Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22540 · Tail rotor blades
Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters. The FAA previously sent this AD as an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a disbonded area in a tail rotor (T/R) blade. This AD requires determining if an affected T/R blade is installed, inspecting each of those T/R blades and, depending on the results, replacing the T/R blade as specified in a Transport Canada emergency AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also limits the installation of T/R blades to certain T/R blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2023-63, dated August 17, 2023 (Transport Canada AD CF-2023-63).
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-63 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-63 requires compliance in terms of hours air time, this AD requires compliance using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph A.2. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-63 requires inspecting an affected T/R blade and the service information referenced in paragraph A.2. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-63 specifies inspecting an affected T/R blade, this AD requires using a steel tap hammer and tap inspecting each affected T/R blade.
(4) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-63 specifies returning parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2023-63 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
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.
