Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21989 · Rotorcraft tail boom
Bell Textron Inc. Helicopters
This AD applies to the following Bell Textron Inc. helicopters certificated in any category, with a tailboom left hand fin spar cap (spar cap) part number 212-030-447-117 installed.
(1) Model 205A and 205A-1 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 30001 through 30065 inclusive, 30067 through 30165 inclusive, 30167 through 30187 inclusive, 30189 through 30296 inclusive, and 30298 through 30332 inclusive;
(2) Model 205B helicopters, S/N 30066, 30166, 30188, and 30297;
(3) Model 210 helicopters, all S/Ns;
(4) Model 212 helicopters, S/N 30502 through 30603 inclusive, 30611 through 30999 inclusive, 31101 through 31311 inclusive, 32101 through 32142 inclusive, and 35001 through 35103 inclusive;
(5) Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, S/N 33001 through 33213 inclusive, 34001 through 34036 inclusive, 36001 through 36999 inclusive, 37002 through 37999 inclusive, 38001 through 38999 inclusive, and 39101 through 39999 inclusive; and
(6) Model 412CF helicopters, S/N 46400 through 46499 inclusive.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Inc. Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters with a certain part-numbered tailboom left hand fin spar cap (spar cap) installed. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked spar caps. This AD requires inspecting each spar cap and depending on the inspection results, removing the spar cap from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS:
(1) Using a 10x or higher power magnifying glass and a flashlight, inspect both flanges of the spar cap between fin station (F.S.) 50 and F.S. 71 for any crack, loose rivet, and other damage such as a scratch, dent, spalling, or corrosion, as depicted in Figure 1 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 205-20-116, ASB 205B-20-69, ASB 210-20-13, ASB 212-20-162, ASB 412-20-180, or ASB 412CF-20-67, each dated April 15, 2020, as applicable to your helicopter. If either spar cap flange is cracked, has a loose rivet, or has other damage, remove the spar cap from service before further flight.
(2) Inspect the exterior of the fin skin in the area that contacts the spar cap for any crack, loose rivets, and distortion. If there is any crack, loose rivet, or distortion in the fin skin in the area that contacts the spar cap, remove the spar cap from service before further flight.
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.
