Top Tips for Maintaining Helicopter Landing Skids

Instead of the wheeled assemblies found on most airplanes, helicopters largely utilize lightweight, fixed landing skids that allow for stable takeoffs and landings on diverse terrain. Although they have a simple form, they should not be mistaken for having low maintenance requirements. Landing skids still need routine inspections and maintenance interventions to keep them functional and passengers safe, so in this blog, we will cover some pointers for properly preserving these assemblies.

1.  Conduct Routine Inspections

Routine inspection is the first line of defense in preventing landing gear breakdowns. Ideally before and after each flight, maintenance personnel and pilots will:

• Look for cracks, dents, or corrosion on the skid tubes, structural supports, and cross beams.
• Inspect attachment points and fasteners for signs of loosening or fatigue.
• Check the wear depth and general condition of wear or skid shoes if they are present, these items being sacrificial metal or composite pads mounted to the underside of landing skids to protect them from abrasion.

Helicopters operating in environments with heightened exposure to corrosive and abrasive conditions, such as offshore, arctic, or sandy regions, should undergo these inspections more frequently than others.

2.  Lubrication and Corrosion Prevention

Certain parts of landing skids require preventative care to prevent metal-on-metal wear and corrosion, with tasks including:

• Lubrication: This typically occurs every 100 flight hours or during scheduled inspections, as well as after hard landings, gear disassembly, noticeable friction noises, or operation in corrosive environments.
• Applying protective coatings: Corrosion-inhibiting spray or paint touch-ups may be applied every 100 flight hours or annually. However, this should happen more around 50 hours or monthly for helicopters that operate in humid or marine environments.
• Inspecting drainage holes: Drainage holes on skids need to be routinely checked for clogs and cleaned as needed to make sure that all water can drain out, but particularly after flying in wet, muddy, or debris-filled areas.

3.   Monitor Load Distribution and Structural Alignment

Landing skids are load-bearing structures that must retain their original geometry, which can be compromised by hard landings, unbalanced cargo, or uneven terrain. Distorted skids may affect a helicopter’s balance both on the ground and in the air, so it is always recommended to:

• Conduct gear alignment checks during annual inspections or following any hard landing incident.
• Inspect cross tubes and attachment points for compression, deflection, or signs of high-load fatigue, especially if the helicopter is used for sling operations or carries heavy external loads.
• Use precision jigs or laser tools to verify skid alignment within defined OEM tolerances as needed.

If any anomalies are detected, the helicopter should be grounded until qualified personnel can perform corrective measures.

4.  Follow Manufacturer Maintenance Intervals

All maintenance tasks have to follow recommended intervals by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), as detailed in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and, where applicable, the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM). While exact schedules vary by model and mission profile, helicopters equipped with landing skids often follow straightforward service timelines based on accumulated flight hours, such as every 50 or 100 hours.

5.  Replace Components Based on Flight Hours or Condition

Even when damage is not visibly apparent, many landing skid components will need replacement if they have met a certain amount of years in use or exhibit some wear patterns. Most skid-equipped helicopters follow Time Between Overhaul (TBO) or flight-hour-based guidelines for each part, so operators must maintain an accurate record of flight hours and any maintenance tasks that have been carried out.

Stay Proactive in Helicopter Landing Gear Maintenance by Sourcing Parts

By following rigorous inspection intervals, replacing components proactively, and maintaining proper documentation, helicopter operators can ensure that landing gear systems remain airworthy and safe. However, the backbone of effective maintenance routines is unwavering access to reliable components and equipment.

Rapid Distribution, a purchasing platform operated by ASAP Semiconductor, provides a vast selection of helicopter landing skid items, hardware kits, and more from trusted manufacturers around the globe. Whether you are preparing for standard replacements or major servicing, our expert team stands ready to support you with competitive procurement options tailored to your needs. To experience our top-notch products and services for yourself, be sure to browse our inventory and connect with a staff member at any time.