Tail Rotor - Pitch Link Spherical Bearing Accelerated Wear
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- CF-2015-16R2
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect tail rotor pitch link spherical bearings within 10 hours air time from 17 April 2017 or before 60 hours air time since new, whichever is later, and repeat inspections every 50 hours air time. Bearings or assemblies must be replaced as specified, with re-identification of new bearings. Optionally, installing new pitch link assemblies P/N 429-012-212-105/-107 terminates recurring inspections. Compliance with these actions is mandatory to maintain airworthiness.
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-16R3 addresses accelerated wear of tail rotor pitch link spherical bearings on Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 through 57401. The directive mandates inspections, replacements, and introduces a new pitch link assembly as an optional terminating action to recurring inspections. It aims to prevent pitch link failure that could lead to loss of helicopter controllability.
What changed
CF-2015-16R3 revises previous versions by specifying an optional terminating action through the introduction of new tail rotor pitch link assemblies, updating helicopter applicability to include new production helicopters with these assemblies. It also clarifies inspection criteria and part number identification requirements, and maintains recurring inspection intervals until the terminating action is implemented.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential tail rotor pitch link failures caused by undetected bearing wear, which could compromise helicopter control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of Bell model 429 helicopters. It also provides clear guidance on inspection intervals and part replacements to manage risk effectively.
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