Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-10900 · Bell Helicopter Textron Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 Helicopters
Bell Helicopter Textron Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2000-08-52. Comply with the one in force.
Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 helicopters, certificated in any category.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, and 212 helicopters, that currently establishes a retirement life for the main rotor masts (masts) and main rotor trunnions (trunnions) based on time-in-service (TIS) and types of operations. This amendment adds Model 205B helicopters to the applicability; requires creation of component history cards or equivalent records using a Retirement Index Number (RIN) system; establishes a system for tracking increases to the accumulated RIN; and establishes a maximum accumulated RIN for certain masts and trunnions. This amendment is prompted by an accident involving a Model 205A-1 helicopter, in which a mast failure caused a separation of the main rotor from the helicopter. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the mast or trunnion and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
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.
