Emergency Flotation Section - Emergency Flotation System Tube Assembly - Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Bell Model 212, 412, and 412EP helicopters must remove and replace any EFS tube assembly part number 412-073-820-101 manufactured before July 28, 2016, or with an unknown manufacture date within 300 hours time-in-service. After the effective date of October 4, 2018, installation of affected tube assemblies is prohibited. Maintenance personnel should lubricate fittings with anti-seize compound during replacement as specified.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2018-16-14 mandates the replacement of the emergency flotation system (EFS) tube assembly part number 412-073-820-101 on Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Model 212, Model 412, and Model 412EP helicopters. This directive addresses a manufacturing defect that may cause cracks in the EFS tube assembly, potentially leading to failure of emergency floats during water landings. The AD aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of these helicopter models.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive requires operators to replace any EFS tube assembly with part number 412-073-820-101 that was manufactured before July 28, 2016, or has an unknown manufacture date. It prohibits installing affected tube assemblies on any helicopter after the effective date. The compliance time is set within 300 hours time-in-service, which is more stringent than the previously recommended 600 flight hours or a fixed calendar date.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because the identified manufacturing defect can cause the emergency flotation system to fail during an emergency water landing, posing a significant safety risk. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely replacement of the affected parts to maintain regulatory compliance and safeguard crew and passenger safety. Failure to comply could result in unsafe aircraft conditions and regulatory penalties.
More for Bell Textron Inc. (Bti) 212
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- EASA AD 2022-0047-CNCANCELLED: Fuselage — Tailboom Attachment — Inspection / ReplacementOct 31, 2024
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