PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47

FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE

TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Procedure for pre-flight inspection

Bell 47G Helicopter

You should refer to the Bell 47 Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and your instructor for more
information on how to conduct a preflight inspection of the helicopter.

The intent of this document is to help you understand what you should be checking as you
read the POH checklist.

When the two differ, you should give preference to the official Bell 47 checklist.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Check the Pitot Tube:

Check the pilot tube for no damage or

blockage.
Do not blow down the Pitot tube, this will
cause damage to the air speed indicator.
If the ASI is erratic in flight due to other
than pilot handling - remove the Pitot
pressure line from the instrument and blow
back down the line to clear debris/insects
etc.

...................................................................................................................................................................
Check the bubble:

Check the bubble for no damage/major

scratches.
When the sun shines onto the bubble it
refracts the light, it makes it hard for the pilot
to focus.
Just like driving into the sunset.
Clean the bubble inside and outside regularly
using your company’s procedure.

...................................................................................................................................................................
Check the condition of the battery:

Check the condition of the battery in the

cabin in front of the instrument panel.
Make sure there is no evidence of spilled
electrolyte.
Inspect the security of mounting and general
condition.
Check the battery drain tube for unobstructed
drainage.
OO-PEE has 2 12 Volt batteries thus 24 Volt
battery.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Frictions Off:

Check that the cyclic and collective control

frictions are off.
The cyclic friction in the Bell 47 is a screw
type friction located half way up the cyclic.

...................................................................................................................................................................

The collective friction is located in between

the seats at the same level as the cushion.
It is also a screw type friction.

DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the collective

friction (get a rated pilot to show you what
to do) as otherwise the collective friction
system may be damaged and no friction.

...................................................................................................................................................................

“Hit the stops”

Move the cyclic through its full range.

It is important to realise that each cyclic
control servo cylinder acts in two directions
and therefore a positive check of the “feel”
in BOTH directions of each power cylinder
is required.

Check that there is no binding full fwd to full aft and also full left to full right to check that
the individual fore and aft and lateral hydraulic servos are smooth before the hydraulic system
is pressurised at engine start.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Hint: Look back and check swashplate movement when using cyclic.

While moving the cyclic through its full range with your left hand, observe all control systems
on the engine side of the firewall to see they are not hitting or binding on anything.

Particularly eyeball each rod end to see that it is tight.

Worn rod ends cause delay with control inputs and make hovering harder.

Frictions must be put back on when cyclic range check is completed.

Push the left and right Tail Rotor pitch control pedals fully back and forward.

Listen for the noise from under the cabin floor as the pedals hit their max stops.

Have your engineer check the tail rotor rigging at the tail rotor gearbox if no noise is heard as
you may not be getting full tail rotor pitch travel. This could turn into a really serious in flight
control problem if the tail rotor cannot obtain either full high or full low pitch angles.
...................................................................................................................................................................

If a door is fitted, check that both

retainer pins are through their hinges
when the door is closed and latched. If a
part of the system is damaged or out of
alignment causing a pin to not protrude
through the hinge, the door may come
off in flight and hit your main or tail
rotor.

...................................................................................................................................................................

Check Skids:

Starting with the left front, check the

skid uprights for weld cracks.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Check the rear skid cross tube attach

saddle clamps for security and grip (is
the cork or rubber gasket loose?)
Look through both the front and rear
cross tubes. You should be able to
daylight at the other end. If you cannot
see through a tube, it may have too
much permanent set due age or hard
landings. Usually your mechanic can
roll the tube 180 degrees as a fix.

...................................................................................................................................................................

Check the Cooling fan drive belts:

Check the condition of both fan belts – each should have
about 3/8-inch bow in when pushed hard in with one
finger. Tighten loose belts – they may fling off if loose and
under high power circumstances, the engine may seize
within one minute due to lack of forced cooling air. The
engineers can demonstrate how to tighten these belts.
Make sure any excess grease from the engine/transmission
adaptor plate or fan bearing does not fall onto the belts.
Use a torch and check the edges of both fan belts for
fraying and also the belt inside cogs for cracks which may
go into the belt ply. Check the condition of the fan blades
for no cracking (check the root ends), chips and general
wear.

...................................................................................................................................................................

NOTE: If any oil is leaking from the

transmission side of the Top Fan Drive
Pulley or if the pulley can be made to
move or rock in/out or in a horizontal
or vertical plane, do not fly the aircraft
until the cause has been determined.
IREPEAT – Do not fly the aircraft! It
may be that the fan drive gear or its
support bearings are stuffed. Check the
engine oil pressure filter for magnetic
contaminations.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Check hydraulic servo pins:

At the bottom of each hydraulic servo are
two pins with a round head passing
through the clevis on the servo rod. On the
other side of the clevis, it has a castellated
nut with a safety split pin through it. You
must be able to freely turn the pins. If
hydraulic fluid is leaking from the lower
seal on the servo onto the pins, clean it off
as it can attract dust and grit which in turn
can cause wear on the pin.

...................................................................................................................................................................
Check fuel tanks:
Place both hands in the middle of the left
side of the fuel tank.
Push on/off against the fuel tank, checking
for security.
Sometimes the tank works loose on the
main frame/basket attach bolt or one of the
small rear attach brackets may be broken.
Before any flight, condensation or small
water droplets clinging to the inside of the
tank may be dislodged if the tank is
‘slapped’ with the palm of your hands.

Look for cracks in the horizontal airframe

tube near where the fuel tank attaches
(between the basket/airframe attach bolt and
the rear of the tank). These can be caused
by internal corrosion.
If the frame cracks completely through,
there is potential for the tail rotor drive front
short shaft to become disconnected in flight.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Make sure that both fuel filler caps are

latched in a “down” position. If latched up,
water can seep through centre pin if the
“O” ring is worn.
By keeping the latch “down”, water will
not accumulate around centre pin and will
drain overboard.
This cap is latched in the wrong position!!

...................................................................................................................................................................

Engine Valve Rocker Covers:

Look for loose or missing engine cylinder
rocker cover screws.
These tend to vibrate loose when cork
gaskets are used under the rocker cover.
It is preferable to use the new red silicon
gaskets for long life, no oil leaks and
retention of the rocker cover screws.

...................................................................................................................................................................

Magnetos:
Check the magneto and magneto cables
for no wear (rubbing/fraying) and general
condition.
Check the four screws holding the
magneto cap on, these can sometimes
vibrate loose.
Grab the magneto with both hands and see
if you can turn it which can only happen if
the two attach nuts are loose.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Inlet and exhaust manifold:

Observe that no green or blue Avgas fuel
stains are coming from the intake
manifold pipe/cylinder attach area
gaskets. A blown gasket in this area can
lead to sluggish performance due to
erratic fuel air mixtures which can cause a
cylinder to run lean and damage the piston
or exhaust valves.
Check for any suspected leaks by gently
spraying a garden hose in the area while
the engine is idling. If a gasket is faulty,
water will be sucked in and cause the
spark plugs to short out on the cylinder
with the faulty intake gasket.
Check the general condition of the
exhaust manifold and make sure there are
no white stains indicating hot exhaust
gases are leaking from the metal gasket.
Check the general condition of the spark
plugs, making sure that leads are not
damaged and that they are tight on the
sparkplug.

...................................................................................................................................................................

Tail rotor drive short shafts:

Check that the front short shaft can be
moved forwards and backwards.
The grease boots must not be empty or
too full. Push lightly on each boot – it
should not be tight (like a Balloon)
Very little play is permitted in the first
and last bearings on the T/Rotor drive
shaft.
Look especially for cracks in the weld of
the bearing mount/tail boom attach
brackets.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Rear T/Rotor drive short shaft: with the

M/Rotor untied, turn the main rotor slowly
and check that the rear short shaft is not
bent, indicating an unreported Tail Rotor
Blade strike on grass or water.
A bent shaft requires inspection of the Tail
rotor drive system.

...................................................................................................................................................................
Check all control cables:

Check/clean all the tail rotor stainless steel

flexible control cables with a rag.

Use the rag for the following reasons.

To snag any slivers indicating breaks or

frays in the weaves of cables.

To wipe them clean to look for shiny wear

flats where they pass through pulleys.
(Grease on cables attracts dust – dust works
into the cables – the cables wear.

The rag also stops your fingers being ripped

open by any cable frays.

Be sure to run the length of the control

wires, not missing any areas. This way you
are sure that they are in good condition.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Tail Rotor:
Check the tail rotor blades for security of
bonding, cracks and scratches. If bonding
shows any indication of loosening or if
cracks exist, the blades may need
replacement.
Check for freedom of blade flapping and
freedom of blade travel.
Inspect pitch change linkage for alignment,
freedom of operation and security.
Inspect tail rotor hub for general condition
and security.
Inspect the tail rotor gearbox for security of
mounting, check sufficient oil and any
evidence of oil leaks.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Check Engine Oil:

Engine Oil tank Quantity: Check the dip
stick reading is not below 7 US Quantities
of oil.
Max oil consumption is 1 litre per 2 hours.
In the warm ambient conditions in
Australia, normal power usage consumes
about 1 litre of oil per 4 hours.
Use the correct viscosity oil for the average
ambient temp.
If in doubt regarding which grade or type of
oil to use or you cannot positively identify
the type in a container – do not put it

...................................................................................................................................................................

Check main rotor blades

Once you have completed the walk around of
the bottom section of the aircraft you can
now check the main rotor blades. Inspect for
corrosion on main rotor blades at edge of
doublers, trim tabs and butting area of
aluminium skin to stainless steel leading
edge.
Examine daily for, any break, nick or heavy
local abrasion of paint finish.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Inspect skins, grip and drag reinforcing

plates and reinforcing doublers for nicks,
scratches, dents and security of attachment.
With a torch, inspect the inboard area of the
M/R grips for cracks emanating from the
internal threads machined for the Grip
retainer nut.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Main Rotor Hub Assembly Retaining

Nut:
Check security of blade attachment bolts
and hub retaining nut. Make sure that at
least 2 tabs are folded up locking into the
retaining nut.

...................................................................................................................................................................
Check hub assembly:
Check hub assembly for general condition
and security of bolts and nuts.
Check freedom of operation of gimbal
bearings by rocking assembly up and down
in a span wise direction.
Inspect static stop – make sure the static
stop is free to move and that the springs are
in good condition.

...................................................................................................................................................................
Stabilizer bar assembly:
Inspect stabilizer bar for general condition
and security.
Move the stab bar up and down in one
slow movement, whilst doing this make
sure the stab bar frame is not moving.

Visually inspect stabilizer bar tubes for

evidence of a crack in area extending six
inches outboard from the retaining nut.
Check that stabilizer bar tubes are tight in
stabilizer bar frame by rocking stabilizer
bar tubes fore and aft in a horizontal
plane.
Check fluid level in damper.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

With a torch, inspect the damper frame

clamps for security and cracks. Check the
damper frame is tight on the mast,
otherwise - if loose - more control inputs
required especially for steady hover.
Check all control bolts/rod ends for
fretting due lack of shimming.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

Swash Plate:
Check both lock wired bolts in the swash
plate scissors for security.

...................................................................................................................................................................
Transmission:
Check/identify any oil leaks from the
main transmission, especially from the
top seal area. Make sure all oil lines are
securely fastened with no visible leaks.
Check the inlet induction hose isn’t
collapsing so it that it doesn’t suck
closed when the engine is running.
Make sure you check the induction hose
mounts.
 PRE-FILIGHT INSPECTION Bell 47
FORM NUMBER ISSUE ISSUE DATE
TOPCAT HELICOPTERS BVBA
BE.DTO.134 – Check A 1 01-03-2020 Zeelaan 166 GV
8670 Koksijde

With special thanks to TC - Tony Carmody - from AirWork Helicopters Australia.