Fuselage - Tail Boom Spar Caps - Inspection / Removal
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Bell Textron Inc. helicopters must inspect the spar caps within 100 flight hours after May 9, 2022, and continue inspections every 100 flight hours. Inspections include checking both spar cap flanges and the fin skin area for cracks, loose rivets, and damage. If any defects are found, the spar cap must be removed from service before further flight. Contact Bell Product Support Engineering if damage is detected.
Summary
The Federal Register Volume 87, Number 64, Final Rule titled "Fuselage - Tail Boom Spar Caps - Inspection / Removal" is an airworthiness directive issued by the FAA for certain Bell Textron Inc. helicopters including Models 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP equipped with tailboom left hand fin spar cap part number 212-030-447-117. This directive addresses the detection and removal of cracked spar caps to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections of the tailboom left hand fin spar caps for cracks, loose rivets, and other damage using a 10x magnifying glass and flashlight. If damage is found, the spar cap must be removed from service before further flight. The directive requires initial inspection within 100 flight hours after the effective date and recurring inspections every 100 flight hours thereafter.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected cracks in the spar caps can lead to structural failure and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure timely inspections and removals to maintain safety and regulatory compliance. The directive helps prevent potential accidents caused by fatigue cracking in a key structural component.
More for Bell Textron Inc. (Bti) 205
All 16- EASA AD US-2024-17-02Fuselage — Tailboom Attachment — Inspection / ReplacementOct 31, 2024
- EASA AD US-2024-19-17Rotors Flight Control - Tension Torsion (TT) Straps - Removal / Installation ProhibitionSep 30, 2024
- EASA AD US-2024-16-01Fuselage - Tail Boom Attachment Cap Angle - InspectionAug 22, 2024
- EASA AD US-2022-20-14Main Rotor Drive - Main Transmission Housing Assembly - InspectionNov 29, 2022
- EASA AD US-2022-22-12NOT ADOPTED - EASA DECISION ATTACHED
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