AD/Bell 214/10 Main Rotor Drag Brace Assembly (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and 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. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct an 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 214B and 214B-1 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 214/10 Main Rotor Drag Brace Assembly 14/2018

Applicability:

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (BHTI) model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect main rotor drag brace assembly, Part Number (P/N) 214-010-113-001 or 214-010-113-003, in accordance with BHTI Alert Service Bulletin 214-85-28 dated 3 September 1985, as in force from time to time (BHTI Service Bulletin).

2.    If, while carrying out the Requirement 1 inspection, cracks are found, or if corrosion is found which cannot be removed within the limits of the rework criteria in the BHTI Service Bulletin, replace with serviceable parts.

Note:  FAA AD 85-18-06 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within the next 10 hours' time in service, unless previously accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours’ time in service.

2.    Before further flight.

This AD commences on 17 July 2018.

Background:

This AD requires repetitive visual and magnetic particle inspections of the main rotor drag brace assembly for corrosion and cracks. The actions specified in this Directive are intended to prevent failure of the main rotor drag brace and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Pieter van Dijk
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

10 July 2018