AD 2021-13-15 Requires Establishing Life Limits And CMR Tasks For Various Parts

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) (Bell) Model 429 helicopters.

This AD was prompted by the identification of certain parts needing life limits and certification maintenance requirement (CMR) tasks. This AD requires establishing life limits and CMR tasks for various parts. Depending on the results of the CMR tasks, this AD requires corrective action. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 29, 2021.

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 Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2021 (86 FR 18218). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require establishing a life limit for certain part-numbered tail rotor outboard flapping bearings and a certain part-numbered hoist kit cable cutter cartridge. The NPRM also proposed to require establishing recurring CMR tasks for a certain part-numbered wheeled landing gear system, float/life raft kit, and hoist kit, and depending on the results of the CMR tasks, corrective action.

The NPRM was prompted by Canadian AD CF-2017-16, dated May 17, 2017, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority of Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises that Bell has established life limits and CMR tasks for various parts and accordingly revised Chapter 4–Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of Bell Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1 to Revision 26, dated September 9, 2016 (BHT-429-MM-1). Transport Canada states that failure to replace life-limited parts or perform CMR tasks as specified could result in an unsafe condition.

Accordingly, the Transport Canada AD requires updating the maintenance schedule for the parts affected with the airworthiness life limits and CMR tasks in Revision 26 of BHT-429-MM-1.

FMI: www.regulations.gov