Safety Considerations for Helicopter Drive Systems of the 1980s

The helicopter is the fastest growing segment of aviation today. This trend is expected to continue through the 1980s due to the new fields of helicopter deployment. Our accident rates and the high cost of service difficulties, however, must be reduced if this trend is to be maintained. Unlike fixed wing aircraft, the helicopter has rotating machinery of which the very complex drive system is a major consideration for future growth. Its past performance for accidents and service difficulties indicates involvement in a high percentage of the total accident causes or contributory conditi ons. This paper provides an in-depth review of past drive system problems from the FAA viewpoint of airworthi ness and safety. Suggested design practice changes are outlined that experience has shown to be critical for the 1980s. In the safety area, history of accident causes must not repeat itself.