Fuselage - Tail Boom Attachment Cap Angle - Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2000-18-09
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must perform visual inspections for sealant and cracks on specified cap angles using a 10X magnifying glass and bright light, remove any sealant as required, and replace or repair cracked components promptly. They must also report findings to the FAA as specified. Compliance with this AD is mandatory by September 4, 2024, and comments on the rule are accepted until October 4, 2024.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2024-16-01 is a final rule addressing Bell Textron Inc. helicopters, including Models 412, 412CF, 412EP, 212, 205A, 205A-1, and 205B. It mandates inspections of the tail boom attachment cap angle and adjacent structures for cracks to prevent potential failure and loss of helicopter control. This directive updates previous requirements and incorporates new inspection procedures and reporting obligations.
What changed
This AD supersedes AD 2000-18-09 by expanding the applicability to additional Bell helicopter models and part-numbered cap angles, reducing inspection intervals from 100 hours to as low as 25 flight hours, and requiring updated inspection procedures including sealant removal. It also revises the reporting requirements and mandates repairs for cracked adjacent structures, which were not addressed in the previous directive.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a known unsafe condition involving fatigue cracks in tail boom attachment cap angles that could lead to catastrophic failure. Operators and maintenance teams must adhere to more frequent inspections and updated procedures to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. Compliance reduces the risk of in-flight failures and enhances overall helicopter operational safety.
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-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 US-2022-21-11Main Rotor - Blades - Inspection / Removal from Service
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