Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21859 · Tail rotor control system
Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters, serial numbers 65011 through 65234 inclusive, 65236 through 65348 inclusive, 65350, and 65352 through 65359 inclusive, with an S-TEC Corporation HeliSAS stability augmentation system and autopilot installed under Supplemental Type Certificate SR09758DS.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of chafing of the right forward tail rotor (T/R) control cable. This AD requires inspecting the right forward T/R cable and, depending on the results, removing the cable assembly from service. This AD also requires measuring the clearance between the right forward T/R control cable and the roller bracket cut out and, depending on the results, adjusting the height of the roller bracket assembly position. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 25 hours time-in-service or 30 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the following:
(1) Using a flashlight, visually inspect the right forward T/R control cable assembly part number M207-20M489-041 in the area of the roller bracket assembly for signs of chafing. Move the T/R pedals through the full range of motion and inspect the T/R control cable for chafing. If there is any chafing, before further flight, remove cable assembly part number M207-20M489-041 from service.
(2) Measure the clearance between the right forward T/R control cable and the roller bracket cut out as shown in Figure 1 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin 505-21-27, dated October 7, 2021. If the clearance is less than 0.3″ (7.6 mm), before further flight, adjust the height of the roller bracket assembly position until the clearance is a minimum of 0.3″ (7.6 mm).
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.
