METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A TURBINE BLADE IN A ROTOR GROOVE DEFINED IN A ROTOR HAVING AN AXIS

A method for a turbine blade assembly (400) for a rotor groove (410) is disclosed. A dovetail (404) of the turbine blade (402) includes a mounting arm (420) and an end surface (432) facing radially inward relative to the rotor (412) axis. An extension insert (406) includes a first end (424) configured to contact the end surface (432) of the dovetail and a second end (426). At least one positioning leg (428) extends radially inward relative to the axis from the second end (426) of the insert (406). The dovetail (404) and the extension insert (406) are configured to be positioned in the rotor groove (410) to mount the turbine blade (402) to the rotor (412). The mounting arm (420) engages a radially inward facing rotor hook (430) of the rotor groove (410) and positioning leg(s) (428) engage one of a radially outward facing surface (432) of the rotor groove (410) and a planar plate shim (440) between the positioning leg(s) (428) and the radially outward facing surface (432) of the rotor groove (410).