EASA AD CF-2024-03: Empennage Structure – Vertical Stabilizer Top End Cap Assembly Cracking | RegNotify

Airworthiness DirectiveSupersededEASA AD CF-2024-03

Empennage Structure – Vertical Stabilizer Top End Cap Assembly Cracking

Superseded. A newer version replaces this document.

Published: Jan 26, 2024
Effective: Jan 29, 2024
Deadline: Jan 29, 2024

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Operators must perform a one-time detailed visual inspection within 10 hours air time from the effective date of January 29, 2024. If cracks are detected, the top end cap assembly must be replaced before further flight. Recurring inspections must then be conducted every 25 hours air time thereafter.

Summary

Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2024-03 is an emergency directive addressing cracking in the vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly of Bell Textron Canada Limited model 505 helicopters, serial number 65011 and subsequent. The directive mandates inspections and possible replacement of the stabilizer top end cap to prevent potential loss of directional control caused by parts detaching during flight.

What changed

This new emergency Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory initial and recurring detailed visual inspections of the vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly. It also requires replacement of the assembly if cracks are found, based on instructions from Bell Textron Canada Limited Alert Service Bulletin 505-24-38.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent in-flight detachment of the NAV/VOR/GS antenna and tuning weight, which could damage the tail rotor and cause loss of helicopter control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of affected Bell 505 helicopters.

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