# Proposed AD FAA-2019-0589: Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2020-17-10
- Products: Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: August 20, 2019, 84 FR 43085
- Comments due: October 21, 2019
- Became: [AD 2020-17-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2020-17-10)
- Docket: FAA-2019-0589 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2019-0589, where comments are filed)
- FR document: 2019-17904
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/5b/2c/5b2cb06c596372c54e97c49bd14a01b386c4a63949c5fd6de1ff63bb0fd6fea4 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-08-20/pdf/2019-17904.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/08/20/2019-17904/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-canada-limited-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/680C316E93AC30F78625845C004AD6F8.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2019-0589

## Summary

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-02-06 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. AD 2016-02-06 requires inspecting certain tail rotor (T/R) pitch link bearing bores for corrosion and pitting. AD 2016-02-06 also requires a repetitive inspection of the sealant and repeating the inspections for corrosion and pitting if any sealant is missing. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-02-06, the FAA determined additional part-numbered T/R pitch link assemblies (links) are affected by the same unsafe condition and an additional repetitive inspection is necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2016-02-06, expand the applicability, and add a repetitive inspection. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Aug 20, 2019: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2019-17904, comments due Oct 21, 2019 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/08/20/2019-17904/airworthiness-directives-bell-helicopter-textron-canada-limited-helicopters)

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