1AD/BELL 47/95 - Bogus Main Rotor Blades

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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Bell Helicopter Textron 47 (All Variants) Series Helicopters

AD/BELL 47/95 Bogus Main Rotor Blades 10/89

DM

Applicability: All models that are fitted with main rotor blade assemblies P/N 47-110-120-50 (wooden blades) that cannot be demonstrated as purchased directly from approved Bell Helicopter Textron supply outlets.

Requirement: Inspect all applicable main rotor blades in accordance with the radiographic procedure detailed in Bell Operations Safety Notice 47-89-8.

Compliance: Prior to further flight after 16 August 1989 and thereafter prior to installation on an aircraft.

Background: Contrary to the earlier view expressed in AAC Article 1-4 that these dangerous forgeries would not be used on an Australian aircraft, one blade set has been discovered and indications have been received of another set used in the recent past.

Failure to heed both the Authority’s and Bell’s warnings has led to this Directive. Separation of a modified blade either on the ground or in flight could have catastrophic consequences for either the crew or ground personnel.