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 39.1 (1) of CAR 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 214 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 214/4 Tail Rotor Yoke 2/2003 DM
Applicability: Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters, serial numbers 28001 and subsequent. Requirement: 1. Review the historical records of the tail rotor yoke assembly (yoke assembly),
part number 214-011-802-105 or 214-011-802-111, for any recorded static or dynamic incidents that could have imposed a bending load on the yoke, but did not require replacing the yoke assembly; for example, an incident in which a damaged tail rotor blade was replaced due to a blade strike. If such a history exists, replace the yoke assembly with a serviceable yoke assembly.
2. Unless Requirement 3 has already been accomplished, accomplish the following:
- Install a Never Exceed Velocity (Vne) red line at 130 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) on the pilot and co-pilot airspeed indicators using red tape or paint, and a slippage indicator on the instrument case and glass.
b. Install a placard made of material that is not easily erased, disfigured, or obscured on the instrument panel in clear view of the pilot and co-pilot with the following words:
“Observe temporary Maximum Never Exceed (Vne) airspeed red line (marked at 130 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). Vne is the greater of 10 KIAS less than the value presented on the airspeed limits placard or 68 KIAS for each ambient condition”.
c. Insert the applicable Bell 214B or 214B-1 Temporary Revision for Airspeed Restriction, dated 16 August 1996, which is attached to Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 214-96-57 dated 26 August 1996, into the Limitations section of the applicable Model 214B or 214B-1 Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM).
3. Accomplish the following:
- Remove the yoke assembly part number 214-011-802-105 or 214-011-802- 111, and replace it with a serviceable yoke assembly with zero hours time in service, or a serviceable yoke assembly (regardless of time in service) that has passed a one-time x-ray diffraction inspection in accordance with ASB 214-96-57.
Bell Helicopter Textron 214 Series Helicopters
AD/BELL 214/4 (continued)
b. Install a serviceable tail rotor flapping stop, part number 214-011-809-109.
c. After Requirements 3a. and 3b. are accomplished, remove the 130 KIAS red line from the pilot and co-pilot airspeed indicators, remove the Vne airspeed restriction placard, and remove the Bell 214B or 214B-1 Temporary Revision for Airspeed Restriction, from the RFM.
4. After accomplishing Requirement 3, inspect the yoke assembly and tail rotor flapping stop in accordance with Part III, Recurring 25 Hour Special Inspection and Conditional Inspection Requirement, of ASB 214-96-57.
Note: FAA AD 99-02-17 Amdt 39-11009 refers.
Compliance: 1. Before further flight after 11 December 2002, unless already accomplished.
2. Before further flight after 11 December 2002, unless already accomplished.
3. Within 6 months after 11 December 2002, unless already accomplished.
4. After accomplishment of Requirement 3, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 December 2002.
Background: The FAA received reports of in- flight failures of tail rotor yokes ins talled on civilian and military helicopters of similar type design. The actions required by this Directive are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the tail rotor yoke that could result in loss of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 5 December 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 December 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron 214 Series Helicopters, identified as AD/BELL 214/4, on 5 December 2002, effective from 11 December 2002. This AD was introduced in response to reports of in-flight failures of tail rotor yokes in similar types of civilian and military helicopters. The directive aims to prevent potential fatigue failure of the tail rotor yoke, which could lead to a loss of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The AD outlines specific requirements for reviewing historical records of the tail rotor yoke assembly, installing airspeed indicators and placards, and replacing the yoke assembly with a serviceable one. Compliance with these requirements is necessary to ensure the safety of the aircraft in question.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies specifically to the Bell Helicopter Textron 214 Series Helicopters, namely the Model 214B and 214B-1 with serial numbers 28001 and subsequent. This directive mandates certain safety measures to be undertaken to address potential issues with the tail rotor yoke assembly, which, if left unaddressed, could lead to significant safety hazards. The AD outlines a series of requirements that must be followed to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. Firstly, it necessitates a review of the tail rotor yoke assembly's historical records to identify any past incidents that might have imposed a bending load on the yoke, and if such incidents are found, the replacement of the yoke assembly. Secondly, it requires the installation of a velocity red line, a placard, and a temporary revision for airspeed restriction in the rotorcraft flight manual if not already completed. Thirdly, it mandates the replacement of the yoke assembly and the installation of a tail rotor flapping stop, followed by the removal of the aforementioned red line, placard, and temporary revision. Finally, it requires an inspection of the yoke assembly and the tail rotor flapping stop after the replacement and at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service. This AD is effective as of 11 December 2002, and compliance is required before further flight after this date, unless the specified actions have already been accomplished.
Key Provisions
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies to Bell Helicopter Textron 214 Series Helicopters, specifically Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters with serial numbers 28001 and subsequent. The primary focus of the AD is to address potential safety issues related to the tail rotor yoke, part numbers 214-011-802-105 or 214-011-802-111, to prevent fatigue failure that could lead to loss of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
The AD outlines specific requirements that must be met to ensure airworthiness. Firstly, operators must review historical records of the tail rotor yoke assembly for any recorded incidents that could have imposed a bending load on the yoke, such as a blade strike incident where a damaged tail rotor blade was replaced but the yoke was not. If such incidents are found, the yoke assembly must be replaced with a serviceable one. Secondly, operators must install a red line at 130 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) on the airspeed indicators and a slippage indicator on the instrument case and glass, as well as a placard on the instrument panel with a specific warning message. Thirdly, operators must insert a temporary revision for airspeed restriction into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). Finally, operators must replace the yoke assembly with a serviceable one that has passed a one-time x-ray diffraction inspection and install a serviceable tail rotor flapping stop.
Operators of the affected helicopters must comply with the AD by taking the necessary actions before specified dates. The review of historical records and replacement of the yoke assembly must be completed before any further flight after 11 December 2002, unless already accomplished. The installation of the red line, placard, and temporary revision must also be completed before further flight after 11 December 2002, unless already done. The replacement of the yoke assembly and installation of the flapping stop must be completed within 6 months after 11 December 2002, unless already done. A subsequent inspection of the yoke assembly and flapping stop must be conducted after the replacement and at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service.
Failure to comply with this AD may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. The AD includes specific timelines and requirements for compliance, and non-compliance could potentially lead to enforcement actions by CASA. The exact consequences for non-compliance would depend on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the regulatory authority. However, it is clear that adherence to the AD is mandatory to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.