Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17706 · Rotorcraft tailboom
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
This AD applies to BHTC Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with an upper left attachment fitting part number 206-032-409-001 installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial-numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with a certain tailboom upper left attachment fitting (fitting). This AD requires inspecting the fitting for a crack and other conditions. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising and extending the 100 hour time-in-service (TIS) inspection requirements for the fitting. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack, loose rivet, corrosion, or any other damage, which could lead to loss of the tailboom 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.
(1) At the next 100-hour inspection, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours time-in-service, inspect each tailboom upper left attachment fitting (fitting) for a crack, a loose rivet, corrosion, or damage as depicted in Figure 2 of BellAlert Service Bulletin 206L-09-158, Revision B, dated June 1, 2011 (ASB 206L-09-158).
(2) If there is a crack, corrosion, or damage beyond the acceptable limits of Figure 2 of ASB 206L-09-158, before further flight, replace the fitting with an airworthy fitting.
(3) If there is corrosion or damage within the acceptable limits of Figure 2 of ASB 206L-09-158, before further flight, repair the fitting as described in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 5.b.(1) through 5.b.(6), of ASB 206L-09-158.
(4) If there is a loose rivet, before further flight, replace the loose rivet with an airworthy rivet.
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.
