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  • SAF Gaz by Zarko Skoko

    Can anyone verify whether the gap displayed along the top of the engine cowling is normal?

    Zis, is this a 341 or a 342 please.

    Comment


    • Zishelix
      Zishelix commented
      Editing a comment
      One of H-45s, definitelly... so, it's 342

    • Savoia
      Savoia commented
      Editing a comment
      Grazie Zis.

  • Originally posted by Savoia View Post
    Can anyone verify whether the gap displayed along the top of the engine cowling is normal?
    I would say it looks about right.

    The hinge is a type of cast bracket with a pip pin hole on either side and it needs room to hinge up, thus if the gap was completely closed the cowl might not be able to swing up — that's if my ole memory is correct, for it's been a while.

    DD, Calif.

    Comment


    • Thanks for your kind explanation, Dunstan! Welcome aboard as well!

      By the way, do you by any chance have any Vought (VHC) Gazelle photo from the '70s?

      Comment


      • dunstan
        dunstan commented
        Editing a comment
        I will look for some Vought Photo's. I do have a beautiful large picture on 341 s/n 1003 - Voughts 1st 341 over the grand canyon at sunset, its just a silhouette. 1003 was also the one Jake Hart had the mid air in years later I believe. I have to be careful I don't get mixed-up between those s/ns and the 1st 350 serial numbers! D. Dunstan

      • Zishelix
        Zishelix commented
        Editing a comment
        Thanks in advance Dunstan! Looking forward to see the images



    • Dear Dunstan

      A warm welcome to Aviafora, as Zis has said, great to have you aboard and also see more 'Gazellers' joining from the US.

      Thank you too for your comments regarding the engine cowling latches and 'gap', its not an angle we see too often.

      Regards

      Sav





      SA342J YU-HES (cn 1057) as seen at Cromer Northrepps Airfield on 2nd April 2016 (Photo: Flying Ants)


      SA341B XX453 (cn WA1454) as seen at Salisbury Plains Training Area on 31st March 2016 (Photo: Liam Daniels)

      On secondment to QinetiQ from the Army Air Corps.

      Sporting new colours for the boys at Boscombe Down!

      Comment


      • Fene Strong
        Fene Strong commented
        Editing a comment
        I believe they have 6 allocated, although due to XZ936 having a slightly bent tailboom 5 operational.
        XZ936 accident summary here: http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=3938#post3938

      • Helipixman
        Helipixman commented
        Editing a comment
        Agree with Zis looks nice. New scheme for me didn't know about change.

      • Gary Gazelle
        Gary Gazelle commented
        Editing a comment
        not seconded but owned by QinetiQ and maintained on the military register. They bought 12 surplus AH1 to use as spares and attrition loss replacements - currently 4 flying ac.

    • Grazie FS!

      Russ Gaz


      Ilya Sivchenko seen with RA-2184G (cn 1034) in Vladivostok, April 2016

      Bourne Park


      SA341C G-SIVJ (cn WA2012) as seen at Bourne Park on 25th February 2016 (Photo: Andrew Morley)

      Ex-ZB649 arriving for maintenance at Falcon Aviation Bourne Park.

      Comment


      • QINETIQ

        They seem to operate Gazelle helicopters as ETPS (Empire Test Pilots School) and RWTES (Rotary Wing Test & Evaluation Squadron)

        The fleet seems to have been:-

        XX372 now at Bourne Park
        XX435 stripped for spares at Boscombe Down
        XX449 RWTES
        XX453 RWTES
        XZ308 for spares use at Boscombe Down
        XZ936 Accident 2.6.14 and stored at Boscombe Down
        XZ939 ETPS
        ZB625 ETPS

        Helipixman

        Comment


        • Zishelix
          Zishelix commented
          Editing a comment
          Thanks Helipix, rapid response and complete information as always!

          By the way, does anybody know what's the purpose of those 'nose rod' on QinetiQ Gazelles? I mean, besides a better place for a pitot tube?

        • Savoia
          Savoia commented
          Editing a comment
          Zis, have a read on page 237 of the following link, as it touches on this matter > https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=...opters&f=false

        • Zishelix
          Zishelix commented
          Editing a comment
          Thanks Sav, a bit clearer now

      • I am reposting Elipix's 'Griffair Gazelles' as the original post came at the end of the previous page and some may have therefore missed this - plus, this serves as a great opportunity to take another peek at Elipix's photos!

        Just to recap, we posted a 'lone Gazelle' a couple of weeks back (G-RIFF) but Elipix uncovered a total of three UK-registered Griffair Gazelles plus a fourth on the Yugo reg, YU-HDL!




        This craft was previously owned by Specialist flying training and registered as G-BLAN which was bought by SFT in 1983.



        G-RIFA was originally G-BBHU which was registered to Westland in 1973 and is also an ex-SFT bird having been bought by them in 1985.



        G-RIFC yes, you guessed it, she is also an ex-SFT bird, originally registered as G-SFTD in 1982.

        Once again, our great thanks to Elipix for uncovering these photos and associated details.

        Comment


        • Highland Gazelles


          Gazelle over the Scottish Highlands, February 2016 (Photo: Lee Burling)

          This was apparently a ferry flight. Still trying to discover which Gaz this is.

          Comment



          • AD No.: 2016-0073-E
            Issued: 13 April 2016

            Type/model designation(s): SA341G, SA342J

            Manufacturer(s): Sud Aviation, Aérospatiale.
            Applicability: SA 341 G and SA 342 J helicopters, all manufacturer serial numbers.

            Reason:
            Two cases have been reported of failure of a landing gear rear cross-tube on SA 341 and SA 342 type helicopters during maintenance and towing operations. These failures caused the helicopters to drop or tip over. Analysis revealed that an excessive hardness of the cross-tube material, combined with inter-granular corrosion initiation, may affect the structural integrity of the rear cross-tube.

            This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of a cross-tube, leading to dropping or tipping over of the helicopter, possibly resulting in injury to occupants or people on the ground.

            To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus Helicopters (AH) issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) n°SA341/342-32.08 providing instructions for inspecting the hardness of the landing gear rear cross-tube and replacing non-conforming rear cross-tubes.

            Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s):
            Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously:

            Note 1: The landing gear rear cross-tubes affected by this AD are identified by Part Number (P/N) 341A415201.00 or P/N 341A415201.01.

            (1) Within 5 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, determine the P/N of the landing gear rear cross-tube installed on the helicopter. A maintenance records check is acceptable to make this determination, provided those records can be relied upon for that purpose.

            (2) If, during the identification as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, it is determined that an affected P/N rear cross-tube (see Note 1 of this AD) is installed on the helicopter, before next flight, install a limitation placard on the instrument panel, in full view of the pilots , as shown in Table 1 of this AD, in accordance with the instructions of AH ASB n° SA341/342-32.08, amend the applicable Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to incorporate the same limitation, inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the helicopter accordingly.

            Table 1 – Limitation Placard

            AUTOROTATION TRAINING FLIGHTS ARE PROHIBITED

            Inserting a copy of this AD into the applicable RFM is an acceptable method to comply with the RFM change required by paragraph (2) of this AD.
            To read the remainder of this AD, including additional conditions, click on the link below.

            Airworthiness Directive 2016-0073-E :
            Landing Gear/Rear Cross-Tube—Inspection/Replacement: http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2016-0073-E

            Comment


            • Originally posted by Helipixman View Post
              YU-HDL did briefly wear the marks 4O-HJS (pictures have been on Aviafora before). It was for sale through SKYDOCK a company owned by Richard Briggs. He has had many helicopters, mainly Hughes 500s.

              The trail has gone cold on this machine, the website www.skydock.co.uk shows it as sold... anyone know who to ?
              Richard sold this aircraft, I believe to someone from Russia. Although the markings were painted on her fuselage, 4O-HJS was never actually registered with these numbers, so she was never therefore de-registered. Griffair operated this aircraft but did not own it. She was sold by her owner to Richard Briggs through auction.

              Comment


              • Savoia
                Savoia commented
                Editing a comment
                As Elipix mentioned, I think this may have cropped-up before. Tis' sometimes difficult to remember all the issues we discuss, but thanks for the clarification Steve.

            • ALAT GAZ

              ALAT Gazelles refuelling from a Puma in Mali

              Comment


              • Zishelix
                Zishelix commented
                Editing a comment
                Nice one Sav!

            • It looks as if the French Army will soon commission a new gun for their Gazelles.

              Back to ideas from 70's I'd say!



              Looking for a T-shirt? Check-out the latest 'Gazelle-wear'.



              https://www.moosejam-tactical.co.uk/...lle-1-t-shirt/

              Comment


              • URGENT READ THIS !!


                Originally posted by Savoia View Post


                AD No.: 2016-0073-E
                Issued: 13 April 2016

                Type/model designation(s): SA341G, SA342J

                Airworthiness Directive 2016-0073-E :
                Landing Gear/Rear Cross-Tube—Inspection/Replacement: http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2016-0073-E

                Gazelle owners/operators, you need to act on this directive. I've just inspected one of mine and found a great big crack in it!

                However, trying to find the part number is not altogether straightforward. On some aircraft it is etched by hand on the end face, while on others it is painted/printed on the round section. Does anyone know of any other places to look?

                The one I've just inspected is definitely for the scrap bin!


                Comment


                • Fene Strong
                  Fene Strong commented
                  Editing a comment
                  If you can't see the number (which will be the case for most) you will end up carrying out a hardness test to tell if you have a .00 or .01 fitted. I believe this does not affect .02 or .03 part numbers which were used after 1976. If I had a post 'issue' cross tube I would just fit it, I think this gets rid of the 'issue'.

                • Savoia
                  Savoia commented
                  Editing a comment
                  We thank God that this was discovered in the hangar and not during a landing. Grazie Padre!

              • Originally posted by Fene Strong View Post
                If you can't see the number (which will be the case for most) you will end up carrying out a hardness test to tell if you have a .00 or .01 fitted. I believe this does not affect .02 or .03 part numbers which were used after 1976. If I had a post 'issue' cross tube I would just fit it, I think this gets rid of the 'issue'.
                I would agree with that, but I just wondered if mine was a .02 or a .03 which had failed, as this helicopter is later than 1976 and should be fitted with .02 or .03 tubes.

                Comment


                • Savoia
                  Savoia commented
                  Editing a comment
                  I wonder if some of the later tubes are in any case vulnerable?

                  Also, does anyone know whether the UK mil used to perform any additional checks on the landing gear given the 'hammering' they received?

                • Fene Strong
                  Fene Strong commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Just a guess, but i feel there may be a requirement coming to check other part numbers/cross tubes shortly as there seems to be some confusion and a lack of obvious part number marking, i don't think the MoD did any additional checks on the landing gear, they may have reduced the time between servicing themselves.

                • Gary Gazelle
                  Gary Gazelle commented
                  Editing a comment
                  can I ask which ac was cracked? the directive has been reissued to include -02 after QinetiQ had an -02 fail the hardness check. AH's assumption that all ac built after 1976 would have -02 or -03 fitted is ludicrous (they can't tell us how many -00 or -01 we had in stock) and the hardness test is seriously flawed.

              • Zishelix enquired about seeing the new branding which I've added to HA-LFH, so I've posted some photos below.

                This branding shows the HAELO logo which represents a charity of mine. This arrangement is temporary however, as I plan to repaint the aircraft later in the year.

                Adrian











                Here are a few more stills from when the branding was added:

                Comment


                • Rotorspot
                  Rotorspot commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Ah yes, ELO. Brings back many happy moments. In those days they were one of my favourites.
                  Many happy landings also from my side.

                • Fene Strong
                  Fene Strong commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Adrian, What is the additional vent for on the engine cowling, not seen this before, or maybe not been paying attention! HA-ELO would look 'Cool'

                • Astazou
                  Astazou commented
                  Editing a comment
                  I think the vent is a dump valve for the extra air created by the 342 engine.
                  Last edited by Astazou; 1st June 2016, 03:14.

              • Here's a clip of a start and hover-taxi at Church Fenton:


                Comment


                • Savoia
                  Savoia commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Nice one Adrian!

                • Zishelix
                  Zishelix commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Nice, thanks for sharing!

              • SA.341G (s/n 1136) G-GAZI at Cheltenham Racecourse Heliport in March 16th, 2007 (Photo: Graham Wasey)



                And the same bird seen at Wolverhampton (Halfpenny Green) in January 17th, 2011 by Robert Beaver

                Comment




              • ~ Bretagne ~

                SA341D G-CBSI (cn 1736) as seen at Cromer Northrepps Airfield on 10th April 2016 (Photo: Graham Reeve) Ex-XZ934


                SA341G G-EZEL (cn 1073) as seen at Redhill on 10th April 2016 (Photo: Trevor Warne)

                Formerly the Italian Gazelle .. I-ATOM, and before that G-BAZL of Twyford Moors, Southampton (that was in the mid-70s').

                ~ France ~

                N624EL 'Nellie'



                SA341G(S) N624EL (cn 1094) as seen at Issy-les-Moulineaux, Paris on 13th April 2016 (Photo: Paul Marais-Hayer)

                Comment


                • Zishelix
                  Zishelix commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Lovely shots Sav!

                • Fene Strong
                  Fene Strong commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Is that a cut down vertical stabiliser?

                • Savoia
                  Savoia commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Indeed it is. It is in fact one of the distinguishing features of the stretched Gazelle (as indicated by the (S) designation after the model number in the above photo). The other feature is of course the distance between the rear passenger window and the fuselage seam where the rear door hinges are mounted (although this is less obvious unless you are up close).

                  I have yet to hear an explanation as to why the stretched versions lack the standard vertical stabilisers. Hopefully we shall find out.

              • Gazelle on a stick!



                Steve's HA-LFA at Budapest Prestige Heliport in July 29th, 2012 (Photo: Forró Ádám)

                Comment


                • Caribbean Gazelle


                  ALAT Gazelle landing aboard the French helicopter carrier 'Jeanne d'Arc' on 22nd March 2010 inbound from the island of Martinique

                  Comment




                  • New South African Gazelles

                    Getting pretty crowded down there!

                    Registered in March 2016:

                    ZU-RLU SA341G (1097) European South African Chamber of Commerce P/L; ex HA-LFA, 4X-BHG, G-BLAO, N37748
                    ZU-ROC SA341F2 (1400) Aerospatiale SA34X P/L; ex N140GZ, 1400 (Fr.Mil)
                    ZU-RTB SA341F2 (1565) Aerospatiale SA34X P/L; ex N565GZ, 1565 (Fr.Mil)

                    Jos

                    Comment


                    • Helipixman
                      Helipixman commented
                      Editing a comment
                      Hi Jos, Many thanks for this info.

                      Found ZU-RLU yesterday but missed the other two.

                      It won't be long before South Africa has a greater population of Gazelles than the UK (and that does not include the four legged variety).

                      In addition to the registered Gazelles there are approx. 6 or more ex-Ecuadorian examples too.

                      Helipximan

                    • Savoia
                      Savoia commented
                      Editing a comment
                      Si, grazie Jos!

                      Elipix, if these Ecuadorian Gazelles are not on the SA register, do you think they are being used for spare parts?

                    • Helipixman
                      Helipixman commented
                      Editing a comment
                      From some photos I have seen they look like they are not being use for spares ! One of them has been stripped down to bare metal ? So more to keep a look out for in the future.

                  • Egyptian Gaz

                    Jos wrote: What I have learned recently is that the Arab serials should be read left to right (I know, it sounds crazy, given that they write right to left). Having said that, the serial thus is 3407, which fits in the sequence of known serials like 3405 (c/n 1496) and 3406.
                    Zis, it seems as if Jos has resolved the registration 'mystery'.

                    Miscellaneous Gaz


                    YU-HPZ with accessories

                    Gaz Patch for Zis!



                    T/R Driveshaft Clearance



                    The driveshaft seems to pass reasonably close to the oil cooler pipe? In fact the clearances all round seem to be fairly limited. I suppose this is why some aircraft experience chaffing on the inside of the t/r driveshaft cover?

                    Comment


                    • Zishelix
                      Zishelix commented
                      Editing a comment
                      Nice patch, I need to obtain one



                  • SA341C ZU-HBH (cn WA1418) as seen in Magaliesburg South Africa on 26th November 2014 (Photo: Justin Kennerley)

                    Comment


                    • N2TV

                      We've posted a couple shots now of this Gaz, and here she is again, but from a new perspective. Will probably post a 'N2TV Compilation' in the near future.


                      SA341G(S) N2TV (cn 1392) in flight in the United States c. 1990's

                      In 2000 this craft became a Yorkshire-based-bird flying as G-BZLA. She is still in the UK, now flying as HA-PJB and lives near Gatwick Airport.

                      Note the interesting combination of a missing front skid fairing while the rear fairing remains installed.

                      Comment


                    • Gazelle with Mysterious French Registration

                      I have been shown a poor quality picture of c/n 1087, apparently taken before delivery as F-BVEI to Electricité de France. The registration on the lower fuselage definitely seems to read F-MTZR. This is not logical however as test registrations for civil helicopters normally start with F-W (F-M is reserved as call signs for the military).

                      In a database of a well-respected expert in Aerospatiale/Eurocopter/Airbus Helicopters, F-WMTZ is mentioned as the test registration. Maybe F-MTZR was applied for a special occasion. Does anyone have any more information?

                      Jos.

                      Comment


                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Jos, I'm glad you are asking about this, for I also noticed the unusual F-M registration which was applied on s/n 1087. Sadly, I couldn't find out any more about it.

                        Hopefully this and other 'mysteries' we have about Gazelle production & service history will be solved when our French friends discover Aviafora!

                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        A while back we were trying to find out what happened to F-BVEI, but is seems the trail has gone cold.
                        > http://www.aviafora.com/forums/forum...=1796#post1796

                    • Originally posted by Savoia View Post

                      Elipix, if these Ecuadorian Gazelles are not on the SA register, do you think they are being used for spare parts?
                      They are all being overhauled. Some owners bought 2, one will definitely fly, the other may take a lot longer. I will be seeing their progress in a few weeks in SA. Sorry no photos.

                      Comment


                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Grazie Steve. I think earlier comments on the thread indicated that these craft were not in the best of shape. Hopefully the mechanics there can put them in working order.

                    • Originally posted by Savoia View Post

                      Gaz Patch for Zis!


                      Nice patch, wouldn't mind getting some made. Does anyone know who owns the rights to it?

                      Steve

                      Comment


                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        I've not been able to find anything (yet) as to who originally made this but .. I wouldn't be overly concerned about the design rights as one can very easily make one's own design based on the overall concept, and as soon as you modify the design .. it becomes yours (in terms of copyright). I can think of a couple of improvements, such as a rotor shaft, incorporating the fenestron and adding the undercarriage. The first 'E' could also be modified to display the exhaust.

                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        No doubt 'Sav the Artist' is able to make a nicer patch!

                        I stay in the line for one piece

                    • G-OGAZ

                      Another shot of G-OGAZ during her recent visit to Prestwick, but from a new angle and by a different photographer:


                      SA341G(S) G-OGAZ (cn 1274) as seen at Prestwick Airport on 8th April 2016 (Photo: Allan Durward)

                      To see the previous photo, click here.



                      Comment




                      • SA342J -PTEC (cn 001) as seen at Aeroporto di Sassuolo, Modena on 17th October 2015


                        SA342J -PTEC (cn 001) as seen at Aeroporto di Sassuolo, Modena on 17th October 2015

                        Comment


                        • Originally posted by Fene Strong View Post
                          Adrian, What is the additional vent for on the engine cowling, not seen this before, or maybe not been paying attention! HA-ELO would look 'Cool'
                          It's because that is an 342J which has a different engine with a dump valve on the side.

                          Steve

                          Comment

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