COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bell Helicopter Textron 205 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 205/23
Amdt 4
Main Rotor Blades 3/88
Applicability: All model 205A-1 helicopters fitted with main rotor blades P/No 204-011-250 (all dash numbers).
Requirement: Inspect in accordance with Parts I and III of Bell SB 205-75-5 Revision C.
Note: It is recommended that the root end of each blade be painted white to enhance crack detectability. Wash and apply WD-40 in accordance with Part II of that SB.
Compliance: As detailed in the Requirement Document.
Background: There have been several instances, including one recently in Australia, where an adhesive bond failure and/or corrosion has led to serious fatigue cracking of the main rotor blade, at the main retention pin hole. This Directive requires regular inspections for edge voids, corrosion and cracking, as well as “WD-40" treatment for corrosion prevention. To improve crack visibility one operator has painted the root end of each main rotor blade white. This Amendment adds a recommendation to that effect, and deletes the ambiguous clause, “unless already accomplished".