Flight Controls — Incorrectly Staked Directional Control Bellcrank Bearing
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Bell 429 helicopters must inspect the directional control bellcrank bearing within 25 hours air time or 90 days from 30 April 2020. If defects are found, corrective actions must be completed before further flight. Repaired bellcranks require repetitive inspections every 100 hours air time until a terminating action is achieved as defined in the AD.
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2020-11 addresses an issue with incorrectly staked directional control bellcrank bearings on Bell Textron Canada Limited model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 through 57210, 57212 through 57344, 57346 through 57371, 57374 through 57377, and 57380. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure proper bearing staking and prevent reduced helicopter directional control. This AD incorporates Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision B, dated 19 December 2019.
What changed
CF-2020-11 introduces mandatory inspections of the spherical bearing on the directional control bellcrank assembly within 25 hours air time or 90 days from the effective date. It requires rectification of any defects found and establishes repetitive inspections every 100 hours air time for repaired bellcranks. The AD also defines terminating actions that end the inspection requirements once certain conditions are met.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining safe flight controls on affected Bell 429 helicopters by preventing wear or elongation of the bellcrank bore, which could degrade directional control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid potential control issues that could compromise flight safety. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and adherence to Canadian Aviation Regulations.
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