Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21416 · Main rotor system
Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001 through 57351 inclusive.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the introduction of a new life limit for the centrifugal force bearing (CFB). This AD requires determining the accumulated retirement index number (RIN) and removing each affected CFB from service before it accumulates 8,000 total RIN. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
For each CFB having part number 429-310-003-103 (the affected CFB): Within 50 hours time-in-service, determine the accumulated retirement index number (RIN). For purposes of this AD, count 1 RIN each time one or both engines are started. If any affected CFB has accumulated 8,000 or more total RIN, before further flight, remove the affected CFB from service. If any affected CFB has accumulated less than 8,000 total RIN, create a component history card or equivalent record indicating a life limit of 8,000 total RIN. Thereafter, continue to count RIN and record the life limit of the affected CFB on its component history card or equivalent record and remove the affected CFB from service before accumulating 8,000 total RIN.
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.
