AD 2021-26-09 Requires Repetitive Inspections Of The T/R Hub

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Brantly Helicopters Industries U.S.A. Co., Ltd., Model 305 helicopters and Brantly International, Inc., Model B-2, B-2A, and B-2B helicopters.

This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the tail rotor (T/R) hub. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the T/R hub and depending on the results, removing the T/R hub from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 19, 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 certain Brantly Helicopters Industries U.S.A. Co., Ltd., Model 305 helicopters and Brantly International, Inc., Model B-2, B-2A, and B-2B helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2021 (86 FR 40967). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a crack in T/R hub part number (P/N) 2951. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively cleaning, and using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspecting the areas where each T/R blade attaching arm extends from the T/R hub for a crack, corrosion, and pitting, and depending on the results, removing the T/R hub from service. This NPRM also proposed to require repetitively cleaning and dye penetrant inspecting the radius at the shoulder of each T/R hub spindle for a crack and pitting, and depending on the results, removing the T/R hub from service.

This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of T/R control 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