Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17609 · Turbine section
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters
This AD applies to Bell Model 430 helicopters, serial number 49001 through 49111, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Model 430 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard on the instrument panel and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady- state operations. These actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
Within 30 days:
(1) Revise the Operating Limitations section of the Model 430 Rotorcraft Flight Manual by inserting Section 1, Limitations, page 1-7, of Bell BHT-430-FM-1, revision 18, dated September 1, 2009.
(2) Install placard part number 230-075-213-113, or equivalent, on the instrument panel directly below the pilot audio select panel.
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.
