EASA AD CF-2024-44
Auto Flight — Wire Harness Chafing
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2024-44 addresses potential wire harness chafing issues in Bell Textron Canada Limited model 505 helicopters with specific serial numbers. The directive requires inspections and repairs to prevent wire damage that could cause engine idle commands. This AD is effective from January 2, 2025.
What Changed
CF-2024-44 introduces mandatory detailed visual inspections of wire harnesses in designated areas of Bell 505 helicopters to detect chafing and damage. It establishes initial and recurring inspection intervals and mandates repairs if damage is found. This is a new directive aimed at mitigating an identified unsafe condition.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance personnel to prevent electrical shorts that could inadvertently command the engine to idle, posing safety risks. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of affected Bell 505 helicopters. It also guides maintenance scheduling and corrective actions to avoid in-flight issues.
What To Do
Operators must perform a detailed visual inspection of the wire harnesses within 50 flight hours or 30 days from January 2, 2025, whichever comes first. Inspections must then be repeated every 300 flight hours. Any wire damage found must be repaired and the source of chafing corrected before further flight, following the instructions in BTCL Alert Service Bulletin 505-22-32 or approved revisions.