EASA AD CF-2019-16
Flight Control System — Yaw Trim Runaway
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2019-16 is an emergency directive addressing a yaw trim runaway issue in Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. It mandates revisions to the rotorcraft flight manual to mitigate risks associated with uncommanded yaw control inputs during ground operations. The directive focuses on improving pilot procedures and flight manual content to maintain helicopter control in the event of a trim runaway.
What Changed
This directive introduces mandatory incorporation of Revision 14 dated April 18, 2019, to the Bell 429 rotorcraft flight manual, which includes new cautions and procedures in the Normal Procedures, Emergency Procedures, and Performance sections. It adds specific instructions to reduce the risk of yaw trim runaway and provides emergency response steps for pilots. The directive also requires operators to inform flight crews of these changes.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety hazard that can cause unexpected yaw control inputs, potentially compromising helicopter control during ground operations. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent incidents related to yaw trim runaway. Flight crews need updated procedures to respond effectively to such events, enhancing overall flight safety.
What To Do
Affected operators must amend the Bell 429 rotorcraft flight manual by incorporating Revision 14 dated April 18, 2019, and communicate these changes to all flight crews. Compliance is required as of the effective date, May 8, 2019. Using later Transport Canada-approved revisions of the flight manual also satisfies the directive requirements.
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