Fuselage — Tail Rotor Gearbox Support Assembly to Tailboom Attachment Discrepant Rivets
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2025-60
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Bell model 429 helicopters must perform initial inspections of the tail rotor gearbox support assembly rivets within specified timeframes based on aircraft hours or service entry dates. Repetitive inspections must be conducted at intervals no longer than 100 flight hours or three months, whichever occurs first. Any discrepant rivets found must be replaced or repaired before further flight, following the instructions in Bell ASB 429-19-47 Revision C.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive CF-2025-60R1 addresses discrepant rivets in the tail rotor gearbox support assembly to tailboom attachment on Bell Textron Canada Limited model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to detect and replace failed or inadequate rivets that could compromise structural integrity. This directive updates previous requirements to enhance safety and maintenance procedures for affected helicopters.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive CF-2025-60R1 revises the previous AD CF-2025-60 by clarifying initial inspection compliance statements and reducing the interval for repetitive inspections. It incorporates Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-47 Revision C, which increases inspection frequency and requires operators to record rivet condition details. The directive also confirms that inspections done under the earlier AD CF-2021-15 satisfy initial inspection requirements.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failed rivets at the tail rotor gearbox support joint can lead to structural failure and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must adhere to the updated inspection intervals and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. Compliance helps prevent in-service failures and potential accidents related to this known issue.
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