EASA AD US-2022-06-03
Main Rotor - Hub Strap Pins - Removal / Inspection
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2022-06-03 addresses safety concerns for Bell Textron Inc. helicopters, specifically Models 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, and 212 equipped with main rotor hub strap pins part number 204-012-104-005 with serial number prefix "FNFS". This directive mandates removal and inspection of all affected pins, both outboard and inboard, to prevent potential main rotor blade detachment. It also requires removing the mating strap fitting if any deformation is found on the pins.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 2022-02-02 by expanding the applicability from only outboard pins to all affected pins regardless of position. It introduces a new inspection requirement for deformation of removed pins and mandates removal from service of the mating strap fitting if deformation is detected. The change corrects an earlier limitation that could have left unsafe inboard pins in service.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure of the affected main rotor hub strap pins can lead to catastrophic rotor blade detachment and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent accidents and maintain airworthiness. The expanded scope and inspection requirements improve safety oversight and reduce risk of in-flight failures.
What To Do
Operators must remove from service all pins P/N 204-012-104-005 with S/N prefix "FNFS" before further flight and inspect them for deformation. If deformation is found, the mating strap fitting P/N 212-010-103-ALL or 204-012-103-ALL must also be removed from service before further flight. Installation of affected pins on any helicopter is prohibited as of the effective date. Compliance is required by March 16, 2022.
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