McDonnell Douglas MD Explorer helicopters are back in the air following Federal Aviation Administration approval and extensive laboratory tests.
As a precaution, the company asked the FAA to ground the helicopters at the end of May after a broken adjustable collective link was discovered on a customer-owned aircraft.
The part, supported by a second back-up link, is an important component in the main rotor system.
McDonnell Douglas swiftly completed design analysis on a replacement part which has now been installed, thanks to round-the-clock production by Eason and Waller Manufacturing and Precision Grinding.
Source: Flight Daily News
