US Patent 7524169 Helicopter pitch link with accessible adjustment features

A helicopter pitch link assembly as described herein includes a length adjustment mechanism, such as a turnbuckle, that is accessible when the pitch link assembly is installed on a helicopter that utilizes a weather cover or canopy and a protective boot. The adjustment mechanism extends above the canopy and the protective boot, even when the rotor blades are in a neutral pitch position. This enables quick and easy access to the adjustment mechanisms while eliminating the need to support the rotor blades, which might otherwise be necessary to alleviate stress on the rotor blade hinge points and pitch link assembly.