AD 2020-12-10 Retains The Requirements Of AD 2011-12-08 While Excluding Certain T/R Blades From Applicability

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-12-08 for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell), Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. AD 2011-12-08 required a one-time inspection of the tail rotor (T/R) blade for corrosion and pitting.

This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2011-12-08 while excluding certain T/R blades from the applicability. This AD was prompted by new manufacturing and inspection procedures implemented by Bell that correct the unsafe condition on more recently manufactured T/R blades. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 16, 2020.
 
Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to remove AD 2011-12-08, Amendment 39-16715 (76 FR 35334, June 17, 2011) (“AD 2011-12-08”) and add a new AD. AD 2011-12-08 applied to Bell Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters with a T/R blade, part number 212-010-750 (all dash numbers), all serial numbers (S/Ns) except those with a prefix of “A” and the number 17061 or larger, and required a one-time inspection of the T/R blade for corrosion and pitting. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2019 (84 FR 14626). The NPRM proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2011-12-08 but remove blades with an S/N prefix of “BH” from the applicability. The proposed actions were intended to correct the unsafe conditions on these products.

Since the FAA issued the NPRM, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., has changed its name to Bell Textron Inc. This final rule reflects that change and updates the contact information to obtain service documentation.

FMI: www.regulations.gov