Bell 505 TC EAD
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Beyond the black stump!
Posts: 1,251
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...5-emergency-ad
- February 22, 2021, 11:15 AM
Yesterday, Transport Canada (TC) issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) mandating immediate inspection of collective sticks in Bell 505 turbine light single helicopters. TC took the action after Bell reported an instance of a stick and grip assembly fracturing above the cabin floor at the junction with the collective jackshaft. The fracture was discovered before engine start during the preflight check of flight controls; its exact cause is under investigation.
Over the weekend, Bell published an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) for a one-time inspection of the controls. TC’s emergency AD makes the inspection mandatory and is considered an interim action. Per Bell’s ASB, the inspection is expected to take two man-hours and requires removal, cleaning, and inspection of the collective stick and grip assembly with a 10X magnifying glass and strong light. If a crack is suspected or detected, a further fluorescent penetrant inspection in the area of the crack is required. Unserviceable sticks must be replaced before further flight.
Bell has delivered 300 of the five-seat Model 505s since 2017.
Cracked Collective Prompts Bell 505 Emergency AD
by Mark Huber- February 22, 2021, 11:15 AM
Yesterday, Transport Canada (TC) issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) mandating immediate inspection of collective sticks in Bell 505 turbine light single helicopters. TC took the action after Bell reported an instance of a stick and grip assembly fracturing above the cabin floor at the junction with the collective jackshaft. The fracture was discovered before engine start during the preflight check of flight controls; its exact cause is under investigation. Over the weekend, Bell published an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) for a one-time inspection of the controls. TC’s emergency AD makes the inspection mandatory and is considered an interim action. Per Bell’s ASB, the inspection is expected to take two man-hours and requires removal, cleaning, and inspection of the collective stick and grip assembly with a 10X magnifying glass and strong light. If a crack is suspected or detected, a further fluorescent penetrant inspection in the area of the crack is required. Unserviceable sticks must be replaced before further flight.
Bell has delivered 300 of the five-seat Model 505s since 2017.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 434
Looks like the guy who made the 206 cyclic sticks back in the 80s is now running the 505 collective stick production. Except back then the cyclic stick broke off clean during a pre-start control check. They've been inspecting 206 cyclics ever since for that same issue. One day they'll get it right.
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Earth
Posts: 648
Originally Posted by wrench1
Looks like the guy who made the 206 cyclic sticks back in the 80s is now running the 505 collective stick production. Except back then the cyclic stick broke off clean during a pre-start control check. They've been inspecting 206 cyclics ever since for that same issue. One day they'll get it right.
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 678
https://www.bellcustomer.com/Bulleti...&CategoryID=-1
I think you meant FPI: fluorescent penetrant inspection. What a PITA for 505 owners. And every 25 hours, too.
I think you meant FPI: fluorescent penetrant inspection. What a PITA for 505 owners. And every 25 hours, too.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Great White North
Posts: 163
Thanks for the correction!
Rev. B is out today, doing away with the repetitive 25 Hr FPI, providing helicopter is flown single pilot, from the left seat. New parts being designed and should be available soon.
Fly Safe, Always
Rev. B is out today, doing away with the repetitive 25 Hr FPI, providing helicopter is flown single pilot, from the left seat. New parts being designed and should be available soon.
Fly Safe, Always
