# Proposed AD FAA-2012-1016: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2013-05-14
- Products: Bell Helicopter Textron
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: September 24, 2012, 77 FR 58794
- Comments due: November 23, 2012
- Became: [AD 2013-05-14](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2013-05-14)
- Docket: FAA-2012-1016 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2012-1016, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2010-SW-009-AD
- FR document: 2012-23457
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/3d/16/3d16dbc2a2a68cd3451473980ec3c1dcf2aae0faebe5e4de721394e01b9ad495 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2012-09-24/pdf/2012-23457.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/09/24/2012-23457/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-inc
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/5D38FD97B812A89B86257A830051E4A5.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2012-1016

## Summary

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 412 and 412EP helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracking in the swashplate outer ring assemblies (outer ring). This AD would establish a lower life limit on certain outer rings, requiring a revision of the retirement life on the components' history card or equivalent record, and a revision of the maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). This proposal also would prohibit installing these outer rings on any helicopter. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of an outer ring because of cracking, which could lead to the loss of main rotor (M/R) blade pitch control and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

## Notices in this docket

- Sep 24, 2012: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2012-23457, comments due Nov 23, 2012 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/09/24/2012-23457/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-inc)

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