Federal Register #FAA20268798

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directives for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 and 206L Helicopters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing new airworthiness directives (ADs) for Bell Textron Canada Limited helicopters, specifically Model 505 and Model 206L series with FAA STC SR02684LA. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs and Vendors: - Bell Textron Canada Limited (primary OEM) - Transport Canada (regulatory authority) - Products/Services Requested: - Tailcone assembly for Bell 505 helicopters (Part Number: SLS030600XYZ) - Estimated affected fleet: 190 helicopters - Requires inspection for gaps greater than 0.003 inch and for loose, damaged, or missing fasteners - Replacement required if life limit exceeded - Corrective actions as specified by FAA, Transport Canada, or Bell Textron Canada Limited's Design Organization Approval - Revision of rotorcraft flight manual for Bell 206L series helicopters with FAA STC SR02684LA - Incorporate a never-exceed-speed (VNE) limitation and supplement - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with Transport Canada AD CF202562 - Specific inspection and repair procedures for tailcone assemblies - Repetitive inspections and mandatory corrective actions to prevent tailboom skin fracture and potential loss of control - Regulatory action, not a direct purchase; compliance required for continued airworthiness

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters due to a quality escape affecting certain tailcone assemblies. The AD requires replacing any tailcone assembly that has exceeded a certain life limit, inspecting the tailcone assembly for gaps, and repetitively inspecting for loose, damaged, or missing fasteners. Depending on inspection results, further inspections and corrective actions may be required. The AD aims to address an unsafe condition that could lead to tailboom skin fracture, separation from the fuselage, and loss of control of the helicopter.

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