Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16715 · Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP Helicopters
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP Helicopters
Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters with a tail rotor (T/R) blade, part number 212-010-750 (all dash numbers), all serial numbers (S/Ns) except those S/Ns with a prefix of “A” and a number 17061 or larger, installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHT) model helicopters with tail rotor (T[sol]R) blades with certain serial numbers installed. This action requires a one-time inspection of the T[sol]R blade for corrosion or pitting, and repairing or replacing the T[sol]R blade, if that condition is found during the inspection. This amendment is prompted by a report from the manufacturer that T[sol]R blades with certain serial numbers may have manufacturing anomalies in the spar area. These actions are intended to detect corrosion or pitting in the forward spar area of a T[sol]R blade to prevent a crack in the T[sol]R blade, loss of the T[sol]R blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To detect corrosion or pitting in the forward spar area of a T/R blade to prevent a crack in the T/R blade, loss of the T/R blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs first:
(1) Remove the T/R hub and blade assembly from the helicopter and remove the T/R blade from the hub. Remove the paint from the spar area on both sides of the T/R blade by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3. through 5., of the following BHT Alert Service Bulletins, all Revision A, and all dated December 8, 2009: Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 205-09-102 for the Model 205A and 205A-1 helicopters; ASB No. 205B-09-54 for the Model 205B helicopters; ASB No. 212-09-134 for the Model 212 helicopters; ASB No. 412CF-09-38 for the Model 412CF helicopters; and ASB No. 412-09-136 for the Model 412 and 412EP helicopters.
(2) Using a 3-power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect both sides of the T/R blade for any corrosion or pitting in the spar inspection areas as depicted in Figure 1 of the ASB for your model helicopter.
(b) Before further flight:
(1) If you find any corrosion or pitting that is 0.003 inch deep or less, either replace the unairworthy T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade or repair the T/R blade.
Note: The maintenance and repair procedures along with the maximum repair damage limitations as referenced in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(3) of this AD are contained in the applicable maintenance manual and component repair and overhaul manuals.
(2) If you find any corrosion or pitting that is greater than 0.003 inch deep, replace the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade.
(3) If any parent material is removed during the sanding operation required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, either replace the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade, or repair the T/R blade if the parent material removed is within the maximum repair damage limits.
(4) If there is no corrosion or pitting and no damage greater than 0.003 inch deep, refinish the inspection areas and reinstall each T/R blade onto the T/R hub, install the T/R assembly on the helicopter and track and balance the T/R in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 8. through 10., of the ASB for your model helicopter.
(c) 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 Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, Attn: Michael Kohner, ASW-170, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code 6410: Tail rotor blades.
(e) Accomplish the instructions in this AD by following the specified portions of the following Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin, as applicable to your model helicopter: No. 205-09-102; No. 205B-09-54; No. 212-09-134; No. 412CF-09-38, or No. 412-09-136. Each Alert Service Bulletin is Revision A, and each is dated December 8, 2009. 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 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, telephone (817) 280-3391, fax (817) 280-6466, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas or 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.
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.
