Equipment / Furnishings — Incorrectly Manufactured Emergency Flotation System Supply Hoses
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-21
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Bell 429 helicopters with serial numbers 57001 through 57389 must perform a one-time detailed inspection of all EFS supply hoses within 600 flight hours or at the next 24-month EFS inspection, whichever occurs first, starting from 16 June 2020. Blocked hoses must be replaced before further flight, and serviceable hoses must be marked accordingly. Installation of affected supply hoses as replacement parts is prohibited from 16 June 2020 onward.
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2020-21R1 addresses incorrectly manufactured emergency flotation system (EFS) supply hoses installed on Bell Textron Canada Limited model 429 helicopters. The directive mandates inspection and possible replacement of affected EFS supply hoses to ensure proper inflation of helicopter floats during emergency water landings. This directive applies to all serial numbers of Bell 429 helicopters equipped with certain EFS kits manufactured before July 2019.
What changed
This revision CF-2020-21R1 corrects the previously referenced Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin number in the original AD CF-2020-21 issued on 2 June 2020. It maintains the requirement for a one-time special detailed inspection of the EFS supply hoses and the replacement of any blocked hoses. Additionally, it prohibits installation of affected supply hoses as replacement parts on Bell 429 helicopters.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent partial inflation of emergency flotation devices, which could delay occupant egress during a water landing and increase risk of injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety of Bell 429 helicopters. The AD also clarifies parts eligibility to avoid reinstallation of defective components.
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