# Proposed AD FAA-2014-0643: Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2015-17-02
- Products: Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: September 15, 2014, 79 FR 54922
- Comments due: November 14, 2014
- Became: [AD 2015-17-02](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2015-17-02)
- Docket: FAA-2014-0643 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2014-0643, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2013-SW-059-AD
- FR document: 2014-21919
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/26/81/2681eb8e860d9ab00168ab87b9c6f481a58664b41e42f5aaedd85bee9dd139a7 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2014-09-15/pdf/2014-21919.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/09/15/2014-21919/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-canada-bell-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/890EBA5A8177A33E86257D540046A39C.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2014-0643

## Summary

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2001-13- 51 for Bell Model 206L-4, 407, and 427 helicopters. AD 2001-13-51 currently requires inspecting certain driveshafts for a crack, a loose bolt or nut, or red powder residue and replacing a driveshaft if there is a crack, a loose bolt or nut, or red powder residue. AD 2001-13-51 also requires notifying the FAA within 10 days if a crack is found in the driveshaft. Since we issued AD 2001-13-51, the Model 429 helicopter has been certificated, and the reporting requirement is no longer necessary. This proposed AD would retain the inspection requirement of AD 2001-13-51, expand the applicability to include the Model 429 helicopter, and remove the reporting requirement. These proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a driveshaft, loss of drive to the main rotor system, and a subsequent emergency landing.

## Notices in this docket

- Sep 15, 2014: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2014-21919, comments due Nov 14, 2014 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/09/15/2014-21919/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-canada-bell-helicopters)

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