# Proposed AD 2001-SW-53-AD: Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Model 407 Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2003-05-03
- Products: Bell Helicopter Textron
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period.
- Published: November 14, 2002, 67 FR 68952
- Comments due: December 16, 2002
- Became: [AD 2003-05-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2003-05-03)
- Docket: 2001-SW-53-AD
- FR document: 02-28859
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/f7/5b/f75b946da9be7fec30eb910a9566383b6e978a46b1dc9a4554598a2b59f328fe (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2002-11-14/pdf/02-28859.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/11/14/02-28859/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-a-division-of-textron-canada-model-407-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FB708D311C55774A86256C71005FB9B2.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/2001-SW-53-AD

## Summary

This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, A Division of Textron Canada (Bell), Model 407 helicopters, that would have required preflight checking and repetitively inspecting for a crack in certain tailbooms that have not been redesigned and replacing the tailboom if a crack is found. That proposal was prompted by cracking discovered in other areas of certain tailbooms and introduction of a redesigned tailboom with a chemically milled skin, which does not require the current inspections. This action revises the proposed rule by correcting the model applicability, increasing the area of inspection for certain tailbooms, requiring modification of certain tailbooms, and establishing life limits for certain tailbooms. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent separation of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

## Notices in this docket

- Jan 31, 2002: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 02-2427, comments due Apr 1, 2002 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/01/31/02-2427/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-canada-model-407-helicopters)
- Nov 14, 2002: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period., FR document 02-28859, comments due Dec 16, 2002 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/11/14/02-28859/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-a-division-of-textron-canada-model-407-helicopters)

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