Affected Products Are For Bell Helicopter Models and UH-1

FAA Safety reported July 1 that swash-plate support bolts, part number 204-011-463-001, have been produced without FAA production approval. Affected products are Bell Helicopter Textron, models 205, 212, 412, and UH-1, all makes.

The FAA issues Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUP) Notifications at its Web site.

Some of the most common questions according to the FAA include:

• How can I get information about a SUP investigation?
  You may request information about a closed SUP investigation through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and receive all information eligible for release under FOIA.
• Where can I get information regarding a specific technical issue relating to unapproved parts?
  Send any technical questions to the SUP Program Office e-mail address at 9-AWA-AVS20-SUPS@FAA.GOV.
• Is the sale of unapproved parts allowed in the open market?
  The FAA does not regulate the sale and/or distribution of parts. Parts represented "as is" and without documentation are not contrary to the regulations. It is important to note, however, that parts represented as being "airworthy" or eligible for installation on a type-certificated product -- and in fact are not -- could be fraudulent.

The Bell model 205's first unit entered service in August 1963, with an array of updates, variants, and modifications done through the years including modifications for medevac duties in the 1980s.

After the success of the Models 204/205, Bell joined Pratt & Whitney Canada to develop a twin-engine derivate of the UH-1H to achieve specifications from the Canadian Armed Forces. The result was the Model 212 Twin 212 adopted by the USAF (79 units) and the US Navy/Marines (221 units). Eight units served as Marine One for the US President.

The Bell 412, a medium twin-engine helicopter, is a considered a daily workhorse optimal for the most extreme climates.

UH-1, Bell's UH military helicopter, with the unofficial name, Huey, is widely used in a transport, airborne battlefield command and control, troop insertion/extraction, fire support coordination, medical evacuation, search and rescue, armed escort/visual reconnaissance or utility roles.

Bell Helicopter Textron was founded in 1935 as Bell Aircraft Corporation, and the first to obtain certification for a commercial helicopter. Over its history, Bell has delivered more than 35,000 aircraft to customers around the world.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/bellUH-1Y.cfm