AD/BELL 407/17 - Forward Bearing Hanger Support (Cth)

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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 Canada (BHTC) 407 Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 407/17 Forward Bearing Hanger Support 12/2001 DM

Applicability: Bell 407 series helicopters, serial numbers 53000 through 53442 with flywheel 407- 040-316-101 installed.

Requirement: Visually inspect the forward bearing hanger support in accordance with BHTC Alert Service Bulletin 407-01-39, Revision A. If a crack is detected, replace the affected support before further flight.

Note 1: Transport Canada AD CF-2001-32 refers.

Note 2: Compliance with a later revision of the referenced alert service bulletin satisfies the intent of this Airworthiness Directive.

Compliance: Unless previously accomplished, within 25 flight hours after the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 flight hours.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 24 October 2001.

Background: Bell has advised that cracks have been found in the forward bearing hanger support. While none of the incidents have resulted in loss of tail rotor drive/control, an inspection has been introduced to preclude such a condition until remedial action has been developed.