Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22293 · Rotorcraft tail boom
Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters serial numbers 53000 through 53900 inclusive, 53911 through 53999 inclusive, 54000 through 54166 inclusive, 54300 through 54800 inclusive, 54805 through 54954 inclusive, 54956 through 54997 inclusive, 54999, and 56300 through 56304 inclusive, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters. This AD was prompted by an accident. This AD requires inspecting the tailboom attachment structure, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68, dated December 15, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68).
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 requires compliance in terms of hours air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 refers to torque checks, this AD requires torque inspections.
(4) Where the service information referenced in paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to retain removed parts for further investigation, this AD does not include that requirement.
(5) Where paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to “carry out the repetitive torque check of the tailboom attachment nuts at all four locations in accordance with the applicable ASB until the torque has stabilized;” for this AD, accomplish that torque inspection after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS, after replacing each affected bolt and nut set. If the torque on a tailboom attachment nut is not within its allowable torque limit, before further flight, re-torque the nut to its allowable torque limit. Thereafter, repeat the torque inspection of each tailboom attachment nut after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS, until the torque for all four tailboom attachment points has stabilized.
(6) Where paragraph C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 refers to “defect,” this AD defines that as a crack, dent, loose fastener, unsecure attachment, deformation, or corrosion.
(7) Where paragraph C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to contact Bell Product Support Engineering for a repair or instructions to rectify any defect, this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bell Textron Canada Ltd.'s Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(8) Where the service information referenced in paragraph C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to discard parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(9) Where paragraph D. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to report inspection results to Bell Product Support Engineering within 30 days after accomplishing the inspections required by paragraphs A. or C., this AD requires reporting inspection results at the applicable time in paragraph (h)(9)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph A. or C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
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.
