Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-9739 · Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Helicopters
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Helicopters
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. 204B.
The models as the FAA's AD index lists them. The serial ranges, installed parts and exceptions are in the AD itself: read it at the FAA.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 96-12-25 which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 204B helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires a visual inspection of each tail rotor (T/R) blade (blade) for peeling, flaking, or bubbling paint that may indicate corrosion; an inspection for corrosion, if necessary; and replacement of the T/R blade with an airworthy blade if corrosion is discovered. This amendment is prompted by an FAA determination, based on the manufacturer's data, that certain serial-numbered T/R blades were manufactured with internal leading edge doublers fabricated from clad aluminum instead of bare aluminum material. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent debonding of the main spar internal leading edge doubler, which could lead to failure of a T/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
