Helicopter
Maintenance Powerplant; Maintenance Inspection Authority; Maintenance Airframe
Maintenance Lead Technician 20
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Company Policy; Procedure
A helicopter was brought into the shop for an avionics upgrade. It was found that personnel or others had modified the aircraft by installing replacement display monitors and video switching components that are not listed on the installed STC and are non-TSOed. The video switching unit was found tie-rapped to a video monitor mount with a power cable that does not meet aviation requirements. The LCD monitors had been replaced with different units with no data regarding structural mounting or any changes in electrical system load. The forward talent monitor position had a prior approved mount/monitor removed and a 'ram' style mount installed to support the monitor. This situation was reported to Management but ignored. Due to unscheduled maintenance requirements and poor planning; the helicopter was placed back in service. The external camera has an 'aux box' that contains various video support equipment. This aux box was found strapped to structure in the aft cargo area and does not conform to the original STC mounting configuration. Parts are on hand to correct this; but Management decided to continue ops with the current non-approved mounting method.  The helicopter does not conform to the approved installed STC equipment and previously approved (by XXX/field approval) replacement items. There is no record entry regarding installed monitors/video switching unit being properly documented and no record of the 'aux box' configuration being changed.  The aircraft continues to be operated as an electronic news gathering rotorcraft with unapproved equipment installed.
No additional information.
Technician reported that a helicopter had numerous pieces of equipment installed incorrectly and without documentation.