AD/Bell 205/75 Swashplate Support Assembly (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 205/75 Swashplate Support Assembly 3/2009

Applicability:

Model 205A, 205A-1 and 205B helicopters with swashplate P/N 204-011-404-125 installed.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 92-07-08.

Note:  Bell Alert Service Bulletins 205-91-45 and 205B-91-10, as applicable to model type, refer.

Compliance:

As per requirement document/s with a revised effective date of 12 March 2009.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 12 March 2009.

Background:

In 1991, Unapproved bushings with outside diameters well in excess of the permitted tolerance were found installed in the outboard gimbal ring support lug and shoulder.  The FAA released AD 92-07-08 to address this problem at that time.

A recent review of Bell Airworthiness Directives has highlighted the need to re-review some airworthiness directives for applicability.  It has been deemed that as a precaution, operators should check that this airworthiness directive has been complied with and that no suspect swashplate support assembly bushings have been fitted or introduced into the spare parts supply chain since the AD was originally released.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 January 2009