Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2018-02-08

Main Rotor - Blades - Cleaning / Inspection / Repair / Replacement

Published: Feb 1, 2018
Effective: Feb 1, 2018
Deadline: Feb 1, 2018

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What to do

Operators of affected Bell 204B, 205A, and 205A-1 helicopters with HTC main rotor blade P/N 204P2100-101 must clean and inspect the blades within 25 hours time-in-service or 2 weeks from the AD effective date, and repeat inspections at the same intervals thereafter. Any cracks, corrosion, or damage found must be repaired or the blade replaced before further flight. Additionally, inspection findings must be reported to the FAA within 10 days.

Summary

Federal Register Volume 83, Number 11 (January 17, 2018) is a final rule airworthiness directive (AD 2018-02-08) issued by the FAA for Bell Helicopter Textron Model 204B, 205A, and 205A-1 helicopters equipped with Helicopter Technology Company (HTC) main rotor blade part number 204P2100-101. The directive mandates cleaning, visual inspection, and depending on findings, repair or replacement of the main rotor blades to address fatigue cracks in the grip plate and doublers near the blade retention bolt hole. This AD aims to prevent potential blade failure and loss of helicopter control.

What changed

This new AD introduces repetitive cleaning and detailed visual inspections of the main rotor blades at intervals not exceeding 25 hours time-in-service or 2 weeks, whichever occurs first. It requires reporting any cracks found within 10 days and mandates repair or replacement of blades if defects exceed allowable limits. The AD applies specifically to HTC main rotor blade P/N 204P2100-101 and supplements previous AD 2016-22-07 which covered different blade part numbers.

Why it matters

This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a known unsafe condition that could lead to catastrophic rotor blade failure and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement the inspection and maintenance requirements to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. Compliance helps prevent in-service failures and supports regulatory adherence, reducing risk and potential downtime.

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