Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21473 · Main rotor control
Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2022-04-06. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters, serial numbers 65011 and subsequent, certificated in any category.
The FAA is superseding Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-05-52 which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 505 helicopters. Emergency AD 2021-05-52 required a one-time visual inspection of the pilot collective stick and grip assembly (pilot collective stick), a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) if no crack was found during the visual inspection, and depending on the inspection results, removing the pilot collective stick from service and reporting certain information to Bell. Emergency AD 2021-05-52 also prohibited installing any pilot collective stick on any helicopter unless the inspections had been accomplished. This AD removes the visual inspection of the pilot collective stick, requires repetitive FPIs of the pilot collective stick, and requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This AD retains the reporting requirement and expands the prohibition. This AD was prompted by the determination that visual inspections do not adequately detect a crack and additional findings that a crack may occur sooner than previously expected. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting Bell 505 RFM Temporary Revision (TR) for Pilot Collective (ASB 505-21-20), BHT-505-FM-1, Temporary Revision (TR-6) or Bell 505 RFM TR for Pilot Collective (ASB 505-21-20), BHT-505-FM-2, Temporary Revision (TR-1), each dated March 3, 2021, as applicable to your helicopter. Using a different document with information identical to the information for the “Flight Crew” and “Configuration,” as applicable to your helicopter, in the RFM TR specified in this paragraph for your helicopter is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. This action may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with § 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and § 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by § 91.417, § 121.380, or § 135.439.
(2) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time-in-service:
(i) Remove the pilot collective stick and grip assembly from the jackshaft assembly and clean the areas specified in Figure 2 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin 505-21-20, Revision B, dated March 3, 2021 (ASB 505-21-20 Rev B) with a clean cloth C-516C or equivalent moistened with dry cleaning solvent C-304 or equivalent.
(ii) Perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) for a crack by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 5. (but not paragraphs 5.a. and b.) of ASB 505-21-20 Rev B. Perform this FPI in the areas specified in Figure 2 of ASB 505-21-20 Rev B. If there is a crack, before further flight, remove the pilot collective stick and grip assembly from service.
(3) Within 10 days after the discovery of any crack, report the information specified in paragraph 5.a. of ASB 505-21-20 Rev B to Bell Product Support Engineering at productsupport@bellflight.com.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any pilot collective stick and grip assembly on any helicopter unless the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) have been accomplished.
(5) As of the effective date of this AD, relief under any Master Minimum Equipment List or Minimum Equipment List for the Audio Panel is prohibited when the aircraft is operated with a single pilot.
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.
