Comments On New AD Due By June 6

The FAA announced in April that it is superseding an existing emergency airworthiness directive (EAD) for the Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Model 212 helicopters with a certain main rotor hub inboard strap fitting (fitting) installed. The period for public comment on the AD is about to close.
 

Bell 212 File Photo

That EAD requires, before further flight, removing certain serial-numbered fittings and replacing them with airworthy fittings. It also requires performing a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) on fittings with certain serial numbers (S/Ns) to inspect for a crack. If a crack is found, the cracked fitting must be replaced with an airworthy fitting, and certain data must be reported to the FAA.
 
This airworthiness directive (AD) retains the requirements of that EAD and expands the applicability to require performing an MPI for a crack on additional serial-numbered fittings. This AD is prompted by the determination that certain fittings were not manufactured in accordance with the approved manufacturing processes and controls. In total, eight fittings have been found that have cracks. The FAA issued this AD to prevent failure of a fitting, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
 
Comments on this AD will be accepted until June 6, 2011.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.rotor.com