Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2008L02971:body:0
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2008L02971
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 0–3178

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 39.001(1) of CASR 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 OH-58A (206A-1) Series Helicopters
AD/OH-58/7  Swashplate Support Assembly  9/2008

Applicability:  Model OH-58A (Bell 206A-1) series helicopters, including all certificated versions; equipped with swashplate support assembly, part number 206-010-452-001, -005, or
                -109.
Requirement:       1. For swashplate support assemblies with 1,500 hours or more total time in service, visually inspect the swashplate support assembly in the fillet radius area for cracks using 10x magnification or more, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BHTI Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-93-74 Revision B, or later FAA approved revision.

                   2. For swashplate support assemblies with less than 1,500 hours time in service, visually inspect the swashplate support assembly in the fillet radius area for cracks using 10x magnification or more, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BHTI Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-93-74 Revision B, or later FAA approved revision.

                If a crack is suspected, before further flight, perform a dye penetrant inspection in accordance with Requirement document.

                Replace any cracked swashplate support assembly with a serviceable assembly before further flight.

                Installation of a swashplate support assembly part number 206-010-452-113, constitutes terminating action to the requirements of this Directive.

                Note:  FAA AD 94-19-02 Amendment 39-9023 refers.
Compliance:        1. Unless the initial inspection is already accomplished, within 25 hours time in service after the effective date of this Directive, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours time in service; until a swashplate support assembly part number 206-010-452-113 is installed.

                   2. Before accumulating 1,525 hours time in service, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours time in service, until a swashplate support assembly part number 206-010-452-113 is installed.
                This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 28 August 2008.

Background:  The FAA received reports of cracks in the swashplate support assembly fillet radius area near the base.  The actions specified in this Directive are intended to prevent failure of the swashplate support assembly, loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

14 July 2008