TB 1-1615-351-23
c. Surface Preparation and Cleaning. Surface preparation is the most critical step in ensuring an adequate bond.
CAUTION
Before sanding and application of the protective boot, ensure all rotor blades are
either primed and/or painted with lacquer or carc paint per the applicable aircraft
technical manual. The lacquer or carc paint must be allowed to dry 24 hours
before application of blade erosion protection.
CAUTION
Do not sand the bare metal skin of helicopter rotor blades. Sanding bare metal
skin on helicopter rotor blades reduces the structural integrity and fatigue life of
the blade.
(1) Remove the tip cap boot and sand the masked off bonding area of the rotor blade tip cap using 80 grit
sandpaper until primer is visible on all surfaces. Sand in a spanwise direction. It is necessary to expose the primer by
removing any previously installed tip cap erosion protection material, all exterior paint, and any foreign material such as
bugs, dirt.
(2) Dry wipe the blade with a clean cheesecloth or towel to remove the sanding residue. Wipe the blade several
times with a dry cheesecloth.
CAUTION
Do not touch or contaminate the prepared surface after it is wiped.
(3) Inspect the surface for any greasy locking areas. Sand these areas a little more vigorously to take away the
sheen. Wipe the blade again with the cheesecloth. The blade should now be dry and free from sanding residue.
(4) Remove the old masking tape and replace with new as required to repair tape damaged by sanding. Make
sure drain holes are covered with masking tape. The only masking tape applied under the boot should only be a 1/2 inch
square piece of masking tape on the drain hole(s).
(5) Thoroughly wipe the entire TASK L-101 boot Interior using a clean piece of cheesecloth wetted with acetone.
(6) Heavily sand the entire interior of the TASK L-101 boot with 80 grit sandpaper. Imbedded grooves from the
sanding process substantially improve the bonding grip.
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