The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters due to a newly introduced life limit for the centrifugal force bearing (CFB). This directive mandates determining the accumulated retirement index number (RIN) and removing the CFB when it reaches 8,000 RIN to prevent potential risks like excessive vibration and loss of control. Effective April 1, 2021, this rule aims to enhance flight safety by addressing this unsafe condition. The FAA found no significant economic impact from this rule and allowed minimal public comments during its proposal stage.
Simple Explanation
The FAA has a new rule for certain Bell helicopters, saying that a part called the "centrifugal force bearing" must be changed when it reaches a specific number called "8,000 RIN" to keep the helicopters safe and prevent problems like shaking or losing control. This rule starts on April 1, 2021, and helps make sure flying these helicopters stays as safe as possible.