Main Rotor - Blades - Inspection / Removal from Service
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must begin performing the specified repetitive inspections of main rotor blades with part numbers 204-011-250-001, -005, -009, -113, or -117 starting November 16, 2022. Daily cleaning and visual inspections can be performed by pilots, but any further inspection or crack detection requires a mechanic certified under 14 CFR part 65 subpart D. Any cracked blades must be removed from service immediately.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2022-21-11 is a final rule addressing certain Bell Textron Inc. Model 204B, 205A, and 205A-1 helicopters, as well as various restricted category helicopters equipped with specific main rotor blade part numbers. This directive mandates repetitive inspections of main rotor blades to detect cracks and requires removal from service of any cracked blades to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections focusing on areas of the main rotor blades not previously inspected, specifically between blade stations 190 and 210. It requires cleaning with a cheesecloth and visual inspections, with additional detailed inspections if certain signs of cracking are detected. The directive also permits pilots to perform the initial daily cleaning and visual check, while more detailed inspections must be conducted by certified mechanics.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a previously uninspected area prone to chordwise cracks that could compromise rotor blade integrity and flight safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must incorporate these inspections into their routine maintenance to prevent in-flight failures. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence, reducing the risk of accidents related to main rotor blade cracks.
More for Bell Textron Inc. (Bti) 204B
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- EASA AD US-2022-20-14Main Rotor Drive - Main Transmission Housing Assembly - InspectionNov 29, 2022
- EASA AD US-2022-22-12NOT ADOPTED - EASA DECISION ATTACHEDNov 10, 2022
- EASA AD CF-2022-46Landing Gear — Forward Crosstube — New Airworthiness Limitation
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