-10-00).
(7). Fill fuel cell, if possible (Ref. Section
12-00-00).
(8). Install engine area cover (3), pitot cover
(4), (Ref. Section 10-00-00).
(9). Ensure all switches are in the OFF
position and external power is discon­
nected.
(10). Close and secure all doors, windows
and access panels (Ref. Section
06-00-00).
(11). After winds subside, inspect helicopter
carefully for damage which may have
been inflicted by flying objects.

2. Covers and Tiedowns

A requirement exists to shield the MD
Explorer from inclement weather conditions
and other outside environmental factors, that
could cause FOD damage during parking,
mooring and storage. The covers described are
weather resistant, light weight and conform to
the helicopter contours.
10-20-00
CSP−900RMM−2
Page 201
Original