AD/Bell 427/8 Vertical Fin Attachment (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 427/8 Vertical Fin Attachment 13/2007

Applicability:

BHTC Model 427 helicopters, serial numbers 56001 through 56057, 58001 and 58002.

Requirement:

Inspect the area of the vertical fin to tail rotor gearbox attachment and install a new hardware, in accordance with BHTC Alert Service Bulletin 427-06-15 original issue, dated 13 November 2006, or later Transport Canada approved revision.

Note:  Transport Canada AD CF-2007-22 refers.

Compliance:

Before 31 December 2007, unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 December 2007.

Background:

The manufacturer has determined that the existing hardware connecting the vertical fin to the tail rotor gearbox requires upgrading, in order to ensure vertical fin security.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

7 November 2007