Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14335 · Bell Helicopter Textron Model 212, 412, and 412EP Helicopters
Bell Helicopter Textron Model 212, 412, and 412EP Helicopters
Model 212, 412, and 412EP helicopters modified with Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI), Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH2820SO; or with AAI Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) reservoir assembly, part number (P/N) 212-372-050; or with adapter, P/N 212-371-002, installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) model helicopters modified with Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI), Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH2820SO or that have the affected AAI Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) parts installed. This action requires inspecting a certain part-numbered reservoir assembly adapter (adapter) for the counter bore depth (dimension D). If the dimension D of the adapter exceeds .860 inch, before further flight, this AD requires replacing the reservoir assembly and adapter with airworthy parts. This amendment is prompted by a report of a rupture of an adapter during nitrogen charging because of inadequate wall thickness for the operating pressures. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent the rupture of an adapter, uncontrolled jetting of pressurized gas from the nitrogen bottle, and subsequent injury to occupants or damage to the helicopter.
Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent rupture of an adapter, uncontrolled jetting of pressurized gas from the nitrogen bottle, and subsequent injury to occupants or damage to the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 24 hours time-in-service (TIS) or before the next emergency floatation supply bottle nitrogen charging, whichever occurs first, do the following:
(1) Vent the nitrogen from the reservoir assembly by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II—Floatation System Discharging, of AAI Alert Service Bulletin ASB No. AA-05005, Revision A, dated June 27, 2005 (ASB).
(2) Remove the valve assembly and air line from the adapter, and inspect the counter bore depth (dimension D) as shown in Figure 1 of the ASB.
(i) If dimension D, as depicted in Figure 1 of the ASB, does not exceed.860 inch, recharge the floatation system by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part III—Floatation System Charging, and referring to Figures 2 and 3 of the ASB.
(ii) If dimension D, as depicted in Figure 1 of the ASB, exceeds.860 inch, replace the reservoir assembly and the adapter with airworthy parts before further flight.
(b) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) Discharging and recharging the floatation system and inspecting the counter bore depth dimension of the adapter shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-05005, Revision A, dated June 27, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P. O. Box 3689, Bristol, Tennessee 37625-3689. Copies may be inspected at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(d) This amendment becomes effective on October 28, 2005.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
