AD 2022-07-03 Requires Adding A Permanent Hours Time-In-Service (TIS) Penalty

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Inc., Model 412, 412EP, and 412CF helicopters. This AD was prompted by evaluation results showing flight loads that impact the collective lever fatigue life. T

his AD requires adding a permanent hours time-in-service (TIS) penalty for certain collective levers and prohibits installing those collective levers unless the permanent hours TIS penalty has been added. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective April 27, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Bell Textron Inc., Model 412, 412EP, and 412CF helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2021 (86 FR 48078). The NPRM was prompted by the results of an evaluation of BLR Aerospace Strake and FastFin (Strake and FF) system part number (P/N) 412-705-040-101. The NPRM stated that during the evaluation, additional flight loads were recorded that impact the collective lever fatigue life. Accordingly, the NPRM proposed to require adding a permanent life penalty for affected collective levers and prohibit installing those collective levers unless the permanent life penalty has been added. This condition, if not addressed, could result in fatigue damage and cracking, failure of the collective lever, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov