The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Inc. Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF and 412EP helicopters and various restricted category helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the main transmission support case. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the main transmission housing assembly for cracks, pitting and corrosion and corrective action depending on the results.
This proposed AD would require a visual inspection for corrosion and thread damage within 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) accumulated by the main transmission after the effective date of this proposed AD. It would also require repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspections of all surfaces of the main transmission support case lateral mounts on helicopters with a main transmission that has accumulated 6,000 or more total hours TIS.
To view the complete proposal, click here. Comments are requested to be submitted by May 31. To submit comments, click here.
