SEI Industries BB2024 - Checking Tail Rotor Clearance

Section 2: Deploying the Bucket
Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453 9
Checking Tail Rotor Clearance
WARNING
Using a Bambi Bucket with insufficient tail rotor clearance could result in a tail rotor strike which
could result in serious injury or death.
When a Bambi Bucket is attached directly to the helicopter cargo hook or attached using a longline less
than 50 ft (15 m) in length, it is important to confirm that there is adequate tail rotor clearance. Before
using the Bambi Bucket, check the tail rotor clearance.
1. Determine the tail rotor length by measuring the distance from the cargo hook to the closest
point on the helicopter tail rotor.
2. Determine the bucket overall length from the following chart:
Model
Overall Length
BB2024
20’-1”
6.13 m
BB2024S
15’-10”
4.82 m
BB2024L
22’-4”
6.81 m
BB2226
15’-10”
4.82 m
BB2732
23’-0”
7.00 m
BB2732B3
16’-5”
5.00 m
BB2732S
15’-2”
4.63 m
BB3137
23’-4”
7.11 m
BB3542
23’-8”
7.22 m
BB420B
23’-8”
7.22 m
BB4453
23’-9”
7.25 m
Lengths are accurate to within 1%. Specifications subject to change.
If a firesock is used, add 8” (0.20 m) to the above dimensions
To confirm the bucket overall length, stretch out the bucket on the ground, pulling the
suspension cables taut. Measure the distance from the shackle on the head to the bottom of
the extended dump valve. If a firesock is attached, measure to the bottom of the firesock.
3. The tail rotor clearance is equal to the tail rotor length minus the bucket overall length.
4. The tail rotor clearance must be a minimum of 6” (0.15 m).
If the tail rotor clearance is insufficient, shorter suspension lines, riser, ring and restrainer, and
deployment lines must be used and can be ordered from SEI. Please specify the model and serial number
when ordering parts.