FAA · Airworthiness Directive
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.), Helicopters
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-18- 09, which applied to certain Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (now Bell Textron Inc.), Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. AD 2000-18-09 required repetitively inspecting the upper left-hand cap angle (cap angle) and adjacent structure for a crack and, depending on the results, replacing any cracked cap angle and repairing any crack in the adjacent structure. This AD was prompted by a report of a fatigue crack in a tail boom attachment cap angle. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2000-18-09, expands the applicability by adding models and an additional part-numbered cap angle, reduces the inspection intervals, and requires using updated procedures. This AD also updates the reporting requirement. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability
Aircraft makes and models this AD applies to, sorted by US-registered fleet size.
Federal Register text
Verbatim from the Federal Register publication — required actions, compliance times, parts/serial numbers, and methods of compliance. The Federal Register is the legally binding document; this rendering is for readability. Cite: 89 FR 67263.
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2024)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 67263-67267] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18580]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2010; Project Identifier AD-2024-00366-R; Amendment 39-22807; AD 2024-16-01] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.), Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-18- 09, which applied to certain Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (now Bell Textron Inc.), Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. AD 2000-18-09 required repetitively inspecting the upper left-hand cap angle (cap angle) and adjacent structure for a crack and, depending on the results, replacing any cracked cap angle and repairing any crack in the adjacent structure. This AD was prompted by a report of a fatigue crack in a tail boom attachment cap angle. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2000-18-09, expands the applicability by adding models and an additional part-numbered cap angle, reduces the inspection intervals, and requires using updated procedures. This AD also updates the reporting requirement. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 4, 2024. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 4, 2024. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 4, 2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: 202-493--2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2010; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
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Material Incorporated by Reference: For Bell material identified in this AD, contact Bell Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; phone: (450) 437- 2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax: (450) 433-0272; email: [email protected]; website: bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hung Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (562) 627-5362; email: [email protected].