Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16127 · Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 407 and Model 427 Helicopters
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 407 and Model 427 Helicopters
This AD applies to Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 53000 through 53408, and S/N 53421 through 53459, and Model 427 helicopters, S/N 56001 through 56046, certificated in any category. This AD does not apply to helicopters with hydraulic pump input shaft, part number (P/N) 407-340-107-101, and interconnect adapter, P/N 407-340-108-101, which is a direct replacement for hydraulic pump driveshaft assembly, P/N 406-040-072-105, and the subject of this AD.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the BHTC Model 407 and Model 427 helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) ADs issued by the aviation authority of Canada. The MCAI ADs state that some hydraulic pump driveshaft assemblies may have been delivered with a missing internal plug or fastening rivet. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a loss of hydraulic pressure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
During the next driveshaft lubrication, or within 50 hours time-in-service or 30 calendar days, whichever occurs first, unless already accomplished, do the following:
(1) Perform a one-time inspection of the hydraulic pump driveshaft assembly, P/N 406-040-072-105, to determine if an internal plug and a fastening rivet are correctly installed.
(2) If either the internal plug, P/N 406-040-094-101, or the fastening rivet, P/N MS20613-3P10, is not installed, replace the hydraulic pump driveshaft assembly, P/N 406-040-072-105, with an airworthy hydraulic pump input shaft, P/N 407-340-107-101, and interconnect adapter, P/N 407-340-108-101.
This AD differs from MCAI AD No. CF-2009-03, applicable to Model 407 helicopters, and MCAI AD No. CF-2009-04, applicable to Model 427 helicopters, both dated January 22, 2009, which require compliance with a part of the BHTC service information that specifies inspecting “spares stock”, and also require attaching a “serviceable” tag to parts in inventory. This AD does not require either of those actions. Also, the compliance section of this AD refers to “50 hours time-in-service” instead of “50 hours air time,” which is used in both of the MCAI ADs. Further, the MCAI ADs require performing actions in accordance with the BHTC alert service and technical bulletins or later revisions approved by the Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada. The BHTC alert service and technical bulletins describe additional inspections for wear that are not required by this AD; we have listed those bulletins in the “Related Information” section of this AD. Finally, the MCAI AD for the Model 427 helicopter applies to S/N 58001 and S/N 58002. Per U.S. Type Certificate R00001RC, neither of these helicopters is eligible for an FAA Airworthiness Certificate and thus, this AD does not apply to them.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(h) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 433-0272, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
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.
