Fix crack in helicopter Bubble ?

[afterburn 549]

Turns out to be more of a language and more linguistics than ever intended.
I will just find a new or used bubble.

[masraum]

[Seahawk]

PM me some pics.

[908/930]

What material is it? If it is acrylic look at products from Weld-on. Need good ventilation. Weld on 16 is a pretty good filler that I have used in the past.. Weld on 40 or 42 are two part filler but I have never used.

[Zeke]

Weldon is the word.

[RNajarian]

What make and model of whirley bird is it ?

[RNajarian]

Thanks for the info.

I hope the term “whirley bird” isn’t an inappropriate term for a helicopter pilot. I’m a fixed wing guy.

[afterburn 549]

Hiller Raven OH 12 C (UH23C) (OH23)-All the same Bubble

[afterburn 549]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

Thanks for the info.

I hope the term “whirley bird” isn’t an inappropriate term for a helicopter pilot. I’m a fixed wing guy.

There was a show on TV called The Whirly Birds Late 50s So I guess it is appropriate.

[Steve Carlton]

What did you fly in the Air Cavalry?

[908/930]

Weld-on #4 is just a solvent, good for overlap bonds, I do not think it is what you want to use. The #16 is thicker it has some filler material in it, same solvent base.

[908/930]

I don't think you will need to drill if you can bond it properly, was the stress that caused the crack internal? With the #4 it will flow through just about any space like water but you need to be able to force it together to get the material to bond. How long is the crack and how thick is the material?

[Seahawk]

For AB:



I know a lot of Helo Depot folks and they may have some suggestions. I'll need pictures and what it is made of and age since I have no idea how to repair - hopefully they may be able to help.

[afterburn 549]

Will be pix here in about an hour
Thanx for the Baby Huey pic, LOL

In the early morning mist a roll with the wrist
A push on the button
Things came into motion we started to lift
In the early morning mist the sun not quite up
Headed for another LZ
another insertion or pickup
It was always all the same dodging the green tracers
the pounding of the blades
in the mist blood and rain
Now to wash it all the red stains

[masraum]

Yikes, those look like big cracks that need to be fixed. Seems like replacement would be ideal except to your wallet.

[afterburn 549]

I would replace it, if I could find the parts.

[Seahawk]

What year is your helicopter? I know it is a Hiller Raven, but what year and when was the last time it flew?

The initial response from the folks I know that do this was not positive. If you are flying a certified aircraft, the manufacturer is the deciding authority on, trust me on this, cracks in canopy bubbles and doors and the required fixes to maintain that certification. An AP will insist on that before signing off on the repair. Any fix must have a basis in the certification.

I really want to help you with this. So, what manuals do you have from Hiller? That was their first question.

Let's start here: https://hilleraircraftcorporation.com/all-model-revisions-publication-status

Or here: https://www.aircraft-reports.com/hiller-hte-h-23-oh-23-raven-helicopter-manuals-bundle-on-dvd-or-download/

https://www.eflightmanuals.com/ITEM_EFM/SDETAIL_EFM.asp?mID=1151

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2499334.m570.l1313&_nkw=hiller+raven+canopy&_sacat=26435

If you don't want my help, I understand. Remember I have a lot of hours and factory time in helos...you may need help getting an airworthiness certificate. I could be wrong.

Let me know.

[908/930]

Do you happen to own a vacuum pump? Do you have a place to purchase a small piece of acrylic to practice on, any sign shops nearby?

What Seahawk said could change things.

[Seahawk]

I would call them:

https://hilleraircraftcorporation.com/what-we-do


Hiller Aircraft Corporation

925 ‘M’ St
Firebaugh CA, 93622

Info@hilleraircraft.com
(559) 659-5959

Again, I know how hard this is...we stopped doing FAA repairs because, and I do not disagree at all with their standards, keeping our quals for the FAA were onerous.

[Arizona_928]

When one is repairing an aircraft before the existence of the FAA… The thought of regulation overreach comes to mind…


There’s a lot of static displays around, maybe reach out for a trade on a non cracked bubble.