AD/Bell 214/6 Emergency Exit Latch Pin (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 1998. 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 214/6 Emergency Exit Latch Pin 13/2018

Applicability:

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (BHTI) model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters, except those with emergency exit designs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration of the USA or CASA, that do not have a latch mechanism and latch pins to secure or release the exit.

Requirement:

1.    (a)   Inspect each exit internal and external handle cover installation and determine that NAS 43DD3-8 spacers, 0.12 inches long, are installed as illustrated in BHTI Service Bulletin No. 214-77-1 as in force from time to time.

(b)   Add one-inch diameter inspection holes in the right and left side passenger door assemblies in accordance with BHTI Service Bulletin No. 214-77-4 as in force from time to time. Provide a clear view of those holes through any interior lining.

(c)   Label each of these inspection holes using stencils as noted in BHTI Service Bulletin No. 214-77-4 as in force from time to time, or use CASA or FAA approved equivalent placards, labels, or stencils located adjacent to each hole on the interior skin or lining, if installed.

2.    (a)   Inspect the latch mechanism of each passenger exit door and adjust as necessary to make each pin end flush with the exit frame edge, when the mechanism is in the fully unlatched position, as prescribed in BHTI Service Bulletin No. 214-76-4 as in force from time to time.

(b)   Inspect for and, unless previously accomplished, add a painted stripe around the cylinder part of each pin using white or other contrasting colour.

Note 1:  STC SH2769SW has such an exit design.

Note 2:  The words “as in force from time to time” require compliance with the most recent version of the referenced document.

Note 3:  FAA AD 77-17-05 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 100 hours’ time in service after the commencement date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.

2.    Within 100 hours’ time in service after the commencement date of this AD, unless previously accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours’ time in service.

This AD commences on 10 July 2018.

Background:

The actions specified in this Directive are intended to ensure emergency latch pin engagement and to provide inspection holes for each retractable pin.

Pieter van Dijk
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 June 2018