Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18847 · Cabin cooling system
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Helicopters
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 429 helicopters with an Air Comm Corporation air conditioning system part number (P/N) 429EC-200 or 429EC-202 installed, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Air conditioning system P/N 429EC-200 and 429EC-202 are identifiable by a three-screw installation as depicted in Figure 1 of Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin 429-201-1, Revision NC, dated February 17, 2017 (SB 429-201-1).
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the condenser blower motor (motor) and condenser blower (blower) to determine if the motor is securely attached to the blower support (shroud). This AD is prompted by a report that the motor detached from the blower. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.
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.
Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time-in-service:
(1) Inspect the motor and condenser blower to determine whether the motor is attached to the shroud.
(i) If the motor is not attached, before further flight:
(A) Inspect the collective flight control tube for loss of protective primer, a scratch, any gouging, and a dent. If there is any loss of protective primer, a scratch, any gouging, or a dent, repair or replace the control tube.
(B) Inspect the area under the forward transmission cowling for loss of protective primer, a scratch, any gouging, and a dent. Inspect each wiring harness for any cuts, chafing, and exposed wires. If there is any loss of protective primer, a scratch, any gouging, a dent, or if any wiring harness has a cut, chafing, or an exposed wire, repair or replace the affected parts.
(C) Inspect the area under the forward transmission cowling for the three fasteners as depicted in Figure 1 of SB 429-201-1. Also inspect for the crimp-on external fan retaining ring (crimp ring) and the slotted fan drive spring (commonly known as a roll pin), which may have fallen loose with the motor. Remove any fasteners, the crimp ring, and the roll pin if found detached.
(D) Deactivate the air conditioning system by following the instructions in Procedure, paragraphs B.2.d.i. through B.2.d.v., of SB 429-201-1.
(ii) If the motor is attached to the shroud but a fastener is missing or loose, before further flight:
(A) Remove any detached fasteners found in the area under the forward transmission cowling.
(B) Deactivate the air conditioning system as follows:
(1) Pull and red collar the air conditioning COND circuit breaker.
(2) Pull and red collar the air-conditioning COMP circuit breaker.
(3) Remove the compressor drive belt.
(4) Remove the condenser blower assembly.
(2) Deactivating the air conditioning system as required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(3) If the air conditioning system is deactivated as required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, within 10 days after completing the inspection, report the information requested in Appendix 1 to this AD by mail to the Manager, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Technical Operations Center, 26805 East 68th Avenue, Room 214, Denver, CO 80249, ATTN: Matthew Bryant; by fax to (303) 342-1088; or by email to Matthew.Bryant@faa.gov.
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.
