Transport Transports 

Canada Canada

 TP 7245E

 

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

The following airworthiness directive (AD) may be applicable to an aircraft which our records indicate is registered in your name. ADs are issued pursuant to Canadian 

Aviation Regulation (CAR) 521 Division X. Pursuant to CAR 605.84 and the further details of CAR Standard 625, Appendix H, the continuing airworthiness of a Canadian registered aircraft is contingent upon compliance with all applicable ADs. Failure to comply with the requirements of an AD may invalidate the flight authorization of the aircraft. Alternative means of compliance shall be applied for in accordance with CAR 605.84 and the above-referenced Standard. 

This AD has been issued by the Continuing Airworthiness Division (AARDG), National Aircraft Certification Branch, Transport Canada, Ottawa, telephone 613 952-4357. 

URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT

TRANSPORT CANADA EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

PLEASE FORWARD IMMEDIATELY TO THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR AIRCRAFT

Pursuant to CAR 202.51 the registered owner of a Canadian aircraft shall, within seven days, notify the Minister in writing of any change of his or her name or address. 

To request a change of address, contact the Civil Aviation Communications Centre (AARC) at Place de Ville, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8, or 1-800-305-2059, or www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/communications/centre/ address.asp 

24-0022 (01-2005)

1/2 No.

CF-2011-44R1

Issue Date 

 1 February 2012 

Number: CF-2011-44R1 

Subject: Main Rotor Blade

Effective: Upon Receipt 

Revision: Supersedes Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-44 

Applicability: Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Models 206L, L-1, L-3 and L-4 helicopters equipped 

with a main rotor blade part number 206-015-001-107, -109, -111, -115, -117, 

-119 or -121.

Compliance: As indicated below, unless already accomplished. 

Background: An investigation into a Model 206L-1 accident has revealed that a main rotor blade has 

fractured as a result of fatigue. This Airworthiness Directive (AD) was originally issued 

with the understanding that the fatigue crack may occur if the following conditions are 

present: residual stress in the blade’s spar and a significant void in the adhesive between 

the inertia weight and the spar, between stations 100 and 145. The presence of a crack 

in the spar could lead to the total failure of the blade and the loss of the helicopter. 

Subsequent investigation into a second accident on a Model 206L helicopter has led to 

the following conclusions: 

• Presently, there is no reliable inspection method to detect the crack on the blade 

before blade failure, and 

• To insure continued airworthiness, a reduced life limit is necessary, irrespective of 

the size of an adhesive void. 

Revision R1 of this AD introduces a life limit of 1400 hours air time on all affected main 

rotor blades regardless of previous inspections performed. 

Corrective 

Actions: 

Part I – Verification 

Before next flight from the effective date of this AD, verify the part number and the serial 

number of each main rotor blade to determine if the blade is affected by this AD, in 

accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions Part I of the Bell Alert Service 

Bulletin (ASB) 206L-09-159 Rev. A dated 13 November 2009, or later revisions approved 

by the Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada. 
No.

N° CF-2011-44R1 2/2 

Part II – Introduction of a lower life limit 

From the effective date of this AD, all affected main rotor blades are subject to a life limit 

of 1400 hours air time. Consequently, all affected main rotor blades must be removed 

from service prior to the accumulation of 1400 hours air time. For those main rotor blades 

that are already at or above 1400 hours air time, remove the blades from service before 

next flight. 

Authorization: For the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities 

ORIGINAL SIGNED BY

Derek Ferguson 

Chief, Continuing Airworthiness 

Contact: Bogdan Gajewski, Continuing Airworthiness, Ottawa, telephone 613-952-4357, facsimile 

613-996-9178 or e-mail CAWWEBFeedback@tc.gc.ca or any Transport Canada Centre.