EASA AD CF-2019-03
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — New Airworthiness Life Limitations
Summary
The Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2019-03 is a regulatory document addressing Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. model 429 helicopters, specifically serial numbers 57001 through 57351. It introduces new airworthiness life limitations related to a Centrifugal Force Bearing (CFB) with Part Number 429-310-003-103. This directive mandates updates to maintenance manuals to include these new life limits to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This directive introduces a new life limitation for the Centrifugal Force Bearing (CFB) P/N 429-310-003-103, which was not previously included in the Bell 429 Maintenance Manual. It requires operators to update their approved publications to reflect Revision 29 of Chapter 4 of the Airworthiness Limitations Schedule. The directive also mandates replacement of the CFB before reaching the newly established life limit.
Why It Matters
For aviation professionals, this directive is critical to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Bell 429 helicopters. Failure to comply with the new life limitations could lead to unsafe conditions due to component failure. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure that maintenance manuals are updated and life-limited parts are replaced timely to avoid regulatory violations and potential safety risks.
What To Do
Owners and operators of Bell 429 helicopters equipped with the specified CFB must update their approved maintenance publications to include the new life limitation from Revision 29 of the Airworthiness Limitations Schedule. They must replace the CFB before it reaches the defined life limit. Compliance with these actions must be completed within 60 days from the effective date of 14 February 2019.
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