AD/BELL 214/4 - Tail Rotor Yoke (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Bell Helicopter Textron 214 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 214/4 Tail Rotor Yoke 2/2003 DM

Applicability: Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters, serial numbers 28001 and subsequent. Requirement: 1. Review the historical records of the tail rotor yoke assembly (yoke assembly), part number 214-011-802-105 or 214-011-802-111, for any recorded static or dynamic incidents that could have imposed a bending load on the yoke, but did not require replacing the yoke assembly; for example, an incident in which a damaged tail rotor blade was replaced due to a blade strike. If such a history exists, replace the yoke assembly with a serviceable yoke assembly.

2. Unless Requirement 3 has already been accomplished, accomplish the following:

1. Install a Never Exceed Velocity (Vne) red line at 130 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) on the pilot and co-pilot airspeed indicators using red tape or paint, and a slippage indicator on the instrument case and glass.

b. Install a placard made of material that is not easily erased, disfigured, or obscured on the instrument panel in clear view of the pilot and co-pilot with the following words: