AD/BELL 205/42 - Main Rotor Hub Inboard Fitting - Life Reduction - CANCELLED

What this does This document cancels an old safety rule (Airworthiness Directive 42) that applied to Bell 205 series helicopters. The original 1978 rule required operators to retire (replace) the main rotor hub inboard fitting—a critical part that holds the rotor blades—after a specific number of flight hours to prevent mechanical failure.

Who it affects Owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron 205 series helicopters.

Why it matters As of 12 March 2009, pilots and mechanics no longer need to follow this specific directive. The safety requirement hasn't disappeared; it has simply been moved into the aircraft's mandatory maintenance manual (airworthiness limitations schedule). This streamlines compliance by putting the rule where maintenance crews already look for technical instructions, rather than as a separate legal instrument.