Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22807 · Fuselage structure
Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.), Helicopters
This AD applies to Bell Textron Inc. (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.), Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(1) Model 205A, 205A-1, and 205B helicopters, with an upper left-hand cap angle (cap angle) part number (P/N) 205-030-207-005 installed.
(2) Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, with a cap angle P/N 212-030-191-001 installed.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-18- 09, which applied to certain Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (now Bell Textron Inc.), Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. AD 2000-18-09 required repetitively inspecting the upper left-hand cap angle (cap angle) and adjacent structure for a crack and, depending on the results, replacing any cracked cap angle and repairing any crack in the adjacent structure. This AD was prompted by a report of a fatigue crack in a tail boom attachment cap angle. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2000-18-09, expands the applicability by adding models and an additional part-numbered cap angle, reduces the inspection intervals, and requires using updated procedures. This AD also updates the reporting requirement. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) For Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412CF, and 412 helicopters identified in paragraph (c) of this AD; and for Model 412EP helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD with serial numbers 36087 through 36693 inclusive, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS; and for Model 412EP helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD with serial numbers 36694 through 36999 inclusive and 37002 through 37999 inclusive, within 50 hour TIS after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Visually inspect for the presence of sealant around the forward edge of the left-hand tail boom cap angle fitting in the “Inspection Area” depicted in Figure 1., of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 205-24-122, Bell ASB 205B-24-77, Bell ASB 212-24-169, Bell ASB 412-24-197, or Bell ASB 412CF-24-77, all dated April 22, 2024, as applicable to your model helicopter. If there is any sealant, before further flight, remove any sealant by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2., of Bell ASB 205-24-122, Bell ASB 205B-24-77, Bell ASB 212-24-169, Bell ASB 412-24-197, or Bell ASB 412CF-24-77, all dated April 22, 2024, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(ii) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass and flashlight, visually inspect the cap angle and adjacent structure for a crack in the “Inspection Area” depicted in Figure 1., of Bell ASB 205-24-122, Bell ASB 205B-24-77, Bell ASB 212-24-169, Bell ASB 412-24-197, or Bell ASB 412CF-24-77, all dated April 22, 2024, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(A) If there is any crack in the cap angle, before further flight, remove the cap angle from service and install an airworthy cap angle.
(B) If there is any crack in the adjacent structure, before further flight, repair the structure in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Central Certification Branch, FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Central Certification Branch, FAA; as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(2) If there is a crack as a result of any instance of an inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, within 10 days after completing the inspection, report the information in Appendix 1 to this AD by email to OperationalSafety@faa.gov.
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.
