Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18198 · Tail rotor control
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 430 Helicopters, serial number 49001 through 49121, with control tube assembly (control tube), part number (P/N) 430-001-007-101 installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 430 helicopters to require inspecting the tail rotor control tube assembly (control tube) and either repairing or replacing the control tube. This AD was prompted by two reports of failure of the control tube bonded clevis. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of a control tube bonded clevis, which could lead to failure of the control tube and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
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) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspect each control tube for any damage, for any damage to the clevis, and to determine whether the clevis is correctly bonded to the control tube.
(i) If a control tube and clevis have no damage or damage within acceptable limits and the clevis is correctly bonded to the control tube, repair the control tube by applying tape in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 5, of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 430-13-51, dated September 3, 2013.
(ii) If the control tube or clevis is damaged beyond acceptable limits or if the clevis is not correctly bonded to the control tube, replace control tube, P/N 430-001-007-101, with control tube, P/N 430-001-007-105.
(2) Within 250 hours TIS, replace each control tube, P/N 430-001-007-101, with control tube, P/N 430-001-007-105.
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.
