[Chopper Dropper]

Originally Posted by Roo

Generally speaking:

Gears whine
Cause: lower finish surface standard, spalled surface, chipped tooth; after changing fluid, which flushes some debris, mating surfaces will "re-acclimate" and only get noisier over a long time. I've seen heavy equipment drivetrain gears with chipped teeth and spalled surfaces that worked noisely for hundreds of hours of continued us (still fully functional)

Bearings rumble/roar
Cause: spalling roller elements, get worse rapidly as damage increases exponentially

In either case, continuing to operate the transmission will potentially create new debris that can damage other parts (that's why helicopters have chip detectors in their gearboxes; chip-detected, land soon)

We're approaching the off-season, good time for a tranny refresh as noted by others.

Had a chip light come on whilst ferrying between spray jobs in a Bell 47 G 3B1 was at 200 ft or so, did not autorotate but landed pretty damn quick. Helicopter trailered to maintenance.

[Roo]

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

So when helicopters fly over you, and detect you, they have to land?

[Vicegrip]

A chip light on one of a tandem flight had a pair of Army choppers land on the (unoccupied) athletic field of Longfellow middle school one summer day. I was riding by as the first one set down. Ya, you don't see that too often.... Best of get the Boy so he can enjoy. The crews were very cool and once things were no longer rotating and secure they let my son check the choppers out. The partly domesticated on-board Wrench was released. While grunting and griping he clambered in and through things, poked and prodded and cleaned a sensor or 2. Once done he was recaptured, the crews buckled in while we cleared out and off they went.

[onboost]

Nice pics VG!
Definitely something you don't get to see everyday!

[cmartin]

sweet!

would love to get a right at top speed. 200+ ??!?!