Regardless of the make and model of the helicopter, accomplishing durable, high-quality rotor blade repairs requires a certain knowledge and skill set. This five day course will provide the knowledge and teach the skills necessary to effect quality helicopter rotor blade repairs in-house with a high degree of confidence, and a shorter turn-around time.

The ability to accurately interpret manufacturer’s repair instructions is contingent upon understanding certain basic concepts. Therefore, lecture topics will stress; the basics of adhesive technology, surface preparation of metals and composites, bond-line control, cure cycles & process controls, treatment of contaminated areas, lightning strike protection, and follow-on maintenance. Our Phase I course is recommended, but not required. The basics of composite materials and processes are discussed in detail. Subjects like vacuum bagging, proper resin selection and mixing, and repair design are also addressed.


During the week, students will be challenged by several shop exercises. These exercises will consist of evaluating damaged sections of a rotor blade, consulting the repair instructions, and conducting the repair accordingly using process control equipment (hot-bonders). Students may also evaluate their finished repairs both destructively, and non-destructively. If students have questions about specific manufacturer’s repairs, they are urged to bring/ship their own sections of unserviceable rotor blade to be incorporated in their shop exercises.