AD/Bell 214/7 Collective Sleeve (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 214/7 Collective Sleeve 13/2018

Applicability:

Bell Helicopter Textron Model 214B helicopters that have collective sleeve part number 214-010-411-001 or -003 with serial number A19-00001 through A19-00738 or serial number A-1 through A-10 installed.

Requirement:

1.     Perform a magnetic particle inspection of the affected collective sleeves using the procedures described in Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 214‑84‑26, dated 12 March 1984, as in force at the commencement of this AD.

2.     If cracks are found in a collective sleeve during the Requirement 1 inspection, replace the collective sleeve with serviceable parts.

Note 1:  It is essential that the paint and primer be removed as described in the service bulletin prior to performing the magnetic particle inspection.

Note 2:  FAA AD 85-23-05 refers.

Compliance:

1.    a.    Unless previously accomplished, before further flight after the commencement date of this directive, and

b.    Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 250 hours time in service.

2.    Before further flight.

This AD commences on 10 July 2018.

Background:

This AD requires an immediate and repetitive magnetic particle inspection of the collective sleeve for cracks. Undetected cracks could propagate, resulting in failure of the collective sleeve and loss of collective control of the helicopter main rotor.

Pieter van Dijk
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 June 2018