AD 2020-22-07 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) Helicopters

Models named: 412, 412CF, 412EP. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) (Bell) Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any category. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with a 412EPI or 412EPX designation are Model 412EP helicopters.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

Before further flight: (1) For Bell Model 412 helicopters with serial number (S/N) 33001 through 33107 inclusive, S/N 33108 through 33213 inclusive, S/N 34001 through 34024 inclusive, or S/N 36001 through 36019 inclusive, revise Section 2, Normal Procedures, under both “BEFORE TAKEOFF” and “IN-FLIGHT OPERATION(S)” of the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by adding the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD or by adding this information under both “BEFORE TAKEOFF” and “IN-FLIGHT OPERATION(S)” of the following as applicable for your helicopter: Bell 412 BHT-412-FM-1 RFM, Revision 26; or Bell 412 BHT-412-FM-2 RFM, Revision 13, each dated August 19, 2020. Using a different document with information identical to this information under both “BEFORE TAKEOFF” and “IN-FLIGHT OPERATION(S)” in the RFM revision specified in this paragraph for your helicopter is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. ER03NO20.033 (2) For Bell Model 412 helicopters with S/N 36020 through 36086 inclusive, and for Bell Model 412EP helicopters with S/N 36087 through 36999 inclusive, S/N 37002 through 37999 inclusive, S/N 38001 through 38999 inclusive, or S/N 39101 through 39999, revise Section 2, Normal Procedures, under both “BEFORE TAKEOFF” and “IN-FLIGHT OPERATIONS” of the existing RFM for your helicopter by adding the information in Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD or by adding this information under both “BEFORE TAKEOFF” and “IN-FLIGHT OPERATIONS” of the following as applicable for your helicopter: Bell 412 BHT-412-FM-3 RFM, Revision 20; Bell 412EP BHT-412-FM-4 RFM, Revision 37; Bell 412EPI BHT-412-FM-5 RFM, Revision 9; or Subaru Bell 412EPX BHT-412-FM-6 RFM, Revision 5, each dated August 19, 2020. Using a different document with information identical to this information under both “BEFORE TAKEOFF” and “IN-FLIGHT OPERATIONS” in the RFM revision specified in this paragraph for your helicopter is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. ER03NO20.034 (3) For Bell Model 412CF helicopters, revise Section 2, Normal Procedures, under both “BEFORE TAKEOFF” and “IN-FLIGHT OPERATIONS” of the existing RFM for your helicopter by adding the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Using a different document with information identical to that contained in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. (4) The actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

This AD was prompted by an accident and multiple reports of a cracked main gearbox (MGB) support case. The FAA is issuing this AD to address excessive pylon pitch vibrations. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in structural failure of the MGB support case and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.

None.