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Airworthiness Directive 99-17-03

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Official AD 99-17-03 · FR doc 99-20754 · 1999-08-12 · airframe

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 204B, 205A, and 205A-1 Helicopters

What this AD requires

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 204B, 205A, and 205A-1 helicopters, that currently requires modifying and inspecting the vertical fin spar (fin spar) for cracks. This amendment requires modification and visual and dye-penetrant inspections of the fin spar for cracks, and if a crack is discovered, replacing the fin spar. A tapping test for disbonding and replacing certain fin spars within 12 calendar months is also required. This amendment is prompted by an accident involving a Model 205A-1 helicopter and four other accidents involving helicopters of similar type design. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the fin spar, loss of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Which aircraft AD 99-17-03 applies to

MakesBell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
Models204B, 204

For Model 204B helicopters: modify and inspect the vertical fin per Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 204B-98-50, dated October 22, 1998. Repetitive visual inspection of the fin spar for cracks every 8 hr TIS after initial modification; replace cracked fin spar assembly before further flight; additional fin skin/rivet rework required within 25 hr TIS. AD text is truncated mid-procedure in the source slice; additional models/paragraphs may exist beyond the captured text.

Whether AD 99-17-03 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.

How AD compliance is recorded

A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:

Method of compliance — The specific action taken (inspected, replaced, modified) and to what revision.
Date — When the work was done.
Aircraft time — Total time in service / tach at compliance — how recurring next-due is computed.
Signature & certificate — The A&P/IA who returned it to service, with certificate number.
Is AD 99-17-03 complied with on your aircraft?

Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.

Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)

Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.