[Orv Neisingh]

A quick note regarding the pitch links. I have come across several helicopters with bent pitch link rod ends link that must be replaced. This is caused by the owner/mechanic disconnecting the upper pitch link rod ends from the clevis for blade removal or maintenance but leaving the lower end of the pitch link still bolted in place. If the rotor system is rotated with the pitch links hanging down they will catch on something and the rod end will bend if not the pitch link itself. I make it a practice to remove the pitch links completely before any work on the helicopter that requires the upper end of the pitch link to be disconnected. N

ote the bend in the threaded portion of the pitch links hanging down in the photo.