The FAA has proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Inc. Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF and 412EP helicopters with a specific part-numbered tail boom left-hand fin spar cap installed. Reports of cracked spar caps prompted this proposed AD. It would require inspecting each spar cap and removing the spar cap from service depending on the inspection results.
Several Bell alert service bulletins (ASB) were issued on April 15, 2020. There are differences between this proposed AD and the alert service bulletins. To view the proposed AD or to submit comments, click here. Comments are due by March 7.
The 205 is the civilian version of the UH-1 (Huey) military helicopter.