AD/Bell 427/1 In-line Electrical Terminal Junctions (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 427 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 427/1 In-line Electrical Terminal Junctions 3/2006

Applicability:	Model 427 helicopters serial number (S/N) 56001 through 56030 and S/N 58001.
Requirement:	If not previously accomplished, replace M81714/65 series in-line electrical terminal junctions in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada ((BHTC) Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 427-01-06 dated 5 November 2001, or later revisions approved by the Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada.
Note:  Transport Canada AD CF-2002-24 refers.
Compliance:	Within 30 days after the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 16 March 2006.
Background:	Transport Canada has advised fuel spillage can cause degradation of the insulation within M81714/65 series in-line electrical terminal junctions.  To prevent these junctions from being a potential source of ignition when exposed to fuel, this Directive requires the junctions are to be replaced.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

1 February 2006