Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 75-26-05 for Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model 204B, 205A-1 and 212 helicopters. AD 75-26-05 currently requires removing and visually inspecting each main rotor (M/R) blade and, depending on the inspection's outcome, repairing or replacing the M/R blades. This proposed AD would require more frequent inspections of certain M/R blades and would also apply to Model 205A helicopters. This proposed AD would have no requirement that helicopter blades be removed to conduct the initial visual inspections. These proposed actions are intended to detect a crack and prevent failure of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of helicopter control.