EASA AD CF-2023-16R1
Engine — Fuel and Control — Change of Flight Manual Limitations
Summary
Airworthiness Directive CF-2023-16R1 is issued by Transport Canada and applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited model 505 helicopters, specifically serial numbers 65011 through 65169 and 65171 through 65300. The directive addresses changes to the flight manual limitations related to engine fuel and control, ensuring the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) reflects correct operating limitations for the ARRIUS 2R engine. This update is critical to prevent engine performance issues related to fuel operating envelopes at certain altitudes and temperatures.
What Changed
This revision corrects the applicability of the original AD CF-2023-16 by excluding Bell 505 helicopters equipped with the Garmin G1000H NXi Avionics Suite that use a different flight manual (BHT-505-FM-2). It mandates updating the RFM BHT-505-FM-1 to Revision 5 or later approved revisions to align with the updated fuel operating limitations. The change ensures that only helicopters using the specified flight manual are subject to the directive's requirements.
Why It Matters
Compliance with the updated flight manual limitations is essential to avoid low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or engine power interruptions, which can compromise flight safety. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure the correct RFM revision is installed to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance. This directive clarifies which helicopters are affected, preventing confusion and ensuring proper adherence to safety standards.
What To Do
Operators of Bell 505 helicopters with serial numbers 65011 through 65169 and 65171 through 65300 must update their Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1 to Revision 5 or a later Transport Canada-approved revision within 30 days of the effective date. Helicopters using the BHT-505-FM-2 flight manual are excluded from this directive. Compliance should be documented and verified to meet regulatory requirements.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.