Affected Products Are For Bell Helicopter Models and UH-1
FAA Safety reported July 1 that swash-plate support bolts, part
number 204-011-463-001, have been produced without FAA production
approval. Affected products are Bell Helicopter Textron, models
205, 212, 412, and UH-1, all makes.
The FAA issues Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUP) Notifications
at its Web site.
Some of the most common questions according to the FAA
include:
- How can I get information about a SUP investigation?
You may request information about a closed SUP investigation
through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and receive all
information eligible for release under FOIA.
- Where can I get information regarding a specific technical
issue relating to unapproved parts?
Send any technical questions to the SUP Program Office e-mail
address at 9-AWA-AVS20-SUPS@FAA.GOV.
- Is the sale of unapproved parts allowed in the open
market?
The FAA does not regulate the sale and/or distribution of parts.
Parts represented "as is" and without documentation are not
contrary to the regulations. It is important to note, however, that
parts represented as being "airworthy" or eligible for installation
on a type-certificated product -- and in fact are not -- could be
fraudulent.
The Bell model 205's first unit entered service in August 1963,
with an array of updates, variants, and modifications done through
the years including modifications for medevac duties in the
1980s.
After the success of the Models 204/205, Bell joined Pratt &
Whitney Canada to develop a twin-engine derivate of the UH-1H to
achieve specifications from the Canadian Armed Forces. The result
was the Model 212 Twin 212 adopted by the USAF (79 units) and the
US Navy/Marines (221 units). Eight units served as Marine One for
the US President.
The Bell 412, a medium twin-engine helicopter, is a considered a
daily workhorse optimal for the most extreme climates.
UH-1, Bell's UH military
helicopter, with the unofficial name, Huey, is widely used in a
transport, airborne battlefield command and control, troop
insertion/extraction, fire support coordination, medical
evacuation, search and rescue, armed escort/visual reconnaissance
or utility roles.
Bell Helicopter Textron was founded in 1935 as Bell Aircraft
Corporation, and the first to obtain certification for a commercial
helicopter. Over its history, Bell has delivered more than 35,000
aircraft to customers around the world.