22. HELICOPTER BLADE MARKINGS

a. Helicopter rotor blade classification numbers will be stenciled on the blade by any facility authorized to balance or alter the blade. This number will consist of three parts; first section will be the weight in pounds of the blade expressed in decimal form; the second number will be the distance in inches from the tip of the blade to the center of gravity of the blade; the third number will be the distance in inches from the leading edge of the blade to the center of gravity of the blade chordwise. Example: 57.2 – 126.3 – 5.2 when the blade has a weight of 57.2 pounds with center of gravity 126.3 inches from the tip of blade, and with the chordwise center of gravity 5.2 inches from leading edge. Stenciling, approximately 3/4 inch in height, will be accomplished with yellow dope on olive drab and black dope on aluminized surfaces.

b. Identifying color bands painted on the tail rotor blade housing by the contractor will be maintained, and an identify­ing dot approximately 1/2 inch in diameter of the same color as appears on the housing will be painted on the butt end of the blade for matching purposes. As required by paragraph 5.d., a 6-inch yellow tip will be maintained with yellow dope. Specifi­cation No. AN-TT-D-554, stock No. 7300-318500, to prevent accidents, such as have previously occurred, due to lack of visibility.

cl The color bands installed by the contractor on tip of main rotor blades will be maintained, along with matching col ors on the housing. Visibility marking need not be applied. Different colors are required on the blades for tracking as well as matching purposes.

SECTION IV
INSIGNIA